When fans watch West Morris ice hockey this year, you might notice some changes. The new captains selected for the 2024-25 season are Layton Cummings, Ben Barnhill and Karl Alstede.
The next big change that happened over the off season was when the Pack’s coaching staff changed. The new head coach of the team is Dave Hansen. Coach Hansen has introduced several new lines this year.
The first line consists of Ben Barnhill (#41), Rohn Armijo (#44) and Layton Cummings (#16). The second line consists of Shiva Kuttikat (#11), Tyler Hill (#23) and Joseph Bruno (#30). The third line line consists of Robert Applegate (#20), Vincent Kramer (#12) and Brendan Mullin (#24) The fourth line is a varsity/Junior Varsity swing line (meaning they mainly play on the JV team but also suit up for varsity) is Kevin Paustian (#15), Kavi Nair (#7) and Shawn Vala (#30).
The defensive pairs are Gavin Smith (#3) paired with Ray Narcise (#19) and Alex Trezza (#4) paired with Karl Alstede (#5).
It is expected that shuffled soon and continued to be reworked throughout the season as Coach Hansen learns each player’s strengths and redistributes players based on what he is observing.
The next big change of the season so far is the goaltender. Micheal Treiber was a freshman last season and started for the Wolfpack in goal. Treiber is currently out with a lower body injury. Jason Trezza, a freshman, has started every game for the Pack so far. J. Trezza is starting the season strong with a .905% save percentage. This is a statistic that will likely climb up within the next couple of weeks for Trezza as he allowed 8 goals when they played Northern Highlands, a highly ranked team in the state. This game dragged his save rate down. Since then he has averaged 2 goals per game.
Trezza, Admittedly shaky in the first game, says he let the fans get into his head and will not let it happen again. “The main thing that is holding me back is my confidence.” Trezza said. Although Trezza and Treiber are competing for the goaltender position, Treiber has been helping build Trezza’s skill and confidence since he has been injured. “My partner Mickey has really been helping me out” Trezza says. Trezza and Treiber will continue to work together throughout the season. When Treiber is healthy, it could result in Trezza getting less playing time as the season develops.
Senior captain, Ben Barnhill’s goals as a leader are clear; lead his team to success and have fun! “I want to keep bringing the boys together and have a good time while Making sure it’s fun and hopefully win some games” said Barnhill excitedly.
