A Year of Growth: How Rockland’s Juniors Performed This Season

Rockland will be saying goodbye to a group of seniors who made a huge impact on the program, both on the ice and in the locker room. Replacing that kind of leadership and production is never easy. But even after the Bulldogs’ 4–1 loss to St. Bernard’s in the MIAA Division 4 Tournament, there’s still plenty of reason for optimism. The junior class showed all season that they’re ready to step up, and they’ll be counted on to fill that void and keep the Bulldogs competitive moving forward. #13- Forward Tommy Reyno Even though he didn’t show up on the score sheet, that doesn’t mean his impact went unnoticed. He brought consistent effort every time he stepped on the ice, doing the little things that help a team succeed. Whether it was battling along the boards, staying responsible defensively, or supporting his teammates, he showed a strong work ethic both on and off the ice throughout the season. He reminds me a lot of Danny Moran, and I expect that type of personality to only help the Bulldogs even more next season. #10- Forward Cam McGuire (2G, 2A, 4P)

Cam was thrown into the fire with the multitude of injuries the Bulldogs dealt with this season, but he quietly stepped up in a big way. No matter who he was paired with on that second line, he held his own and consistently did his job, bringing steady effort and helping keep the line productive. He adapted quickly to different linemates and situations, showing a level of maturity that helped stabilize the lineup. As the season went on, it became clear the Bulldogs could rely on him whenever his number was called. #17 - Defenseman Bobby Butler While Bobby didn’t get that much ice time this past season either, it doesn't distract from the fact that he could immediately become someone that could be relied on next season. Going back to last year Rockland had a ton of injuries that forced players that the coaching staff wanted to ease in, but had to have the next man step up on multiple occasions. So don’t be surprised if Bobby becomes a surprising impact player in his Senior season. #3 - Defenseman James Levasseur (0G, 2A, 2P)

DJ Rocco from Rockland’s favorite player, James stepped up in a big way defensively for the Bulldogs. After missing a few games with an ankle injury, he immediately made an impact alongside Captain Jack Blonde, even earning 1st line Defensive minutes. He holds himself like a captain, and the coaching staff has definitely taken note of it, and those types of players are rare to come by. Like I have said in previous articles, this is my personal pick to make the biggest jump going into next year, and I fully expect him to be an excellent defensive pairing with Blonde all season. When James lights the lamp, it’ll be a moment of celebration here at WRPS. #31 - Goalie Collin Rau (.896 Sv%, 4.48 GAA, 0 SO) Ricky Esancy controlled the net for most of the Bulldogs season, but it didn’t come without plenty of starts for the Junior Colin. While his stats don’t jump off the page looking at them head on. He had some big games for Dogs Hockey, and Coach Steve said he has full faith in Colin going into next season. As for Colin, this is officially a chance to prove himself as a true #1 Goalie, and he is up for the challenge. #20 - Forward David Kane (10G, 1A, 11P)

If anyone were to excite you going into next season, it’s this guy right here. David Kane was easily the best goalscorer on the team right behind Cooper Larouco, and even Coach Steve said he believes Kane has the best shot on the south shore. David Kane has the perfect mix of Speed and Skill with a little bit of grit mixed in, turning him into a very entertaining, and effective player on the ice. He has the upside to be the best player in the conference this upcoming year, and if the Bulldogs want to be just as competitive as this season, he’ll have to lead the charge.

#4 Defenseman Jack Blonde (4G, 15A, 19P)

For every great team, you need a just as great captain. Some examples at the professional level include Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, and Charlie McAvoy. Jack Blonde resembles all of their qualities, and as a leader delivers, whether that is on or off the ice. His defensive ability heavily relied on his speed and IQ, and it definitely showed as he was named a South Shore Hockey All Star. Being named a Captain in his Junior year, and even being named an Assistant Captain in his Sophomore campaign, he’s earned the right to lead this team this upcoming season, and as long as he is on the ice, the defense will be locked down. Don't forget his ability, not only as a playmaker, but also as a goal scorer, as he had multiple goals this season, even the game winner in a game vs. Cohassett/Hull on Senior Night. Coach Steve and this coaching staff has a lot of confidence in this Junior class this season, and with a guy like Jack leading the way, the sky’s the limit. With a strong senior class moving on, the responsibility now shifts to the juniors who have spent the past season learning, growing, and preparing for this moment. Many of them have already proven they can handle big minutes and important roles when the team needed them most. Now, with another year of experience under their belts, they’ll be expected to take that next step as leaders on and off the ice.

If this past season showed anything, it’s that the talent is there. The Bulldogs may be turning the page, but with this group of juniors ready to lead the way, the future of Dogs hockey still looks bright.