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Sports Spotlight: Hockey During Covid Is Still a Cool Sport

Jan 28, 2021 06:00AM ● By Pamela Johnson
As we all know, Covid-19 has made things difficult for everybody. It has become the new normal for everyone, but still it is new in the world of sports for some of us, including the Bellingham hockey team. Bellingham players didn’t start practicing until December 14th; BMR players started not long after. This year Bellingham has added Millis to their co-op with BMR, which will definitely help steady the numbers.

The team suffered a loss in their first game against Medway on Jan. 6th. Coach Joe Robidoux explained, “With Covid precautions in place, the team dynamics, chemistry, and bonding have been difficult, especially for new players. The players, coaches, and Mr. Connor are doing a great job making the best out of a tough situation, while focusing on health and safety.”
Returning players to watch for are senior captains Brad Swain and Thomas Mailhot. Senior forwards Roger Belanger and Ethan Larkin, both from BMR, provide veteran play, as well as junior Delacey Atkinson (Millis). The defense is anchored by assistant captain Brennan McCann and John Todd. Junior goaltenders Connor Henchey and Shawn Rafus (BMR), are looking solid in the net.

Robidoux said, “The rookies are looking great and are adapting well to the program. With the reduced schedule, they are looking to make the most of every game and consider every day on the ice a privilege.”
 

Basketball’s Vicissitude: Overcoming Losses in a Short Season

The basketball season has been shortened to 10 games. Every team in the Tri-Valley League Small division plays two times in a row (home and away) to make contact tracing easier.  
Unfortunately, the team got off to a slow start, 0-3 in their first three games. They lost the opening game against Medway 61-37. Tate Pike led in scoring with 13 points, and Aiden Campellone contributed 10.

Two days later, they suffered a loss against Medway 43-37. Tate Pike scored 16 points, Richard Laroche 7 points, and freshman Ross Priscella 6 points. Coach TJ Chiappone said, “We showed great improvement from the first game, but we missed an open shot to take the lead with a minute left and had a late turnover that sealed the game for Medway.”

BHS lost game 3 versus Norton 49-42. Again, Tate Pike was the leading scorer with 14 points. Lucas Drons scored 10 points, while Richard Laroche and Aiden Campellone added 7 points apiece. The game was tied at 42 with 1:45 remaining in the game. Norton made a tough three-pointer and played outstanding defense to pull out the win.
Bellingham has struggled from the foul line in their last two games, going 3-10 against Medway and 5-14 against Norton. 

Tate Pike returns for his senior season after being a Tri-Valley League all-star in his sophomore and junior years. He will be relied on for his scoring, rebounding and leadership. He is co-captain with fellow senior Daniel Cavossa.  Cavossa will be counted on for his defense and rebounding. Lucas Drons and Aiden Campellone are also returning seniors. Lucas is a defensive stopper, and Aiden will take over point guard duties. Sam Hildred and Justin Seyffert are both first-year seniors who will provide depth off the bench. Junior forward Richard Laroche will join Pike, Cavossa, Drons, and Campellone in the starting lineup since he is a reliable scorer and rebounder. Other juniors who will contribute off the bench are Reed Jean-Louis, Cole Pike, and Patrick Randazzo. Freshman Ross Priscella will play significant minutes as the backup point guard.

Chiappone is thankful for this season, short as it is. He notes that “the coaching staff is impressed with the effort of the team so far this season. We are working hard in practice and continue to improve every day. Our senior leadership has been tremendous, and we are proud of our guys. In addition, we are fortunate to be playing games in a pandemic, and we are grateful to our School Administrators for making an abbreviated season happen.”
 

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A quick note from Bellingham Athletic Director Michael Connor: “I would like to extend a huge thank-you to our parent and student-athlete population for complying with Covid guidelines. It’s not easy, but everyone is making the best of a tough situation.”
As always, athletic sign-ups are ongoing via FamilyID. If you would like to sign up for an athletic offering, please visit www.familyid.com.
In-Print, Community, Life+Leisure, Sports, Schools bellingham blackhawks Sports Spotlight In the February 2021 Print Edition

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