LAX looking to improve

Although the varsity boys lost to Westfield to end their season in the first round of regionals, they had some postives to build around for this season.  Despite having their season end prematurely, they had a solid and surprising season, coming out of nowhere to reach the Patriot District final and knock out previously undefeated Hayfield in the process. 

However, this is the year after that run. The team is looking to improve on last years’ effort and, not only win the Patriot district, but also be competitive in Regionals.  To do that, the team is looking not at their successes, but at their failures, especially the 3-13 loss to West Springfield in the Patriot District Final.
“For the West Springfield game, that should motivate them more then anything I can say,” said head coach William Maglisceau.

“It gave us a lot of anger towards West Springfield,” said senior Michael Craig.  “West Springfield is one of the main three teams that we want to beat.  They had three college-level seniors leave, so this year I think that we can take them.”

Before the season started, several players on the team participated in preseason workouts.  The team elected captains and worked on some drills to prepare them for the season.  The captains that the team selected were seniors Matt Johnson, Kevin McCracken, and Zach Sells.

“I think that the practices help build team unity,” said senior Zach Flynn.  “It also helped people realize that the captains are in control.”

However, Maglisceau took a different perspective on the practices.

“I’d much rather them wrestle and play basketball and other sports,” said Maglisceau.  “I appreciate what they are trying to do, but they were just going and throwing it around.”

Overall, this year’s team will be led by Johnson, Craig, and senior David Waiter, all key players on attack.  Each of the starters played a prominent role on the team last year, and they are hoping to build on that experience.

“The team has six players who are threats to score,” said Maglisceau.  “When you have that many threats, it’s hard to prepare for.  Opponents will have to be on their game at all times when they are facing us.”

However, the Atoms have some distinct weaknesses on the team this year. They will be replacing two veteran defensemen , Drew Chadwick and Sean Armstrong, with senior Stephen  Kim and junior Cason Kynes.  The  Atoms will also be highly dependent on their seniors because of the lack of depth on the team.  The team’s lack of depth is a a problem that will have to be addressed throughout the season, but the team is optimistic that several of the younger players will provide depth as they improve throughout the season.

“We are not really that deep,” said Maglisceau.  “The drop off is tremendous.  We have a very large team, however, and we are hoping that we can develop some players throughout the year.”