Rams Hockey Builds On Last Season’s Success

CARMEL—Before the season began, the Carmel High ice hockey team was a little worried that with the new league alignments, the Rams might not make it back to the sectional playoffs.

Marc Glaviano SKIP PEARLMAN But thanks to some outstanding goaltending, the Rams were able to build on last year’s success.

The Rams finished 11-10 overall, 6-8 in conference play, and entered the playoffs as the seventh seed. After beating Clarkstown North in the opening round, the Rams ended their season with a 4-0 loss in the quarterfinals to second-seeded Mamaroneck.

“I’m extremely happy with the way things ended up,” coach Tom Domicoli said. “Obviously you would always like to have a better record than you have, but we got a home game for the sectionals. With the way they redid the leagues at the beginning of the year, I thought we were in for a real tough year. But the kids played well, they battled every night, and that’s all you can ask for.”

Jackie Barnes Senior goalie Marc Glaviano led the way for the Rams throughout the season and earned several awards because of his play. He was named All- Section, All-League, and he was also named Conference 1 Player of the Year.

“I had no doubts that he would play well,” Domicoli said. “I remember telling him last year that this would be his year, and it really was. He led the league in saves with 570, his goalsagainst (average) was just over three. He had a great year … there was no surprise. He deserves everything he got.”

Sophomore Jackie Barnes and junior Josh Serpe were both named All- League Honorable Mention.

“I thought Jackie was deserving of all-league,” said Domicoli. “But he’s got a few more years left and I’m sure the awards are coming his way shortly. What he did as a tenth-grader was nothing short of spectacular, and I’m expecting big things from him in the next two years. As far as Josh going into his senior year, I’m really excited. Every year he has made strides to become a better player, and this year he was absolutely a pleasure to have on this team.”

PEARLMAN SKIP Josh Serpe PEARLMAN SKIP PEARLMAN The Rams will lose five seniors, but with the exception of Glaviano their top line will return intact.

“It’s always difficult to lose talented seniors,” Domicoli said. “But we have a lot of younger guys that we’re looking forward to stepping up and filling some of the holes. I see no reason why next year we can’t do the same if not have a more successful year. Every year’s been a little more and more uplifting, the outlook is brighter. The whole program is coming around, it’s very satisfying to see that this program that was really down, is respected and people know when they play Carmel they don’t have an easy game.”