Junior Goaltender James Tarabocchia
Don Bosco Hockey started 2023 right where 2022 ended, notching back to back wins and capturing the Harry Rulon Miller Tournament for the second time. Despite the start of the season being pushed back this year by the NJSIAA, the Ironmen opened up with three straight wins, defeating Seton Hall Prep, St Peter’s Prep and Pope John. Following the three in state wins, the Ironmen then made their annual trip up to Boston to take on Xaverian Brothers and BC High.
The first matchup against Xaverian Brothers, took place at famed Matthews Arena on the campus of Northeastern. Junior goaltender, James Tarabocchia (1.00 GA, 96.5%) stole the show, putting up a 38 save shutout against #8 Xaverian, while Junior defenseman, Luca Chiaese (2g, 7a) scored the games only goal to give DBP a 1-0 win. In the second matchup, Bosco took on #3 BC High at Babson. The Ironmen jumped out to a 3-1 lead, with two goals by Junior Captain Dean Toskos (7g, 12a) and one from Senior Captain Ty Oller (9g, 8a), but BC High battled back to tie the game in the final minutes.
Junior Defenseman Luca Chiaese
As 2022 began to wind down, Bosco continued its hot play, notching three more Gordon Conference wins, defeating Gloucester Catholic 5-1 and Bergen Catholic twice in two days. Following the New Years break, Don Bosco faced off against the HRM tournament host and Gordon Conference opponent Princeton Day. Once again, Bosco jumped out to a lead on goals by Toskos, two by Oller and Freshman Ryan Murphy notched his first varsity goal in a 4-2 win. The following day, DBP took on Lawrenceville School for the HRM title. In what proved to be a back and forth affair, Bosco had a 2-1 lead through two periods, but allowed the equalizer in the third. As the game went into OT, the Ironmen capitalized on a power play opportunity and once again, Senior Ty Oller delivered the game winner.
Next up, Don Bosco hosts defending state champions CBA on January 12th (5 pm) at the Ice Vault.