Rams Ice Hockey Wipes Slate Clean For Another Title Chase

December 9, 2009 by Greg Lederer

It is hard to do better than what the Cheshire High School ice hockey team accomplished last winter. The Rams captured the Southern Connecticut Conference regular season (7-0) and tournament titles before defeating Enfield 3-2 for the Division II championship at Yale University’s Ingalls Rink. Seven seniors came into the program and departed at the top of the state.
“I told the kids on the first day that they have to become their own team. This year, we have some hard working kids and they need to make their own mark,” explained Cheshire Head Coach Jim Riccitelli. “It’s not fair to compare teams. By the end of the season, we will decide how we want to be remembered.”
Cheshire is fortunate to return several letter winners from a 20-3-2 season. Players have played in pressure games and groomed to step up when called upon by the coaches.
“There was pressure every time they stepped on the ice. Any game we are playing they want to be at their best. The work ethic is there,” said Riccitelli, who had a long meeting with the senior class. “They talked about getting back to Yale and they are instilling that to the younger kids. If we don’t make it, it won’t be for lack of effort. This is another great senior group.”
“It really proved to us that we worked hard. We can reach our goals,” added senior forward Nate Gaudio, of winning the D-II title. “We have to mature quick.”
Six of seven seniors, including captains Mike Diglio, Gaudio, Drew Cunningham, and J.D. Keegan have played four years. Mike Devine, who spent his first two years at Avon Old Farms, returned to earn All-State/All-Southern Connecticut Conference first team and Most Outstanding Offense Award last season.
“We are feeling good and confident,” said Diglio. “But we have to start from scratch and take it day-by-day.”
An explosive offense will keep opponents on their heels. Diglio (11 goals, 13 assists) and Gaudio (five goals, 15 assists) possess speed and a nose for the puck. They played the first line with graduated captain Tyler Arpin last winter and both scored during the victory over Enfield.
“They are great kids to coach. Since they’ve stepped in as freshmen, they been outstanding players,” stated Riccitelli. “They are also big on defense, especially killing power plays.”
Devine (team-best 25 goals and 37 points; 12 assists) added a crucial scoring punch in just his first season. He played some of his best hockey when teammates needed him most. Branford scored consecutive goals to take a 2-1 lead in the SCC D-II Final, but Devine (Most Outstanding Player) scored twice during a 3-0 surge to close the game. Cheshire (top seed) won their second conference title and first since 1999.
“We are blessed with kids that have offensive instincts,” Riccitelli said. “He probably has the best shot. He fit right into the team last year because he knew all the kids.”
Depth has been critical to Cheshire’s success. By rotating three and four lines, the Rams pile up shots and try to outwork the opposition over three periods.
“Definitely, depth is always key because we don’t get tired. That was big in the (D-II) championship game because we were able to wear them down by the end,” Gaudio explained.
“If people get sick or injured, we have kids that can step up,” added Riccitelli. “It’s a matter of being prepared. We stress consistency.”
Numbers will be utilized again following the graduation of a deep forward line. Arpin, Ryan Hanley, Ryan Carbone, and Eric Olander all contributed heavily last winter. Junior Matt Dupont (two goals, five assists) scored during the 3-2 overtime victory over Lyman Hall in the D-II semifinals, while classmate Ryan Powers (three goals, four assists) also saw significant tournament minutes.
“I thought that (goal) gave him some confidence,” said Riccitelli, of Dupont. “(Sophomores) Alex Vendetto and Tyler Violano will be asked to kill penalties. Freshman Owen Powers is Ryan’s younger brother and shows great stick skills.”
“Competition makes us better. It forces everybody to work hard,” explained Diglio.
Riccitelli stresses building around the goal. Cheshire lost just two defensive players, but graduation does change the unit. Co-captain Alan Dagesse (All-State/All-SCC D-II first team) was a four-year starter and netted the game-winning goal against Enfield. Goalkeeper George Donnarumma started for three years and his 22 saves earned D-II Most Outstanding Player.
“We came up with a saying on the back of our shirts that reads ‘Pride Never Graduates,’” stated Riccitelli. “I think it gives the goaltender’s confidence that we have experience back there. It helps our forwards too, because they (defensemen) are the leaders on our breakout.”
Cunningham, Keegan (Sportsmanship Award), and classmate Colby Olin (Most Improved Player) anchor another veteran defense. Speed and physicality allowed the Rams to excel in killing power plays last winter.
“Colby, Drew, and J.D. are all four-year players back there. It’s been a pleasure to watch them develop into great young men and hockey players,” Riccitelli explained. “Drew brings some grit and has come into his own this year.”
The sophomore class adds balance. John Cunningham made an immediate impact both offensively (two goals, five assists) and defensively, earning Rookie of the Year. Spencer Hackett and Will Devine also moved between varsity and junior varsity.
“I feel very strong about that group,” said Keegan. “They know what this program and high school hockey is about.”
“It feels really good,” added Drew Cunningham, of being a captain. “They look up to us, so you have to set an example.”
Goalkeeper is one of the question marks heading into the season. Sophomore Tyler Carbone, who backed up Donnarumma, played in two games last winter. Junior Jason Bailin is a newcomer, along with freshmen Jack Naramore and Scott Romano. The coaching staff is watching the friendly competition play out over four pre-season scrimmages.
“We are battling everyday. Those guys all have great qualities out there and someone will stand up,” said Riccitelli. “They are working hard and it’s a good problem to have.”
Whoever wins the position, Riccitelli is pleased that the other goaltenders can still see ice time. The JV program has helped develop players, so that they can step up in place of graduates.
“I thought the JV program is what we needed here,” stated Riccitelli. “It’s good to see the kids move onto college and now it’s their turn. It’s a logical progression.”
The Rams will test 25 underclassmen against a competitive schedule, beginning with home games against St. Joseph’s (Dec. 19, 2 p.m.) and Xavier (Dec. 23, 6 p.m.). The rivalry with Xavier is natural, considering they have the same home ice at Wesleyan University. Cheshire erased years of frustration last season, defeating the Falcons (3-2) for the first time in 10 years. Dagesse scored the game-winner in overtime.
“That was the highlight of the first part of our season last year,” recalled Gaudio.
“We know a lot of the kids, so it’s a rivalry. It will be a good game,” said Keegan.
The Rams won two of three intense games with Lyman Hall (Feb. 3 and 27) last winter. North Haven (Jan. 23), Fairfield Warde/Ludlowe (Feb. 16), Daniel Hand (Jan. 14), and Amity (Jan. 9) provide top competition. Cheshire will also play two games each against Branford (Jan. 30, Feb. 18) and Watertown-Pomperaug (Jan. 6, Feb. 13) as well.
“Our goal is to play competitively, put our best foot forward every time we step on the ice, and qualify for the SCC and state tournaments,” explained Riccitelli. “When you get into those tournaments, it can be the luck of the draw. We will hope for the best after that.”