Mahopac Hockey Starts Season Hoping to Turn Effort into Wins

MAHOPAC, N.Y.—By Emile Menasché

Editor

Coming off a tough 2023-2024 campaign that saw the Wolf Pac finish 3-16-1, the Mahopac varsity hockey team hopes two qualities from last season—its work ethic and its ability to hang in against tough competition—will yield more wins this year.

“The main goal for this season is to improve on last season,” said head coach Tim Donaghy. “Our teams in the past have always worked extremely hard [and] now this team also has the ability to compete in every game this season. I’m hoping this combination pays off with a successful season.”

Key returners include senior defenseman/forward Christian Martirano, last season’s leading scorer who served as captain as a junior and will again this year. Fellow seniors Alex Wanner (F), Mahopac’s third-leading scorer in 2023-24, and defenseman Ross Silver and Brady Donaghy are expected to bring leadership.

“Ross gives us some veteran defensive presence, while Brady brings size to our defense,” the coach said. “Junior Joey Minnix is a strong power forward and junior Ryan Danahy is a fast smart forward who, if he gets a few bounces, could be a leading scorer.”

In addition to Martirano, Wanner, and Silver were named captains.

While the upperclassmen are expected to lead, Donaghy said younger players will also play key roles, including sophomore forward Evan Flood.

“I’m hoping he continues the upward progression he had during his freshman year,” coach Donaghy said. “With the hard work that has been put in and our veteran leadership [we hope] it pays off with success in the sectional tournament.”

Mahopac started practice earlier this week and will open the season against White Plains at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, in the White Plains Tournament at Ebersole Rink.

The Wolf Pac will also be in action on Ebersole ice on Friday, Nov. 29, against Fox Lane and Saturday, Nov. 30, against Carmel. Both games are set to start at 3:15 p.m.

The coach said the group is already coming together as a tight-knit unit.

“We have always talked to the team about being there for each other,” Donaghy said. “But this squad feels the most like a family.”