When hockey players go through scoring slumps, it sometimes forces bad habits, like holding the stick too tight, playing out of position, or trying to do too much.
Central Catholic senior forward Andrew Seamans knows all about that.
Last year, the Raiders were held to one goal or less in 12 games, resulting in just four wins.
He, like the other forwards, felt snakebitten, and the pressure to score kept mounting.
“I wasn’t contributing (in the neutral and defensive zones),” he admitted. “I guess I was just being offensive-minded. I’ve been a goal scorer and a play-maker my whole life. Last year, we didn’t score much, so I felt pressure, along with those upperclassmen, to score more.”
Over the last few weeks, his mindset has changed. Seamans is now playing a more complete game, concentrating just as hard in all three zones – all 200 feet – which has resulted in more goals and more team wins.
After scoring seven goals in 22 games last year, the 5-foot-6, 155-pound center has scored eight goals in ten games, while helping the Raiders already surpass last year’s win total at 5-5.
“Andrew has always had great offensive instincts, but we have been working on a more complete game,” said head coach DJ Conte. “Andrew has learned that playing with a grittier style and focusing on the defensive zone first will eventually lead to more offensive opportunities. It is great to see his hard work, coachability, and commitment start to shine through in his senior year.”
Seamans said part of his success has been the team’s hunger to have a better season. He also credits his linemates Colton Bamberg and Kyle Byron.
“It’s been chemistry with my linemates. I also feel like it’s because of everyone on the team. We just seem to be playing a more solid all-around game this year,” said the Atkinson, N.H., resident. “Everyone is contributing; other forwards are getting down in the offensive zone and scoring.”
He fully admitted that he’s learned a valuable lesson over the last few weeks.
“At the start of the season, I was more focused on just getting into the offensive zone, as I’ve always been more of an offensive zone guy,” said Seamans. “Recently, though, I feel like my defensive zone coverage and play have been much better. My passes in the defensive zone and being able to break the puck out better have come along.”
Besides three straight shutouts against the No. 8-ranked Pope Francis, the No. 10-ranked ArchBishop Williams, and the No. 19 ranked BC High, Central has a 5-2 record against the rest of their opponents, outscoring those teams 24-14.
“We had one rough patch where we didn’t score for three straight games; besides that, I feel like we have been able to get on the board,” said Seamans. “We have been scoring a lot more than we did last year. As a team, we just want it more than we did at this point last year, and we want to bounce back more.”
“Last year, we lost a lot of close games. Losing in double-overtime to Xaverian in the playoffs really stunk,” added Seamans. “We all felt that pain, everyone in the locker room did. We’re trying this year to be better than that. I’m just happy that the team is doing better. We feel that we can make a run. We have a lot of confidence and chemistry among everyone.”