Kwatcher: BHS Six to Rely on a Competitive Nature

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Bulletin Sports Writer

Brad Kwatcher’s second year as head coach of Bellingham High’s ice hockey team should be better than his rookie season that left the Blackhawks with a 1-17-2 record. An assistant for five years at BHS, Kwatcher knows the learning curve won’t be as steep.

“I was an inexperienced head coach last year,’’ he said. “It took time to get the right kids into the right positions. And, when you’re an assistant, you rarely deal with referees, the school, the boosters and parents. I now have a better idea of what to expect. Practice plans will be more organized, and both the players and I are more familiar with each other.

Seven seniors, five of whom were starters, have graduated but the 2022-23 squad has some noteworthy strengths. 

“Our work ethic is good,’’ Kwatcher said. “Our technique and skills are decent, but we still need to improve. We’ve got speed and quickness, and our defensemen and forwards have experience.’’

The 39-year-old Bellingham native has set three goals for his squad, and he firmly believes they’re realistic. “We want to develop solid team chemistry, be competitive in the Tri Valley League Small Division and qualify for the state tourney,’’ said Kwatcher, who started for BHS for four years on defense.

The last time a Blackhawks’ sextet competed in the playoffs was in 2014 when coach Ken Bertoni’s team was eliminated by Dartmouth. The new playoff format, which gives weight to strength of schedule and margin of wins/losses could be a factor this season.

What will definitely be a factor is Kwatcher’s leadership team that consists of co-captains Liam Keating (senior forward) and Ayden Guilmain (junior forward) and assistant captains Jack Baker (junior forward) and Brady Pelletier (junior defenseman). 

“Liam is a strong skater who’s got a high hockey IQ,’’ Kwatcher said. “He’s quick, aggressive, and has a good shot. Ayden’s hockey IQ also is high. He knows the game, is well-skilled, and can shoot. We’re looking for Liam and Ayden to provide offense.’’

The assistant captains are capable skaters who are key parts of the Blackhawks’ nucleus. “Jack is a team-first player who works hard, is fast and aggressive,’’ Kwatcher said. A play-making forward, he passes effectively. Brady is versatile, able to play either forward or defense. He’s aggressive when needed, and he’s a stand-up defenseman who’s got good instincts.’’

Two sophomores and a junior are playing on a line that should get results. Junior Sean Brown is at right wing, sophomore Nathan Gervais is on the left side and sophomore Colin Sherman plays center.

“Sean is tough in the corners,’’ Kwatcher said. “His aggressive style will create opportunities. He’s quick, works hard and has a good hockey IQ. Nathan is a good skater, has strong hands and a hard shot, and he maintains puck control. Colin is effective on faceoffs, gets position and keeps it. His hockey IQ is high and he’s aggressive, able to take a hit.’’

Freshmen Connor Reilly and Max Henchey and sophomore Jack Pirrong join Pelletier, giving Kwatcher a young but capable defensive corps.

“Connor relies on intelligence and instincts,’’ Kwatcher noted. “A phenomenal skater, he’s small, but he can hit and also take a hit. Jack has good size and a strong shot. His work ethic is an asset. Max is in his first year as a starter, and I expect good things. He rushes the puck well and can stop an opponent at the blue line.’’

Freshman goalie Liam Gregg, who was on the squad last year as an eighth grader, watched as seniors Connor Henchey and Shawn Rafus alternated in goal. This year, the job is Gregg’s, and Kwatcher likes what he brings to the table. “Liam is sound technically, has good skills, and is instinctive and quick,’’ said Kwatcher. “He’ll improve once he gets more game experience.’’

The Blackhawks are basically a co-op team, able to get players from Blackstone-Millville and Millis. Gregg is from Millis and Guilmain and Gervais hail from BMR.

Kwatcher’s on-ice style will be deliberate. “We’ll dump the puck into our opponents’ zone, then forecheck and try to score,’’ Kwatcher offered. “It’s not a race to the puck, but it’s a more controlled attack.’’

Kwatcher’s competitive philosophy focuses on reaching one’s potential and having fun in athletics, where “winning will be the by-product,’’ he emphasized, adding “life lessons I hope our players learn from sports are how to be a good teammate and have a sense of family. Players can also learn accountability, how to lead and how to overcome adversity.’’

Kwatcher, a 2003 BHS graduate, started playing hockey as a seven-year-old in a youth league. He played for the Tri Valley Indians and later was on Bellingham’s varsity as an eighth grader. Kwatcher is in his 17th year as a firefighter, currently in Bellingham, where he’s a lieutenant. He and his wife Marina reside in Blackstone.

Brendan Park, a former BHS player, is Kwatcher’s varsity assistant. 

Kwatcher is eager to reverse Bellingham’s hockey fortunes. The last eight years have been sub-.500 campaigns. “We need to retain our hometown players and we need to establish a winning culture again,’’ he said. At the Bulletin deadline, the Blackhawks were 0-1, losing their opener to Norton, 6-2.

Brad Kwatcher isn’t making any guarantees about this season, but he expects to field a more competitive team in his sophomore season at the helm.