PEABODY — The Peabody boys hockey team is set to begin its second season under coach Christian Wright, and the Tanners are going to have to navigate a strange, shortened season with a small roster and limited depth. But despite the perceived challenges, Wright and his team are ready to take on the season.
“Our biggest strength actually comes from our biggest concern, which is depth,” said Wright. “All of our newcomers will have to make an impact because we only have 12 skaters this year. We know we are limited on numbers, but it’s been a bit of a rallying cry for us. It’s like it’s us against the world.”
The Tanners are coming off of a 6-13-1 finish in 2019-2020, and they’re just two years removed from a one-win season back in 2018-2019. But with a strong group of upperclassmen leading the way for Peabody this year, the hope is that experience will get the Tanners over the top.
Peabody will be without its top two scorers from last season, as Andrew Phillip (16 goals, seven assists) left the Tanners for junior hockey with the Islanders Hockey Club and Bryan Swacyzk (12 goals, three assists) transferred to Essex Tech.
But despite the losses, Peabody is returning a host of talent to the ice this year. It all starts with senior captain goalie Lucas DeMild, who is back for his fourth season with the Tanners. Senior assistant captains Anthony Bettencourt and Luke Buckley headline the skaters, while seniors Brandon Perry, Nathan LePage, Cam Silva and Jagger Ingham are also returning. Junior Andrew Souza — who had a big summer playing in showcase tournaments with the Boston Americans — is also back for Peabody.
“Andrew got himself on the radar of plenty of hockey people this summer and he got some much deserved recognition,” said Wright. “We’re hoping to continue that success and build on it as we go through this season.”
Sophomores Luke Caruso and Josh Lewis round out the returners along with senior backup goalie Tristan Ell.
In addition to the experienced core, there are a number of newcomers to look out for this season. Senior transfer Matt Devin has come over from the Lynn Jets to add an offensive spark, while freshman Michael Ryan and Trevor Pacheco will also add some youth to the equation. Sophomore goalie Ashton Souza is also a new face in the Tanners’ lineup.
On the bench, Wright is bringing back assistant coaches John Marshall and Nick Merryman. Goalie coach John Bastoni will work with the Tanners’ three goaltenders.
As far as the challenges that are in place due to the pandemic-adjusted rules and regulations, Wright sees it as just another thing the team needs to deal with.
“We honestly don’t look at any of (the rules changes) as a challenge because every other team has to deal with them too,” said Wright. “It’s just part of the game now. We’re very happy to be able to play this year, and we look forward to whatever comes our way as long as we’re able to keep playing.”
And for his large senior class, Wright simply wants them to close out their Peabody careers by having some fun.
“With the shortened season, I’m just looking for this senior class to have a fun and memorable season,” said Wright. “They just really started to enjoy playing the game again last year, and I don’t want the weight of the pandemic to take the joy of this final season away from them.”
Peabody opens its season Saturday (6) against Gloucester on the road at Talbot Rink.