By Gavin Lindahl
Assistant Sports Editor
The winter break typically is a good thing for the St. Bonaventure club hockey team, according to senior defenseman Mike Felter.
“We never get off to a good start in the first semester, so the break allows us to forget how the first half of the season went and start fresh,” Felter said. “We’re coming into the new semester and starting from scratch.”
The Bonnies, however, dropped their first game back from break to Syracuse in a 6-1 loss.
“Syracuse scored the first goal, and that set the tone right away,” Felter said. “We can’t let that happen at all, especially to a team like Syracuse. They’re fast, and they move the puck very well.”
Although they lost by a sizeable margin, Felter said the Bonnies had performed better through all three periods – not losing a period to mental lapses.
“Our effort throughout the entire game was better than it had been all year,” Felter said. “We supported each other, and nobody was getting on anyone for mistakes that were made.”
With a new semester, the Bonnies have also been joined by three new players. Seniors James Reed and Brad Beaumont, and sophomore Matthew Cox have joined as reinforcements.
“Reed, a left winger, comes in from four years of D-I soccer, and, for someone who hasn’t played hockey in a while, I couldn’t believe the poise he had with the puck.” Felter said. “He’s smart, and his awareness on the ice helps a lot with positioning, which is something we generally struggle with.”
According to Felter, Reed’s poise isn’t the only positive to come from the new players’ arrival. Cox and Beaumont both offer flexibility for the team.
“Cox is like Reed because he’s another guy that doesn’t seem to have lost a step since he last played,” Felter said.” We can confidently throw him in at center or on defense, and that gives the coaches a lot more options. Nick Gregorio has been great all year for us, but now we have another dependable goalie in Beaumont – that’s key. He hasn’t played yet, but from watching him in practice, I’m sure it won’t be long.”
The Bonnies will face Binghamton University on the road tomorrow – three months after a physical, fast game that saw the Bonnies lose by three.
“The last time we played, it wasn’t the prettiest game,” Felter said. “Hockey players have long memories, so I’m sure we will go into their barn ready to go.”
According to Felter, winning this game is all about tempo and playing well in their own end of the ice.
“Our defensive game has been a struggle all season; puck watching has always been a problem. We need to be more aware on the ice to make sure nobody gets free and cut down on defensive lapses,” Felter said. “We have to hit hard, move the puck well, keep our feet moving and create space – not bunch up so much. Coming out and setting the tone right away is what will win this game.”
