The EC Gulls Have High Expectations for 2007-08 Season

Sept. 21, 2007

The Endicott Gulls will look to take flight in their first action of the 2007-08 season this Saturday, when they take on the Boston Jr. Blackhawks of the International Jr. Hockey league. The Gulls will look to continue where they left off last year finishing with an impressive 11-4 NECHA league record and an overall standing of 13-10-2. Last year also marked the first time in the team's short history of five years that they reached the coveted Regional Tournament in Rochester NY as a \#10 seed. Representing Endicott with class and determination, the Gulls found themselves needing to surmount Siena College. The third ranked Siena team was the favorite of the tournament, but that didn't intimidate the Gulls. The boys in blue outplayed the Saints that night, but as fate would have it, the puck wasn't bouncing their way and the Gulls fell in a 3-2 defeat. However, with that Endicott pride and determination, the Gulls bounced back the next night to claim victory against number sixth ranked Marist College in a convincing victory.

This year's team returns its largest group of seniors ever, lead by Captain Mike Ripley (Fairfield Prep) and Assistant Captains Brian Sullivan (Bishop Fenwick HS) and Gabe Carreiro (Coast Guard Academy). Chris Garofalo (Bishop Fenwick HS) will be looked upon once again to lead the Gulls offense along with senior Bryan Caccamo (Milton HS) and juniors Patrick Kennedy (Weymouth HS) and Greg Dorman (Merrimack HS).

Defensively Endicott returns everyone from last year including Mike Feeheley (Simsbury HS), Jeff Lallier (Hartford VT), and Brad Butcher (Nauset HS). In addition to this already strong defensive core, sophomores Patrick Bourque (Fairfield Prep) and Mike Vacca (N. Reading HS) will be looked upon to continue their strong play behind the blue line.

Senior goaltender Josh Provost (Mount St. Joseph Academy) and sophomore Matt Murray (Arlington Catholic) will again provide the strength and stability between the pipes.

The Gulls are encouraged and hopeful that the new faces of the incoming class will add to an already deep squad. Offensively, Brennan Hill (Falmouth MA), Jeff Berlin (Oyster River NH), Eddie O'Brien (Mansfield MA) and John Joaquin (Plainville MA) will challenge some of the returners to fill their spots. Not to be outdone, defenseman Dan Giddings (North Reading MA) and Drew Bowden (Cumberland ME) will work to see how they can crack an already stingy defensive core.

Second year Head Coach Dan Haugh is excited to be joined by new Assistant Coach Rob Ryan, a 1994 graduate of Saint Michaels's College. Ryan is certain to bring his passion and playing experience to help guide the Gulls in the 2007-08 campaign. Also, Goalie Coach Derek Armand will be looked upon to help coach the already talented Provost and Murray.

The season begins for the Gulls tomorrow night at the Pingree School in Hamilton MA at 7:00pm where the Gulls will take on the Boston Jr. Blackhawks.