Name: Crew Monaco
Age: 17
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 180 lbs.
High School: Marblehead
Year in school: Senior
Position: Left Wing
What type of skates, stick and helmet do you use?: I use the CCM Trigger 9 stick. I’ve always loved the CCM sticks, everything about them. I use Bauer helmet and skates and love the way both of them feel.
Have you been watching the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, and what do you think of it?: Yes, I have been. The USA vs. Canada game last Saturday night was something special; it was some of the best hockey I’ve ever watched. Hopefully they continue to do this.
Is there a story behind your first name, Crew?: My parents got it from a friend of theirs. They had other options for names, but they loved ‘Crew’ so it stuck.
Who has the best hair on the Headers?: I’d say London McDonald. His hair is definitely natural — but not any more since everyone on the team got buzzcuts for the playoffs.
What has been the most difficult thing about being the defending Division 3 state champions this season?: It’s been to just kind of flush out last year and focus on this season, because it’s a new team and a new year. I feel we’ve done a good job at finding this year’s identity, though — with a lot more to prove.
Which part of your game do you feel like you’ve improved the most in from last season?: I think I’ve gotten a lot better at finding ways to score and assist my teammates, which helps my confidence improve because of that.
Would you rather travel back in time or be able to go ahead and see what the future holds?: That’s a hard question. I think everything happens for a reason, so I wouldn’t really go back to the past. But the future would be cool to see, even though I’d want it to be a surprise to see what happens in life.
What is your earliest memory of watching Marblehead High hockey?: I forgot who they played, but Marblehead was making a playoff run in one of the seasons after their 2011 (state championship) run and they made it to Stoneham Arena and lost.
Who is a musical artist that you love, but not enough people know about?: I know a lot of people listen to his music, but Chris Stapleton is one of my favorite artists. I’m a huge fan of his music and I like country music, too.
You’ve been given enough money to buy any three hockey jerseys that you want. Which ones are you buying?: I’d want a Patrick Kane USA jersey, and old Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby jersey, and maybe a Henrik Lundquist jersey.
Describe your favorite high school goal that you’ve scored: I’d have to say maybe the game-winner against Masconomet last year at home we were down 4-1 going into the third and eventually won, 5-4, against a rival.
What will it take for Marblehead to win back-to-back state titles?: We have all the tools and skill to get back to our goal, but it takes one game at a time. You can’t look ahead, but have to focus on the little details that make such a big difference in big-time games. If we limit our mistakes and continue to get better each game, the sky’s the limit for our team.
— As told to Phil Stacey