Last Season, Last Shift: A Statistical Review of Rockland Hockey's Seniors seasons

After the Dogs Hockey’s tough 4–1 first-round loss to St. Bernard’s in the MIAA Tournament, it’s time to take a step back and look at how every player on the Bulldogs roster performed this past season. First up, the seniors. Senior leadership was the main message with this team this season, and all of them stepped up in their own unique way. But what made this senior group different wasn’t just the stat lines or the letters stitched onto their jerseys, it was the bond they built over the years.

From the first day of preseason to that final handshake line, this was a team that genuinely loved being around each other. You could see it in the locker room after practice, in the way they celebrated the little things on the bench, and in how no one ever pointed fingers when things didn’t go their way. The seniors made sure of that.

Whether it was a big goal, a blocked shot, or a momentum-changing shift, the bench was always alive, and that kind of energy comes from leadership. The seniors understood that culture wins games just as much as talent does. They brought the younger guys along, made them feel comfortable, and showed them what it meant to wear the Bulldogs jersey with pride.

Even through the ups and downs of the season, this group never fractured. After tough losses, they regrouped. After big wins, they stayed humble. That consistency is a credit to the seniors who had been through it all before and knew how to steady the ship.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the individuals who led the way in their final season, starting with the seniors who helped build not just a competitive team, but a brotherhood that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. #21 - Defenseman Ryan Maher (0G, 5A, 5P) While Ryan never stood out on the scoresheet, it didn’t tell the full story when it came to his contribution on defense. Maher was a steady presence on the blue line, consistently making smart passes, winning battles along the boards, and limiting quality chances against. His five assists showed flashes of offensive support, but his real value came from reliable positioning and doing the small things right. Night in and night out, he brought stability to the Bulldogs’ defense.| #8 - Forward Danny Moran (4G, 11A, 15P) Guys like Danny don’t come around often. He put up 15 points and was one of the team’s more reliable playmakers, but what really stands out is the energy he brings every single day.

On the ice, he plays fast, unselfish hockey and always seems to be around the puck at the right time. Off the ice, though, is where his impact really shows. There’s a charismatic enigma about him, the kind of personality that keeps the room loose, confident, and connected. He’s the spark plug teams need. He was a leader in more ways than one, and that’s the kind of teammate you don’t fully appreciate until he’s gone.

#5 - Forward Dean Alex (4G, 11A, 15P)

I can say from calling the plays as the play by play commentator for WRPS Rockland, Dean Alex was one of my personal favorites to watch on the ice. Some nights, he’d wow you with his puck skills, finding space and creating scoring chances like it was nothing. Other nights, he’d turn into a force on the ice, throwing hits, winning battles, and setting the tone for the Bulldogs. No matter how he played, you always knew Dean was going to make an impact, whether it showed up on the stat sheet or just in the way he controlled the game. This kind of effort got rewarded, as Dean was named a South Shore Hockey All Star even with being sidelined for multiple games with an injury, that’s how impactful he was. One thing I can say is not only myself, but everyone is going to miss Dean’s ability to be a key leader for this hockey team. #1 - Goalie Ricky Esancy (.922 SV%, 2.74 GA, 1SO)

What more can you say than Ricky was simply phenomenal this season? When Rockland hit rough patches, he was the guy keeping them in games, making saves that seemed impossible and giving the team the confidence to keep pushing. In close matchups, Ricky was the backbone, constantly giving the Bulldogs a chance to come out on top.

Ricky also stood out for his consistency and work ethic. Night after night, he showed up ready to compete, focused on every shot and every play. That reliability allowed the defense to play with more confidence, knowing their goalie had their back no matter what. His performance was the kind of steady excellence that inspires a team, and he’ll be truly missed. #9 - Forward Cooper Larouco (19G, 13A, 32P)

Of course we saved the best for last. The accolades speak for themselves. - First Bulldog since 2020 to reach 100+ Career Points - Multi-time Shore League Hockey All Star - Three 30+ point seasons The list goes on and on. Cooper was the heart and soul of this Bulldog team. Whether it was making fantastic reads to get other players scoring chances or deking around three defenders to get his own shot on net, he was clearly the X Factor for this team. 

But it wasn’t just about the points, Cooper led by example every day. On and off the ice, he pushed teammates in practice, stayed calm in tight games, and was the first to rally the team after a tough shift or a loss. His leadership helped keep the Bulldogs focused and competitive all season, making him not just a star player, but the driving force behind the team’s identity.

All of these players will be truly missed after this upcoming season, and Juniors like Jack Blonde and David Kane will have BIG shoes to fill.