Five questions with Whittier Tech’s Wes Ackerman
Hi Wes, before we start talking about hockey, we need to talk about football for a minute. What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday? Who do you think will win, and who do you predict will be the game’s MVP?
I plan to watch the Super Bowl at home with my family. I think the Patriots will win the game, and Drake Maye will get the MVP.
Now to hockey. You are an assistant captain and play center on the Whittier Tech/Amesbury co-op team. What’s the team chemistry like with players coming from different towns?
Regardless of the different cities, the team’s chemistry is 100 percent there, just like every other team, if not better.
Last year’s team advanced to the Division 2 state quarterfinals. Was that a surprise to you, especially scoring a hat trick in the win against Walpole and then beating Boston Latin?
I was not surprised when we advanced to the quarterfinals last season, as we had the team to do so. That was the first hat trick of my career. It was a huge, must-win game, so I left it all out there.
Right now, the team is 9-7 and needs one more win to qualify for the tournament again. What’s the feeling with this year’s team and making another deep tournament run?
I have a good feeling about this year’s playoff run. Being here for four years, the team has really come together. Like always, we will bring it together for the playoffs.
You reside in Haverhill. Have you always lived there? Tell us about your family. Any other hockey players?
I have lived in Haverhill my whole life with my mom, dad, two brothers, and a sister. My older brother Darren played at Haverhill High and he and my dad play in a men’s league. My younger brother Troy is 13 and he is playing with the Haverhill-Pentucket Thunder.
Breakouts Blue and Gold through and through
Andover High senior defenseman Jacob Santagati has excelled on and off the ice.
“He eats minutes as well as blocks shots. He embodies leadership without needing a letter on his jersey and keeps everyone accountable,” said interim head coach Peter Loring. “The kid has Blue-and-Gold running through his blood. He is so dedicated to the town, the school community, and our program. Jacob has an extraordinarily high social IQ and knows how to foster healthy relationships and push everyone to be their best.”
Byron finishing strong
Central Catholic senior captain Kyle Byron has come a long way over his three years on the varsity club. He has seven goals and has helped the Raiders double their win total from last year, but head coach DJ Conte said it’s much more than that.
“He has never been one of the flashiest guys on the ice, but when given instruction, his buy-in is always 110 percent. He has worked incredibly hard over the last three years on varsity to become one of our most effective two-way players. He leads by example both on and off the ice, and it has been fun watching him excel in his final year.”
Reaching an impressive milestone
On Wednesday night, Haverhill High senior goalie Max Boyer registered his 1,500th career save in a win over Easthampton.
“Max was the only goalie for the last two seasons, and he saw a lot of shots,” said head coach Adam Hurrell. “He was there for the team for the wins and losses. There was always concern about injury with only one goalie. Max was a trooper. This season, we have two senior goalies. Max wasn’t used to splitting time, so it was an adjustment, but he handled it very well. He has played well for his team and city.”
Ranger defensemen getting offensive
Methuen is enjoying another successful season, and lately the team’s defensemen have been getting on the scoresheet … often. Over the past four games, the Rangers have scored 15 goals, and nine have come from the defensemen. Sean Morris has been on a complete tear of late with five tallies, and Zach Herland has three.
There’s hot, and then there’s Zach Steely
Back in December, the Eagle-Tribune featured Zack Steely after he dominated the Methuen Christmas Tournament. Well, he hasn’t stopped dominating. In two wins last week, he combined to score five goals and added an assist. He scored two goals against Waltham and three against Newton South.
“Zack, our senior captain, has really started to lead our program and help carry our team into a great position as we head into the home stretch,” said head coach Ben Murphy. “The best part for us as a staff is watching him continue to grow as a leader and a young man who pushes himself and his teammates to be better every day.”
Before Wednesday night, Steeley had nine goals, and he added two more goals in a non-league win over Pentucket Regional.
Moving ahead of the line
The Whittier Tech/Amesbury co-op team is off to a strong 9-7 record. Freshman Ryan Franz has been an important part of the team’s success.
“He began the season as our number seven or eight defensemen and has worked his way up to our number four guy,” said head coach Steve Costa. “He’s playing against some of the top forward lines and doing a great job.”
New Hampshire Third year a charm for Barbarossa
Pinkerton Academy junior forward John Barbarossa is in his third season with the varsity club and has taken a huge leap forward. On the ice he leads the team in scoring with five goals and 10 assists.
“He’s a leader both on and off of the ice; he always acts as a role model for all of his teammates,” said head coach Jon Chabot. “He’s simply a positive and welcoming member of our community, which is hugely appreciated. He’s an archetypal captain.”
Thompson continues to soar
Salem High freshman forward Hunter Thompson continues to dazzle. In just 12 games, he has 11 goals and 12 assists.
“He’s also stepped in on defense when needed and plays the game the right way — hard and smart,” said head coach Peter DeMarino.
Not just a pitcher
Windham High senior Josh Martino, who is coming off a terrific season as a pitcher for the baseball team, has excelled on the blue line for the Jaguars. In ten games, he has four goals and eight assists.