Lawrenceville’s Nesterenko is our Prep POY
It was another banner year in the prep ranks as the Lawrenceville ice hockey team went through the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League regular season undefeated.
Princeton Day had some key wins, Hun won another Purple Puck Tournament and the county tournament and Pennington continued to grow as a program.
All those highlights were brought about by some great hockey players and now The Trentonian would like to honor them.
Again, this season we are grateful to DeLorenzo’s “The Bur” in Levittown to serve as the sponsor for the Player of the Year trophy.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR, NIKITA NESTERENKO (LAWRENCEVILLE) >> Anytime Nesterenko was on the ice, it was positive for the Big Red. The forward scored 25 goals and added 25 assists and was a great all-around player this season.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, EDDIE EVALDI (HUN) >> Evaldi did it all for the Raiders this season. When the defense needed a lift, he provided it. When the attack was a little sluggish, Evaldi was there to pick it up. He was a key in the MCT once again for the Raiders. GOALIE OF THE YEAR, T. J. SEMPTIMPHELTER (LAWRENCEVILLE) >> Facing some serious competition all season, Semptimphelter was always up to Hun: Aidan McDowell, Jackson Cole; Lawrenceville: Lach Getz, Peter Poulianas, Mike Rocco; Pennington: Matt Reilly, Bill Bernal; Princeton Day: Drew McConaughty, Luke Antonacci
the task. His presence between the pipes was both comforting and a spark for the Big Red attack. COACH OF THE YEAR, KEITH DUPEE (LAWRENCEVILLE) >> The Big Red took a huge step forward this season and a good part of it was the leadership provided by Dupee. His calm demeanor and willingness to teach the game have been evident in the team’s success.
The remainder of the first team:
COBY AUSLANDER (PRINCETON DAY) >> One of the most skilled and determined players in the area, Auslander was the heart of the Panthers this season. He tallied 20 goals and had 25 assists.
TY EASTMAN (PRINCETON DAY) >> As one of the leaders at Princeton Day, Eastman’s presence and ability to see the big picture made for some highlight moments. He netted 16 goals and helped on 22 others.
BRIAN NELSON (HUN) >> What a breakout senior season Nelson put together for the Raiders. He let it be known right from the first game he was going to be player who was going to be tough to contain. Nelson scored 24 goals and had 26 assists. TROY CRODDICK (LAWRENCEVILLE) >> A strong player with great stick skills and he was a key to so much of the success. A compliment to any line and a player who can put the puck in the net, scoring six goals and assisting on 14.
ALEX BOCZNIEWICZ (PENNINGTON) >> Boczniewicz was the spark that many times got the Red Raiders on the board early and kept them moving forward. He put home 19 goals and provided 16 assists.
MATT ARGENTINA (HUN) >> Just a sophomore, Argentina distinguished himself on the ice as a complete player and one who can handle just about every situation. His lethal shot produced 17 goals and his ability to see the ice saw him add 18 assists.
MATT MANAHAN (LAWRENCEVILLE) >> A complete team player and one who is a tireless worker everywhere on the ice. He tallied 14 goals and assisted on another 23 for the Big Red. Manahan was one of the Big Red’s leaders and is a key returning player. DAVID PARKER (LAWRENCEVILLE) >> Defense was a big part of the success at Lawrenceville this season and Parker was one of the anchors that made it all possible. He contributed five goals and eight assists to the cause, but his presence meant so much more.
LOGAN HARRIS (PENNINGTON) >> Steady is the best word to describe what Harris gave the Red Raiders all season. He found the back of the net 18 times and had 17 assists. CHIP HAMLETT (PRINCETON DAY) >> One of the best defenders in the area, Hamlett was never one to back down from a challenge and is always one to fight for the puck. He scored a pair of goals and added 14 assists.