It's a new era for the Knights hockey program with new head coach Flip Collins at the helm. But O'Connell hockey players didn't have to wait until winter to see what might be in store for the new team.
Last week, Coach Collins and his staff led 37 O'Connell players through a grueling three-day camp at the Ashburn Ice House in Ashburn, Va.
Led by seniors James Klein (Reston, Va.), Bogdan Dragacevac (Rockville, Md.) and Nicholas Blanchfield-Felice (Oakton, Va.), the Knights participated in news drills and conditioning sessions both on and off the ice. Juniors Luke Collins (Vienna, Va.), Tommy Meaux (Fairfax, Va.) and David Ahlstrom (Herndon, Va.) showed tremendous skill and scoring touch. Sophomores Robert Burnham (Arlington Va.) and Matt Klein (Reston, Va.), and freshman Zach Cosgrove (Fairfax) pushed the upperclassmen with high energy and positive attitudes. Goalies Pierce Douglas (a junior from Vienna, Va.) and Zach Hales (a sophomore from Sterling, Va.) provided much need strength between the pipes.
The mini-camp gave the players an opportunity to gel as a team and to familiarize themselves with the new coaching staff and team culture.
“I was impressed with the energy level and motivation of these players and feel extremely fortunate to be working with them," said Coach Collins. "Bishop O'Connell provides these talented students with a great education, and together we are building an unrivaled hockey experience."
A special thanks goes out to players from the Ashburn Xtreme Hockey Program who also attend and provided a great atmosphere and spirited competition.
Photo: Tommy Meaux (#8) drives to the net during one of the mini-camp scrimmages.