by Boscohockey | Mar 4, 2020
After facing off with a tough Pope John team in the first round of the state playoffs, the Ironmen faced upstart Pingry School. Coming off a win against St. Augustine Prep, Pingry brought in plenty of fire power looking to knock off the defending champions.
Soph Lukas Klemm chipped in with 3 assists
Right away, the Ironmen would go to the power play and cash in as Merrimack College commit, Michael Rubin (7g, 15a) took a feed from Lukas Klemm and rifled home a point shot to put Bosco up 1-0. Less than two minutes later, Senior Arthur Tsimerman (3g, 4a) found the back of the net for a 2-0 lead. However, Pingry would answer right back to get on the board. Bosco found the net two more times in the opening frame on goals by Will Fortescue (5g, 18a) and Boston University commit Freshman, Ryan Fine (9g, 12a) to take a 4-1 lead into the locker room.
Following the ice cut, the Ironmen wasted little time, putting another three goals on the board in the second period, as Senior Hunter McGee (6g, 14a) and Junior Jake Geraci (1g, 10a) each netted a goal, while Ryan Fine added his second of the game. Despite the offensive outburst from DBP, Pingry added a second goal to close out the second period scoring.
Jr. defenseman Jake Geraci notched his first goal of the year
Senior Captain Robbie Greenleaf (2g, 2a) finished off the scoring for the Ironmen in the third period, while Freshman Goalie Ethan Marich made 16 saves on the night as the Ironmen advanced by a score of 8-3. Lukas Klemm (6g, 8a), Sal Guzzo (9g, 15a) and Connor Sedlack (18g, 22a) had three assists apiece to lead the team in scoring on the night.
Sr. Captain Robbie Greenleaf tallied a goal and an assist
Don Bosco returns to action Thursday night, March 5th with a chance to go to the Prudential Center and play for its second consecutive state title against Seton Hall Prep, who defeated Bergen Catholic 3-2 earlier. Please come out and support the Ironmen as they continue to defend their state title, 8:30 pm at Mennen Arena in Morristown.
by Boscohockey | Feb 29, 2020
Freshman Eric Vivinetto fires a shot on goal in NJSIAA first round play
Coming off a tough loss in the Gordon Cup finals, Don Bosco entered the NJSIAA round of 16 as the number two seed. Taking on a familiar Gordon Conference foe Pope John for the third time on the season, their first round game would not be easy. “Pope John is well coached and there is a familiarity level with both teams,” said Head Coach Greg Toskos. “Brownie does a great job with his guys and we’ve played some nail biting state playoff games the past few years against them to say the least. We don’t ever over look an opponent, but that is even more the case tonight, because we know what they’re capable of,” said Toskos.
Junior Kevin Rose stopped 14 of 15 shots in NJSIAA first round match up vs Pope John
The Ironmen came out firing in the first period, peppering Pope John with 18 shots, but only managed one goal. Freshman Ryan Fine (7g, 12a) buried a chance off a nice feed from Junior Connor Sedlak (18g, 19a) and Sophomore defenseman Lukas Klemm (6g, 5a). Bosco would continue the offensive display, adding another 26 shots in the second period, but were denied each time. However, Junior goaltender Kevin Rose, was just as good for the Ironmen, stopping all 10 shots he faced through two periods. Making his 12th start of the year, while posting a 93.2% save percentage and a 1.2 GAA, Rose kept the Lions off the scoreboard until a power play opportunity in the third, found the back of the net to tie the game at one.
But the Ironmen would not be out done on this night. Answering with two goals twenty seconds apart as two Freshman led the way for Bosco. Eric Vivinetto (3g, 17a) ripped a shot from the left circle off a pass from Senior Captains Hunter McGee (5g, 13a) and Will Fortescue (4g, 18a) to give Don Bosco the lead. Moments later, Sal Guzzo (9g, 12a) would add an insurance goal, putting Bosco up for good off a feed from McGee and Junior Drew Hansen (1g, 8a).
Don Bosco continues its NJSIAA Non-Public title defense on Monday March 2, 8:15 pm vs Pingry at the Ice Vault
by Boscohockey | Feb 4, 2020
#12 Michael Forgione ’19 celebrates a Bosco goal
Despite a two-year difference in age, two former Ironmen have made immediate impacts at the collegiate level with their respective clubs this season. While Michael Forgione and CJ McGee’s path to hockey on the college level has been very different, each are focused on making the most out of their first years.
After being part of the State Championship team in 2019, Michael Forgione ‘19 wanted to continue playing hockey collegiately. When a few opportunities presented themselves, Michael chose to carve his own path and join a first year NCAA Division 3 program, Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT.
“Albertus Magnus gave me a great opportunity to play right away, while fulfilling my academic goals,” said Michael, a three-year varsity letterman at Don Bosco. “Stepping into a first-year program at Albertus allowed me to help build the culture and foundation of this team and it’s a challenge I’ll look forward to throughout my four years at AMC”.
Albertus Magnus currently plays an independent schedule, but there have been some bumps in the road as has been expected with any new program. However, Michael’s time at Don Bosco has prepared him well, “all the key components that the coaching staff at Bosco stressed, being a good teammate, having a strong work ethic, being prepared to play each night, has helped guide me during my first year.” Forgione continued, “We skate six times a week, plus off ice workouts and film twice a week, so its been an adjustment, but playing at Bosco really helped prepare me for the grind.”
So far, Michael has played 17 games and recently tallied his first NCAA goal in a 5-2 win over King’s College and has also added 2 assists.
For former four-year varsity letterman and Ironmen Captain, CJ McGee ‘17, the path to NCAA hockey has been a little different. Following a successful career as an Ironmen, which saw CJ total 40 points (6g, 34a) in 77 games, he played on the 18U North Jersey Avalanche and then went onto play for the Shreveport Mudbugs of the NAHL. Logging 56 games for the Mudbugs, CJ recorded 43 points (10g, 33a) before joining Division 1 Quinnipiac University this past year.
“One of my favorite moments playing at Don Bosco was being able to start a hockey game with my four cousins, Ryan and Liam McLinskey, Will Fortescue and Hunter McGee,” said CJ, “It was a family affair out there for a shift or two, but its something that will probably never be able to do again until an alumni game.”
With several offers to play college hockey, CJ ultimately settled on Quinnipiac because of the coaching staff, trainers, winning culture, academics and top-notch facility. “I couldn’t ask for a better place to continue my academic and athletic experiences,” said McGee. One thing that has helped CJ prepare for the rigors of Division 1 college athletics was the brotherhood at Don Bosco. “At Bosco playing as team and being there for each other is everything. Those characteristics are also key to being successful in juniors and college hockey.”
Former Captain #18 CJ McGee ’17 starts the rush
Playing an ECAC schedule is extremely demanding and a typical week at Quinnipiac for McGee consists of being at the rink Monday thru Thursday, 9 am to 2 pm. “Managing a full academic schedule in addition to those workouts requires planning your time wisely,” says CJ, whose played in 17 of Quinnipiac’s 26 games so far, scoring 2 assists and being a +4 player. With classes typically in the late afternoon and early evening, there’s little time left in the day other than for hockey. “We’re together a lot, so we’re always building team chemistry, and Friday’s and Saturday’s we typically all have team breakfast, video and pre-game skate, followed by a team meal, then back at the rink for games.”
As both players first seasons near a close, each reflected on the positive experiences that Bosco Hockey has prepared them for. “Our first season as a program has been a great learning experience for me both personally and athletically but playing at Bosco taught me how to handle the unique situations that you may face each season,” said Forgione. CJ echoed those thoughts as well, “I experienced both highs and lows at Don Bosco, but facing that adversity made me a better a player in the long run. Those experiences have proved invaluable especially when the post season rolls around.”
Congrats to both Michael and CJ on a successful first year campaign and keeping making Don Bosco Hockey proud!
by Boscohockey | Jan 22, 2020
Junior Zach Hammond prior to a faceoff vs SHP
Fresh off a convincing 11-1 win over #4 seed Ramsey, which saw eight different Ironmen score, led by Liam Heffernan’s five assists, Don Bosco took on Gordon Conference foe Seton Hall Prep.
The upstart Pirates hung tough with the Ironmen throughout most of the game, getting the tying goal with seven minutes left in the third period to knot the game at two. As the final minutes began to tick off the clock, a scramble from behind the net saw the puck find its way out to the point and Junior Defenseman Zach Hammond ripped a slapshot home to put Bosco up for good. DBP would add an empty netter to hold on for a 4-2 win.
Next up the Ironmen look to capture their 9th straight BCCA title against rival Bergen Catholic, this Thursday (1/23), 7:30pm at the Ice Vault.
by Boscohockey | Jan 20, 2020
Senior Troy Clement
Don Bosco continued its strong play following its first win of the new year, blanking a talented Mahwah team 9-0 to open the 2020 Bergen County Coaches Association Tournament. The eight time defending champs wasted no time getting on the board as Sophomore defenseman Lukas Klemm (5g, 1a) opened the scoring two minutes into the game. In all, the Ironmen had seven different goal scorers led by Klemm’s hat trick. Juniors Drew Hansen (1g, 1a), Jack Noel (1g, 1a) and Sophomore Nick Milmore (1g) each netted their first career Ironmen goals. Also contributing to the offensive outburst was Senior Liam Heffernan (3g, 5a) with a goal and two assists, Sophomore Matt Imbriano and Freshman Ty Oller each added a scoring tally.
Following an off weekend, the Ironmen take on in town rival Ramsey on Monday (8:00 pm) in the Semi-Finals of the BCCA at the Ice Vault.
by Boscohockey | Jan 20, 2020
Forward Connor Sedlak looks to make a play during the 2019 Gordon Cup Final, opened the scoring against PDS for the Ironmen
After stumbling out of the gates in the new decade with a 5-3 loss to Suffern, the Ironmen recorded their first win of the new year, taking down a tough Princeton Day School team. Playing their second road game in as many days, following a disappointing 3-3 tie to Delbarton the previous afternoon, DBP leading scorer, Connor Sedlak (6g, 8a) jump started the Ironmen with his 6th goal of the year five minutes into the first period on an assist from Sal Guzzo (2g, 4a). But before the period was over, PDS got on the board to tie the game. Following the first intermission, Bosco again struck first as Junior Defenseman and Merrimack College commit Michael Rubin (4g, 3a) found a rebound along the goal line to put the Ironmen up 2-1. But before the period finished, PDS answered again, to knot the game at 2 heading into the second intermission. Following a back and forth final frame, Bosco finally got the go ahead goal from Junior Joe Caldiero (2g, 2a) and goalie Ethan Marich shut the door on PDS, finishing with 15 saves on 17 shots.
