Barely a week had gone by since the Ironmen lost the State Football final to SJR, but Bosco Hockey was determined to right the ship and start the hockey season on the right foot. Facing a very talented St Joseph Regional team, the Ironmen and Green Knights were deadlocked at zero halfway through the second when SJR struck first, taking a 1-0 lead. However, there was no panic in the Ironmen, when they returned to the ice for the thrid period. Playing solid two way hockey, the Ironmen tied the game a little over 3 minutes into the final frame, as Sophomore Preston Ferro opened the scoring on assists from Sophomores Jack Foye and Kyle Delaney. Bosco continued pressing SJR throughout the 3rd, outshooting the Green Knights nine to five in the 3rd period and 26-18 on the game, with
Soph Goalie, Alex Annuziata stopped 17 of 18 shots vs SJR
Sophomore Goalie, Alex Annunziata stopping 17 of 18 shots in the season debut. Late in the third period however, the team’s leaders closed the door as Senior Captain Jack Ashton put the Ironmen ahead on assists from fellow Senior Captain Nico Pappachristou and Junior Peyton Murphy.
The Ironmen are back in action this week with two big Gordon Conference opponents, 12/9 at St. Augustine Prep and 12/11 at Princeton Day School.
Don Bosco Hockey is proud to announce this years Team Captains. Led by four outstanding Seniors, this year’s squad is in great hands with this leadership group. Returning for his fourth year as a Varsity player, Niko Pappachristou (15g, 18a) brings size and skill to round out his two way center game. Joining Niko in our leadership group are two year Varsity letterman Senior forwards Jack Ashton (7g, 7a), Jack Ozder (1g, 4a) and Senior defenseman Nick Zayas (1g, 3a). All four players will be leaned upon for their leadership qualities giving the Ironmen toughness and grit where ever they play in the lineup.
Sr Captain, Nick Zayas
Sr Captain, Jack Ozder
Additionally, Coach Toskos is looking forward to this group mentoring the younger players, saying, “Each year our Captains provide invaluable experience to our younger players, helping to establish a winning culture that they’ve been a part of since they started and I expect this group to carry on that tradition.”
Don Bosco opens up at home on December 4th vs SJR. Additional December home games include, 12/14 vs St. Augustine, 12/23 vs bc (Rivalry Night) and 12/28 vs Gloucester Catholic.
McLinskey accepts plaque commemorating his 100th point
Former Don Bosco Hockey standout, Liam McLinskey ’19 has been nominated for the second year in a row as a Hobey Baker Award finalist. The 2024 Atlantic Hockey Player of the year has amassed an impressive stat line in his three years at Holy Cross, scoring 55 goals and adding 44 assists in 105 games played. Most recently, Liam was named Atlantic Hockey Player of the Week (January 27th) and currently leads all Crusaders in goals (15) and points (27) on the season. A stalwart during his time with the Ironmen, Liam is 6th all time in scoring for Don Bosco (75g, 53a) and was a Captain on the 2019 Gordon Cup and State Championship team. Wishing all the best to Liam and Holy Cross as they look to return to the NCAA tournament this March.
Check out some highlights from Liam’s time at Don Bosco, courtesy of Jersey Sports Zone.
Congrats to former Ironman Drew Fortescue and the USA Junior Team for capturing their second straight IIHF World Junior Championship Gold Medal (2024 & 2025). The USA defeated Finland 4-3 in overtime to cap off this years tournament and secure back to back Gold Medals. Drew was second on the team in this years World Junior Tournament in time on ice per game (25:40) while anchoring the back line as a top pair defenseman. Prior to winning back to back World Junior Gold Medals, Drew was also on the USA team that won Gold in the 2023 IIHF U18 Championships.
After his time at Don Bosco, which saw him capture a Gordon Cup State Championship in 2021, Drew spent two years in Ann Arbor, Michigan with the National Team Development Program and was a 3rd round draft pick of the NY Rangers in 2023. Currently, Drew is in his Sophomore year at Boston College.
Bosco Hockey would like to congratulate Drew, his parents Billy ’88 and Katee, brothers Will ’20 and Jack ’25 as well as the entire extended Fortescue family.
Led by a strong core of upper classmen, Don Bosco Hockey has opened the 2024-25 campaign with five straight victories, including two wins over Massachusetts power houses BC High (3-1) and Pope Francis (4-1) to repeat as Barky Cup champions. Bosco has also notched victories over St. Joseph Regional (6-1), Seton Hall Prep (8-0) and defending State Champions St. Augustine (5-2).
Senior Goaltender and Captain John Gazzola has been fantastic in back stopping the Ironmen in the early season. Posting a 95.9% save percentage and yielding a 1.00 GAA. He’s tallied one shutout (SHP) and recorded all 5 wins, while also adding two assists.
In front of Gazzola, the defense has been rock solid, led by two Senior Captains Aidan Morik (0g, 5a) and Jack Fortescue (0g, 2a) who continue to keep opponents off the scoresheet. Senior Michael Halvorsen along with Juniors Jack Ozder (0g, 1a) and Nick Zayas have played big roles as well, adding size and strength to one of the most talented back ends in the Gordon Conference.
Up front, Seniors Rian Lahar (3g, 6a) and Erik Wrynn (6g, 3a) are tied for the team lead in scoring with two more Seniors, Captain Matthew Shpungin (0g, 7a) and Jack Kennedy (5g, 1a) also making significant contributions. Freshman Jack Foye (6g, 1a) and Preston Ferro (0g, 7a) along with Sophomore Peyton Murphy (2g, 2a) continue to provide a spark when called upon.
The Ironmen will be busy before the Christmas break, with three straight league games against Princeton Day, bergen catholic and CBA to round out 2024.
Check out some highlights from our victory over St. Augustine Prep, courtesy of Jersey Sports Zone.
