Coming off of a one-win season, North Branford boys’ ice hockey Head Coach Ralph Shaw and his players understand that the team didn’t live up to the Thunderbirds’ standards last winter. However, with a collection of returning veterans and a strong freshman class, Coach Shaw is hoping that this year’s squad will start building the program back up, while cherishing their opportunity to be on the ice.

“Last year was a little bit of a struggle. We knew it was going to be a rough year. We didn’t have a year that North Branford wants to have,” Coach Shaw said. “This year, with the new kids and the guys returning, they understand and respect the fact that every day on the ice is special. We’re looking to get out there and do whatever we can do. They’re a good group of guys.”

While Coach Shaw has yet to name North Branford’s captains, he is expecting a rise in leadership from three upperclassmen in senior forward Nick Poulin, along with junior forwards Dakota Cooper and Ryan Michonski. Shaw said that all three athletes are strong players with great work ethics who understand how the T-Birds want to play hockey. Shaw is also looking for junior forward Max Maisano, who is entering his first year with the team, to light a spark for North Branford on the ice.

“We’re young, but we’ve got some experience on the top end, too. I’m hoping that the upperclassmen will be able to show those guys around the rink a little bit,” said Shaw. “It’s exciting. We’re rebuilding, but we got a good core group of guys that will continue on with what North Branford wants to do.”

North Branford’s senior class also features forwards Kyle Dunphy and Colby Martinik, as well as defensemen Griffin Giest, Aiden Stoner, and Tyler Waligroski.

In addition to the upperclassmen, Coach Shaw is expecting many of the members of North Branford’s 11-person freshman class to make an immediate impact during their first season with the team. Shaw said that freshman defensemen Colin Augur and Nico Ryszczyk both have strong stick skills and have earned an opportunity to be difference makers on the Thunderbirds’ side of the ice. Likewise, Shaw believes that rookie forwards Mike Matteo and Jack Malley bring solid ability to the club and have a shot to shine for the offense off the bat.

“I’m really excited. Not often in a small district like North Branford do we get 11 freshmen,” Coach Shaw said. “We’ve got guys that are going to contribute right away. I’m just excited to have this freshman class. New blood pumping everything up. It just looks good. It’s something to build on.”

North Branford will be relying on its combination of sophomore goalie Aidan Geist and freshman netminder Austin Fruin between the pipes. Geist is currently serving as the starter, but Shaw plans on alternating the two to make sure that each goalkeeper sees ample playing time.

A few weeks ago, the T-Birds had to go into quarantine following a COVID-19 outbreak in North Branford. The team’s scheduled season opener versus Amity on Feb. 8 was postponed, but then on Feb. 13, the T-Birds hosted Sheehan for their season opener at Northford Ice Pavilion, taking a 9-1 defeat against the Titans.

Despite the rough start, Coach Shaw has been pleased to see his players grinding it out during North Branford’s practices. Shaw said that the T-Birds are not only striving to improve their play, but feel grateful to even be competing at all.

“The tempo and the pace have been unbelievable. These guys have been flying. They’re excited,” said Shaw. “I’m pumped to be out there with the kids, and I think they really just enjoy being on the ice. Hopefully, we’ll be able to finish this season and see what happens.”

Coach Shaw’s goal for the season is for his team to put North Branford boys’ hockey back on the map. Shaw wants to see the veterans bring along the underclassmen and work together toward building a foundation for years to come.

Even though last year was a down season, the Thunderbirds have seen their fair share of success in recent campaigns, having advanced to the Division II state final in both 2015 and 2016. As a new season begins, Coach Shaw said that he’s looking for the 2021 edition of his team to start guiding North Branford back on a championship trajectory.

“We’ve made some good runs in the past. I’ve always admired their tenacity through the years. I just want to continue that,” Shaw said. “The last couple of years is not what I would like as a coach. But this young group coming in is hungry. The veterans we have are going to push forward. It’s such a crazy year. I don’t know what’s going to happen. But I think we’re going to be a solid team.”

North Branford’s roster includes senior forwards Kyle Dunphy, Nick Poulin, and Colby Martinik; senior defensemen Aiden Stoner, Tyler Waligroski, and Griffin Geist; junior forwards Ryan Michonski, Max Maisano, and Dakota Cooper; junior defenseman Joey Marra; sophomore forward Antonio Nero; sophomore goalkeeper Aidan Geist; freshman forwards Connor Stoner, Lucas Vollano, Mike Matteo, Nick Cassella, Jake Pedersen, Jack Maley, and Aiden Hutchinson; freshman defensemen Brady Martinik, Nico Ryszczyk, and Colin Augur; and freshman goalkeeper Austin Fruin.