We're looking at another strong season of hockey for the indepenents.
The Independents were firmly in the mix last season. Cushing reached the Elite 8 finals, taking down Brunswick in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Dexter Southfield made it to the Large School tournament semis after knocking off Northfield Mount Hermon in the first round. Frederick Gunn also reached the Small School tournament championship.
Each of those teams should be in contention for not only the Elite 8 but some hardware as well this season. There are sure to be plenty of other Independents right on their heels, too.
With that, there figures to be plenty of talent on display around the league this year
Here are our First and Second All-Independents teams:
First Team
Sean Gibbons, sr., F, Brunswick
Drew DellaSalla was the prospect stealing headlines at Brunswick last winter. This year, it’s Sean Gibbons’ time, as he enters his senior year. He led Brunswick in goals (21) as a junior and totaled 42 points.
Alex LoGuercio, sr., F, Frederick Gunn
LoGuercio ranked second in the region in goals last winter with 28. He has a wicked shot and is easily a threat to set a new career-high in lamplighters. Frederick Gunn will be strong and LoGuercio will be at the center of it.
Luke Goukler, sr., F, Cushing
It was hard to pick which new Penguins forward to put here, but Goukler’s speed and ability to produce is hard to overlook. He comes in after posting 96 points in 57 games last season for the Nashville Jr. Predators 16U team. He’s also an NHL Draft prospect for June.
Tyler Russo, jr., D, Cushing
It was a great offseason for Russo who performed well at USA Hockey’s Select 16 Camp and eventually committed to Minnesota State. On a stacked Cushing team last season, he posted 17 assists and played a legitimate role. Now, he’s the main guy on the blue line.
Cooper Cleaves, sr., D, Brunswick
The Dartmouth commit had a great season last year with three goals and 15 points. The Bruins will be in the mix for the Elite 8 again and Cleaves’ two-way play will help bolster their chances.
Marko Bilic, sr., G, Cushing
With Cooper Rautenstrauch gone, head coach Paul Pearl brought in Bilic, who stands at 6-foot-3 and 179 pounds. He’s extremely athletic and poised in the net. He recently committed to Arizona State.
ON THE RISE: 23 breakout forward candidates in prep | 17 breakout defender candidates in prep
Second Team
Ethan Skowronek, jr., F, Andover
Skowronek led Andover in goals (13) and points (25) last season. He’s coming off a strong fall with the Neponset Valley River Rats 18U team. He has a knack for producing and as a senior, his numbers should rise even more.
Sam Ciappa, jr., F, Canterbury
Ciappa had a monster sophomore season last year, scoring 23 goals and totaling 43 points. Head coach Padraic McCarthy’s teams play a high offensive game, and Ciappa will be at the center of that this season after the team lost senior Jed Brazo to graduation.
Bronson Hunt, sr., F, Cushing
Hunt was outstanding for the Central Mass. Penguins in the fall. He came to Cushing from Northstar Christian Academy’s 18-U team. He plays with a high level of compete and skill, which allows him to get grade-A scoring chances. Hunt will be playing alongside his brother, Tanner, who also is a threat every time he’s on the ice.
Liam O’Keeffe, sr., D, Dexter SouthfieldÂ
Dexter is going to be a very young team this season, paving the way for O’Keeffe to be a leader on the blue line. The Holy Cross commit enters as a senior and will need to be a two-way force for Dexter.
Luke Calabria, jr., D, Frederick Gunn
Calabria had a breakout sophomore season last winter, scoring six goals and totaling 24 points. The junior should be a focal point of Frederick Gunn’s defensive core.
Mitchell McCusker, sr., G, Frederick Gunn
McCusker split time in net with then-senior Ryan Crowshaw last season. Now, it’s McCusker’s net and Frederick Gunn has high expectations. He posted a .910 save percentage and a 2.15 goals-against average last season.
