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HNIBProfile Series
Greater Boston’s LoNigro Has Veteran Presence FormerSt.Mary’sStarHeadsOffToTilton
ByKevinDoyle-HNIB
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When the time came for Kyle LoNigro to decide about prep school, the former St. Mary ’s of Lynn (MA) scoring leader settled on The Tilton School in New Hampshire pretty quickly. “After the unusual year we had with COVID-19, I felt another year of education and hockey would be very beneficial to me. I’m familiar with the Lakes Region and the strong level of Prep Hockey up that way. I had heard great things about Coach (Brooks) McQuade and the school. After speaking with coach and touring, I definitely knew this was the right fit for me, ” LoNigro said.
Kyle loNigro greater BostoN forward Kyle loNigro waits for the pucK duriNg regular seasoN actioN agaiNst Massachusetts hs power pope fraNcis. the saugus, Ma Native heads off for a pg year at tiltoN.
LoNigro will work to make up for lost time atTilton.Aserious leg injury cost the 6-0, 175-pound forward his entire sophomore season and he was dogged by injuries during his junior year as well. Nevertheless, he accumulated 21 goals and 37 points in his final two seasons, leading the Spartans in scoring as a senior captain.
St. Mary ’s coach Mark Lee described LoNigro as “a great leader, a natural goalscorer with a heavy shot, and a very high hockey IQ to go with his high skill level. ”
For his part, McQuade is eager to see what LoNigro brings to the Rams’ program and thinks his high school injuries could prove to be a motivating factor.
“Kyle should adjust to the prep level well. He is good-sized, uses his body to the puck effectively, is not afraid to go to the net and competes at a high level in every 50/50 battle. He has been plagued by injuries, so we know how excited he is to get the extra year both academically and athletically. He is a high-character young man from a good family. We look forward to welcoming him to Tilton, ” he said.
LoNigro has been working his on- and off-ice programs diligently in preparation for the pace of play at the prep school level and is hopeful of making a relatively smooth transition.
“I would say my strengths on the ice is my ability to be in the right place at the right time and being able to put the puck in the back of the net. Working hard and leading by example is also an important part of my game. I’m always looking to improve my skating which is my main focus this off-season, ” LoNigro said of his own game.
He has been a fan of is a fan of Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby since childhood because “he is the hardest working player on his team and he makes everyone around him better. He has proven that he is one of the best players to ever play. ”
When Massachusetts scrapped state post-season tournaments this past season, winning the Catholic Central League Cup Championship became a point of focus. The Spartans handled previously unbeatenArchbishopWilliams in the title game, 4-1, after having lost both regular-season contests to the Bishops. LoNigro scored twice, including the GWG.
“It’s my favorite memory at St. Mary ’s because we had a great group of seniors that all came together when it mattered, ” LoNigro said.
Lessons learned from his grandfather and father have been crucial in his growth as a person and player.
“They both have an incredible work ethic and are always teaching me to be a smarter and better hockey player on the ice, ” LoNigro said. LoNigro will be skating for Greater Boston this week – his fourth HNIB Summer Showcase – and knows full well what to expect.
Middlesex’s Fennell A Throwback
Rugged Forward A Three-Sport Standout
ByKevin Doyle - HNIB
John Gardner, the Hall of Fame head coach at Avon Old Farms, is well aware of the potential offensive production incoming PG Brendan Fennell could supply this coming season. Gardner, though, is more intrigued by Fennell’s all-around athleticism.
I’m really looking forward to having this type of throwback (34 sports) athlete at Avon for a PG year. He is a strong physical player who should really develop with an emphasis on his skating this fall, ” Gardner said.
A four-year varsity player hockey player at Melrose (MA) High School, Fennell was a two-time Middlesex League Freedom Division MVP; was quarterback of the school’s 2019 Super Bowl Champion football team; and also plays lacrosse and golf.
He finished his hockey career with 164 points in what is regarded as one of the premier public school leagues in Massachusetts. That included an explosive junior season (2228-50) that he then followed up with 13-16-29 numbers in just 10 games during 2021’s COVID shortened campaign.
He is eager to get started at AOF.
“I chose Avon because it is an unbelievable academic and athletic school, that has a great hockey tradition.Avon will help prepare me for college next year, ” Fennell said. “I believe it will be a smooth transition due to me playing in tournaments with prep school kids in the summers. I have played with many players at that level over the years and I believe I will be fine. ”
It should come as no surprise that Fennell’s favorite NHL player is the Bruins’ Brad Marchand “due to his ability to protect the puck and his incredible vision on the ice” – attributes he cites among his own strengths on the ice.
“But definitely there is always improvement to make in my skating, ” he said in assessing his own development at this point.
He ranks Melrose’s 2021 Middlesex League championship, its first in 40 years, as his favorite all-time hockey memory to date and credits his older brother Mike as his biggest influence
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HNIB Profile Series
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“He played three sports for Melrose and he has always pushed me to be the best player and person I can be. He has always been supportive in everything I do, ” Fennell said.
He expects this week’s Summer Showcase to produce intense competition and hopeful of broadening his exposure among colleges. “Right now I am working this out. I do not have an exact preference on what college, but I know I want to play hockey and am considering playing two sports. I am also interested in studying Business Administration, ” said Fennell, who compiled a 3.7 GPA in high school.
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-- HNIB Boys Showcase Profile Hingham’s Falvey Backbones South Shore Defense
By KevinDoyle - HNIB
Bobby Falvey – Hingham High’s superb senior defenseman and tri-captain – knows a thing or two about Harbormen hockey. In the interest of full disclosure, he is the nephew of veteran Hingham head coach Tony Messina and has been around the program since he was a child.
“We are very close and have been talking Hingham hockey ever since he was a young kid. He has always been very knowledgeable about the game. He has had a strong passion for the game since he was a boy and works at his game year-round, ” said Messina.
Falvey played a key role during last year’s COVID truncated campaign, helping steer the Harbormen to a 14-1-0 record and the Patriot Cup Tournament title. He put up a 5-12-17 stat line, following up a 15-point sophomore campaign.
“Last season was very different in many ways. .I’m glad for the seniors that we were able to have a meaningful season and we were thankful to have the opportunity to compete for a championship, ” Falvey said. “This coming year, we will have an Independent schedule once again. We expect to be one of the best teams in the state and be a serious contender to win the state championship. ”
That opportunity will not come in the prestigious Division 1ATournament, suspended for at least two seasons by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Tournament Management Committee. Dominated by Catholic schools since it began in 1991, it is an aspirational event for the premier public school programs. Hingham (2010) is one of only three publics to win the tournament.
Coach Messina said Falvey ’s hockey sense differentiates him from his peers.
“His IQ is very strong and easy to see during a game. He very rarely makes a risky or illadvised pass or play and grasps quickly any concept you throw his way. He is a team-first player and comes to the rink with a positive outlook. This year, he is one of our tri-captains and they are already doing a great job in leading the troops in some of the off-ice activities, ” Messina said.
Falvey has a boatload of memories from his years with the Harbormen. Among them: winning the Patriot Cup and the Buzzards Bay Showcase this past season; defeating St. John’s Prep, 9-1, and Pope Francis, 2-1, as a sophomore; and knocking off Xaverian, 4-3, in overtime at this year’s Final Four Tournament.
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- Hingham Coach Tony Messina
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In assessing his own game it’s not surprising that Falvey sounds a bit like, well, a coach. “I would say I am a strong skater that uses my stick well. I view myself as a reliable, two-way defenseman with a high hockey IQ that can be put in all different situations. I have developed the offensive aspect of my game, which has helped tremendously. In order to transition to the next level, I will need to continue to improve my skating, shot, strength, and speed, ” he said. “Bobby has improved his skating significantly over the past couple years. This has allowed him to be very effective in all critical situations including on the PK and quarterbacking the PP. We look for him to have another very strong year in which he creates even more interest for the next level, ” said coach Messina. It is equally unsurprising that Falvey is a massive fan of UMass Hobey Baker winner (2019) and Colorado Avalanche NHL Rookie of the Year (2020) Cale Makar. “He is an unbelievable skater that can play on both ends of the ice. His deceptiveness and patience all over the ice are fun to watch, ” he said. Family has provided the biggest influence on Falvey ’s career. “Whether it was my dad coaching me from Mites to Bantams, or my mom being my number one fan and emphasizing the importance of academics, they have always been there to support me.Another influence is coach Messina. The collegelike program coach Messina runs, as well as the professional culture he creates, makes playing for the Harbormen that much more special, ” Falvey said. He will skate for the South Shore squad coached by Marshfield High’s Dan Connolly in this week’s Summer Showcase and anticipates a competitive event. Future plans include prep school and college hockey, although those decisions remain down the road a bit. “I’m not sure what college I will pursue but it will definitely be a school that will challenge me both academically and athletically. I have a strong interest in Sports ” said Falvey, who is a third baseman and captain-elect of the 2022 HHS baseball team and maintains a 4.21 GPA.
BoBBy Falvey HingHam Star
SNE Defenseman Nolan Dion A ‘Special Player ’
ByKevin Doyle - HNIB
All things being equal, Xaverian of the Catholic Conference dealt with the impact of COVID-19 about as well as any program in Massachusetts this past season. After starting 0-2-3, the Hawks found their bearing as they won six of their final seven games to finish 6-3-3 and defeated Catholic Memorial, 3-1, in the league tournament championship game.
“Winning the championship game against CM this year was an amazing night because we worked so hard together as a team.This was a goal we set at the beginning of the season and it was amazing to achieve together, ” said senior defenseman Nolan Dion, an All-Scholastic selection and league all-star.
NolaN DioN SoutHerN Ne BlueliNer
TILTON SCHOOL HOCKEY
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Acompetitive core group returns and, Dion said, expectations are high headed into this season.
“Our goal is to work hard with skating and off-ice conditioning to be on top of the Catholic Conference again. We are looking forward to hopefully playing more games and making a run for the State title, ” said Dion, also a defenseman in lacrosse.
Coach Dave Spinale marvels at Dion’s ability to maneuver through traffic in all three zones, creating offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates.
“Nolan is a special player. He sees the ice well and makes plays all over the ice. He has eyes behind his head and can thread a stretch
“Nolan is a special player. He sees the ice well and makes plays all over the ice. He has eyes behind his head and can thread a stretch pass with amazing hands. His hands are gifted and he keeps pucks live that sometimes should leave the zone and gives our forwards second and third scoring chances. ”
- Xaverian coach Dave Spinale
College preparatory program serving grades 9-12 & postgraduates, located in Tilton, New Hampshire Competitive Boys’ Varsity A, Varsity B and Girls’ Varsity Programs Fall Strength & Conditioning Program Ice Arena located on campus College Placement at the Division I, II and III Levels Located 90 miles north of Boston
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Brooks McQuade ’04, Head Coach, Boys’ Varsity A Team
bmcquade@tiltonschool.org
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pass with amazing hands. His hands are gifted and he keeps pucks live that sometimes should leave the zone and gives our forwards second and third scoring chances, ” Spinale said.
Dion knows there here always something to work on to successfully transition to the next level, wherever that may be.
“I feel I need to continue improving my overall strength and conditioning, ” said Dion, a fan of Tampa Bay rearguard Ryan McDonagh. “He's a smart, strong, and physical player that plays smart and works hard in all three zones. ”
His favorite memories of his time at Xaverian have been the chance to play in several “Hockey Fights Cancer” games.
“It is an amazing charity that the team works to support and fundraise to help families affected by cancer. It's always a great day and means a great deal to our program, ” he said.
The Xaverian blue liner considers his dad to be his biggest influence as a player.
“He coached me when I was younger, taught me to understand the fundamentals of the game and how to work hard both on and off the ice, ” said Dion, a Summer Showcase returnee who will skate for the Southern New England squad this week. “I enjoyed the tournament last summer and am looking forward to more competitive games again this summer. ”
He is leaving his options open in regards to college but wants to continue his hockey career with an interest of pursuing a degree in Math or Science. He enters his senior year with a 3.79 (weighted) GPA.
Instagram @hockey.night
NOLAN DION LOOKS UP ICE DURING WINTER ACTION FOR XAVERIAN.
MassWest’sKennedyLookingForward ToMakingMovetoAvonOldFarms
JackKennedy was a mainstay on the blue line for powerhouse Pope Francis this past seasonandwilltakehistalentstoAvonOldFarmsforthecomingyear.
ByKevin Doyle - HNIB As significant goals go, they don’t come much bigger than the OT dagger delivered by then sophomore defenseman Jack Kennedy of Pope Francis that ousted St.John’sPrep,3-2,inthesemifinalsofthe2020Massachusetts Division1ATournamentandsenttheCardinalstothetitlegame for the third straight year.
“That feeling was indescribable and I remember Coach (Brian) Foley telling me that was probably the biggest goal scored in program history.To be able to do that with that group was amazing, and will be something I never forget in my lifetime, ” Kennedy said.
The Cardinals had to settle for a co-state title as all MIAA championship games were cancelled due to the pandemic.
Kennedy has opted to move on to Avon Old Farms, a short hop down the I-91 corridor, as a repeat junior this season.
“We talked about it a lot at home and decided the experience isgoingtobegreatforme.I’mgoingtomeetalotofgreatpeople and grow as a person and hockey player over the next two years. I love the facilities and campus and the hockey program does a phenomenal job with their players. We’ ve been hearing about all their success for years and I’m very excited to be able to join their group, ” said Kennedy, who also skates with the Springfield Rifles.
Pope Francis ran wild against its Massachusetts competition during this past COVID-shortened season, finishing 9-0-0 and outscoring opponents, 63-9.The program also regularly plays a number of prep schools and Kennedy anticipates a relatively smooth transition to the pace of play.
“I’ ve been playing with a lot of prep guys these past few yearsfortheRiflesinthefallanddoingalotofsummertournamentsforabunchofdifferentteamswithotherprepguys.Pope Franciswasalsoabletogetgamesinagainstgoodprepschools (Dexter, Brunswick, Gunnery,AlbanyAcademy, etc.) so I feel I know what to expect, ” he said.
AOF’sHallofFameheadcoachJohnGardneriseagertoget Kennedy on board and acclimated to the program.
- Mass West’s Jack Kennedy
SETH ROBINSON -NORTH SHORE AVON OLD FARMS STANDOUT
ByKevin Doyle - HNIB
Seth Robinson, the standout defenseman forAvon Old Farms, has some seriously high expectations for the Winged Beavers this season – fulfilling a team goal set in the final game of the 2019-2020 season, a 4-3 OT semifinal loss to Salisbury in the Stuart/Corkery Elite 8 Tournament.
“The goal is winning an Elite 8 championship. We have a great returning class and some incoming guys who will make us even stronger than we were last year. I do believe with both my work ethic and maturity I can be a leader on a championship worthy team, ” said Robinson, who hails from Haverhill MA.
AOF’s Hall of Fame Coach John Gardner knows what he has in Robinson and expects him to be a key driver this season.
“He’s a good skater with an in-your-face defensive mentality. He is very tough to play against, ” Gardner said.
Local Product Leads North Blue Line
Robinson’s favorite hockey memories include one from this past season, whenAOF lightened pandemic restrictions and allowed 100 students to attend in person for the first time; and another when his Valley Junior Warriors youth team had the “ unreal experience of playing on the 1980 Olympic Rink” in Lake Placid.
Robinson said his physicality and biting his edges into the ice are key elements to his success on the backline but also knows “I need to improve on everything especially my first three steps and max speed. ”
He studies undersized defenseman Jared Spurgeon of the Minnesota Wild because “he's elusive and quick and really controls the game when he is out there. ”
Robinson says his drive to succeed is fueled by his family.
“I mean I’d have to say my family. My pops coached me for 10 years and my brothers played hockey until high school. My brothers and I were very competitive and I believe that pushed me to be the player I am today, ” he said.
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“We are looking forward to seeing him as a repeat junior in the prep league. I think he moves the puck well and uses his edges to gain speed and agility in his skating, ”
JACK KENNEDY MASS WEST (Continued From Page xx)
. Kennedy considers his abilities to walk the blue line to open shooting and passing lanes, to quarterback the power play, and to move the puck exiting the defensive zone to be the strengths of his game.
“I feel I need to work on my physicality. I’ ve been getting better at it but I’m still trying to be more of a force out there. I need to be stronger in the corners and be better at one-on-ones, ” said Kennedy, a fan of the Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy “because he’s so responsible on the ice. He’s reliable in the Dzone but he can also move the puck and be an offensive threat. ”
Kennedy said his father is his biggest influence and that all of his coaches have had a hand in steering him to this point.
“My dad is always pushing me to be a better player, student, and overall person. I’ ve been fortunate enough to be coached by some great coaches and role models and I have learned so much from them throughout the years, ” he said.
Kennedy is a member of the MassWest club stocked with an abundance of Pope Francis players in this week’s Summer Showcase. “I expect good competition and I expect us to win some hockey games. I know we have two good goalies so we will be competitive, ” he said.
The college decision process remains a bit down the road and Kennedy isn’t sure about a course of studies. He did indicate that “any Division 1 or Division 3 college hockey program with good academics in the Northeast would be perfect for me. ” He compiled a 3.7 GPA at Pope Francis
-- HNIB Summer Profile -NorthShore’sRobinson ReadyForLeadershipRole
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Robinson played for Merrimack Valley in last year’s Summer Showcase but shifts to the North Shore squad this week. He's expecting another competitive event and is especially looking forward to playing with other players on the team from Haverhill.
In regards to college, Robinson would like to attend either one of the military academies or a NESCAC school.Awide range to be sure but hehas a plan in place for each eventuality.
“If the chance comes for D1 that’d be unreal since it’s been the dream since Day One. I haven’t really put too much thought into what I’d like to study, but I think I will study Mechanical Engineering in hopes to partner with my brother to start a business, ” he said.
