Season Opener: Saturday December 5, at Sport-O-Rama in Monsey, NY

Head coach:  Ken DelSanto (6th season)

Last year’s record:  9-10-6

Key Games: Winning the Pepsi Holiday Tourney, Loss in the first round in state tournament against Ridgewood

Key losses from last year: F Nick Giordano, F Chris Zariello, D John Scarano

Key returnees from last year: Keith Doherty (Sr. D), Trent Shanley (Jr. F), Matt Truglio (Sr. F), Luke Ciocca (Jr. F/D), Steve Brennan (So. G), Ethan Gaus (Sr. G), AJ Helfenbein (So. F)

Key newcomers: Aiden Tuffy (Fr. F), James Robinson (Fr. D), Alex Sullivan (Fr. D)

Strengths of team: All three returning first line forwards can score, which will be particularly useful in compensating for the youth on the other forward and defensive lines. Both goaltenders, Brennan and Ethan Gaus provide stability at that position, especially with the inexperience on defense.

Areas that need improvement: Defense. “We’re a young and inexperienced group besides [Keith] Doherty,” said DelSanto. “He’s going to have to step up and lead, which is a ‘Catch 22’- he is talented and can take risks, but at the same time you don’t want young guys getting bad habits.”

Coach’s comment: “The younger players have more to show and to prove, while the older guys have to take younger ones under their wing. We’ll need some kind of experience on defense, starting with Doherty,” said DelSanto. “[In my opinion] our division isn’t very strong, which puts us in nice spot to compete in the regular season and go deeper in the postseason. The first game [against Paramus] is key coming off of a scrappy 6-6 tie against Paramus last year. It’s statement game showing that we are a force to be reckoned with.”