Panthers’ Schedule Is Challenging

By KEN HAMWEY,
Staff Sports Writer

The boys hockey team at Franklin High gets high marks for its efforts as the 2021-22 regular season heads for the finish line.

Coach Anthony Sarno’s Panthers, who had a 6-5 record at Local Town Pages deadline in spite of a very challenging non-league schedule, are well-positioned to achieve the goals he listed at the start of the campaign.

“Our first objective is to be an opponent that’s difficult to play in all three zones,’’ Sarno said. “Then we want to win the Kelley-Rex Division title for the 11th straight season and qualify for the playoffs. We can be the division champs and qualify for the tourney as long as the players continue to pay attention to detail, grow as a team and trust each other.’’

The Panthers are a young team and they’re still in the process of developing and gaining experience. They lost 16 players from last year’s team to graduation and Sarno’s roster has 14 first-year varsity skaters. But, when it comes to hockey, Franklin has a rich tradition and a penchant for excellence. It’s a squad that still has the necessary assets.

“We’ve got lots of speed and some size,’’ said Sarno, who’s in his third year as coach. “Our skating ability is strong and we’re skilled. And, I like our physical and mental toughness. As for experience and depth, we’re working to improve in those areas. We’ll continue to rely on our upperclassmen and their leadership.’’

The Panthers leadership team consists of six captains. The seniors are forward Dylan Marchand, right wing Justin Magazu, and defensemen Aiden Hunt and Jack MacKinnon. The juniors are left wing Ryan Sicchio and right wing Ben Jarosz.

“Dylan was our leading scorer last year,’’ Sarno noted. “He’s got speed and he’s shifty. A three-year veteran, he’s very talented, has a great shot and is a great skater. Justin also has speed and is good around the puck. A strong shooter and skater, he isn’t afraid of going into the corners. Aiden has moved from forward to defense. Still learning his new role, he stays within the realm of his skill set, and he’s consistent. Jack has been recovering from shoulder surgery. He’s our only returnee on defense. Poised and patient at the blue line, he’s a skilled skater who moves the puck well.’’

The junior captains are also key components. “Ryan has an excellent hockey IQ,’’ said Sarno, who previously was Weymouth High’s jayvee coach and varsity assistant. “He’s well-rounded, instinctive, a very good passer and play-maker. Ben is big, strong and can mix it up in front of the net. Another player with a high hockey IQ, he’s got an incredible shot and he can pass and check.’’

Two seniors — left wingers Christian Shabbick and Dom Lampasona — have experience and some key strengths.

“Christian is a terrific supportive player,’’ Sarno said. “Strong and physical, he can pass and back-check. He sees the ice well and has good awareness. Dom has incredible speed and is always around the net. He’s always a threat in the offensive zone.’’

Goalie Cole Pouliot-Porter, left wing Anthony Lampasona, and defenseman Logan Marchand headline a group of eight sophomores.

“Cole is technically sound, has good instincts, is skilled and continues to improve daily,’’ Sarno said. “Anthony is one of our top scorers. He’s strong, shoots with accuracy and is rugged in the corners. Logan is solid on the blue line. He’s strong and hits hard. The rest of our sophomores are developing, getting playing time and becoming key pieces of the puzzle.’’

Sarno, who relies on a versatile style of play, believes in balancing an up-tempo approach with a possession game. He also believes in scheduling strong non-league games. Franklin’s slate includes talented sextets like Catholic Memorial, Malden Catholic, St. John’s of Shrewsbury, St. John’s Prep of Danvers, Belmont and Hingham.

“Playing strong teams gets us battle-tested coming down the wire,’’ he emphasized. “We want to be experienced for the playoffs.’’

Winning is important and obviously is a key element in Sarno’s athletic philosophy, but he also stresses the need for his players to reach their potential. 

“I want our players to develop good habits, and that includes improvement in the classroom,’’ he noted. “I want our kids to become good citizens. And, I hope they learn valuable life lessons from hockey — like overcoming adversity, how to be a good teammate and how to sharpen their leadership skills.’’

Acutely aware that Franklin’s Hockomock League schedule is no walk in the park, Sarno is quick to credit all of the Panthers conference foes, especially King Philip.

“They’re all tough opponents,’’ he said. “Whether it’s the Davenport Division or the Kelley-Rex teams, it’s always a battle. They’re well-coached, and there’s parity in the league. King Philip is always a formidable challenge because they’ve got heart, speed and balance.’’

Sarno’s assistants have been effective in ensuring that nothing gets overlooked. They include Mike O’Neil, his jayvee coach and varsity assistant, and his brother Steve. “Mike focuses on the defense and Steve monitors the offense,’’ Sarno said.

Since Sarno’s arrival, Franklin has continued its winning ways. His first year resulted in a tourney berth that ended in the state’s final four. The Panthers defeated King Philip and Natick before bowing out in a loss to Archbishop Williams. Its record that season was 14-8-1 overall. Last year, with COVID-19 in the headlines, the Panthers finished 10-1 and shared the Kelley-Rex title with King Philip. There was no state tourney.

Although there likely will be some challenges ahead, Sarno says: “I’m optimistic we can weather whatever obstacles come our way.’’ 

Those obstacles include ultra-strong opponents. And some have already appeared on Franklin’s schedule.