Nineteen months and counting. That's how long it's been since Loomis Chaffee defeated Cushing in the title game of the 2020 NEPSAC Martin/Earl Tournament just days before the world changed.
After the arrival of the coronavirus and the Founders League's subsequent decision to cancel winter sports, the Pelicans never got the chance to defend their title in 2020-21, and only managed to play three games.
While a typical season would have been the preferred outcome, the team made the most of its opportunities during the partial season, head coach JR Zavisza said, even if it wasn't an official one.
“From the kids’ perspective, they would have liked to play more games but I think they saw the value in the things that we were doing and got better in ways that they normally wouldn't have," said Zavisza, a UMass alum who's been at the helm of the Windsor, Conn., program since 2011.
"All in all, I think it was a win. The biggest negative impact was on our seniors who didn’t have things locked in for the future in terms of college, but altogether I thought it was a good year. We only played three games, which stunk a little bit, but I’m glad we got something.”
With the Founders League on track to return to a normal, Zavisza and the Pelicans are eager to get back to work in 2021-22.
While the cornerstones of the 2020 title group are gone, there is still a handful who remain, including Rory Andriole (Branford, Conn./Junior Bulldogs 18-U) and Chris Hibson (New Haven, Conn.), who will serve as captains.
“Chris, in many ways, is the heart of the team in terms of his consistent work ethic," Zavisza said. "He’s one of the few guys in my time who will have played four years here and I think he’s been our most consistent player (in that span)."
Charlie Andriole (Branford, Conn.) and Oliver Flynn. (Wolcott, Conn.), who play split season with the Junior Bulldogs 18-U, are the other key returners from the 2020 title group.
Flynn, an '03 UConn commit, is the highest returning scorer from Loomis’ 2019-20 team after recording 24 points in 24 games. With only three games in prep last season, the 6-1, 185-pound forward played 31 games with the Boston Junior Bruins in the NCDC and scored five goals for 17 points.
In addition to those returners, there is a large group of Pelicans who are entering their second season with the team but have yet to experience a full prep slate, such as Cam Miranda (Mendon, Mass./Junior Bulldogs 18-U) and Makai Tarjamo (Junior Bulldogs 18-U).
According to Zavisza, that group will be the x-factor this season.
“I call them the half-year guys," the head coach said. "We have new guys, we have guys who have played a full season here and then we have the guys who were new last year, and only know some of what to expect out of this year. So, they’re a year wiser now in terms of their overall maturity, but their level of buy-in and output will be a big difference-maker for us."
Among the newcomers, a trio of '05s from the Junior Bulldogs 16-U, Easton Swift (West Hartford, Conn.), Eli Velepec and Cory Alissi (West Hartford, Conn.), will look to add depth to the returning core of forwards up front.
While the official makeup of the roster won't be known until the start of the season, the Pelicans have a pretty good idea of how things are shaping up for 2021-22.
“We’re not a hockey-centric school, so it’s a little more clear for us. There aren’t many surprises," Zavisza said.
“Our players are in their fall hockey seasons right now, which is a different feel than once we’re in our season, but they’ll be as ready as they can be when November hits, and then we’ll get them ready for the rigors of the prep season.”
(Previously in New England Hockey Journal's prep school preview series: Brunswick, Gunnery, New Hampton, St. Mark's, Tabor)
Liam Flaherty can be reached at liam.flaherty@hockeyjournal.com and on Twitter @_LiamFlaherty.
