Spotlight: Men’s Hockey Season Wrap-Up Interview

After a long preseason period that saw the team come together both on and off the ice, spirits were high for a positive season. After two rough losses to Assumption and Anne Maria, the team secured their first win against UMass-Dartmouth. The Lancers played a very high pace style of hockey which saw them average 3.4 goals and more than 30 shots per game. Two players that helped the team the most when it came to goal scoring were upperclassmen, Mikey Wilson and Brendan Ronan. Both hit the double-digit mark when it came to goals and assists on the season. The duo assisted each other 12 times and played some wonderful hockey together. This pair along with the rest of the Lancers team played excellently at home. Recording an 8-4 record which included a playoff victory against a tough Salem State team.

In the build-up to the playoff match against Salem State, there were a number of cancellations due to inclement weather and travel advisories. The snow did not stop the game and eventually, the Lancers played in the semifinal match. The Lancers were facing a 1-goal deficit (3-2 scoreline) entering the final period but managed to find their way back into the match scoring two goals within a 3-minute time frame. A trip to the finals was all but secured until Salem State scored a last-minute goal to tie things up and send it to overtime. This change in momentum would have startled a team less experienced but this Lancers team were not phased at all. Within 39 seconds the Lancers managed to find the back of the net and claim the victory and a trip to Plymouth State for the MASCAC Finals. The Lancers in this clash had 5 different goal scorers which highlighted the team's depth and team approach to the game. In net, Jakub Kubik recorded 28 saves, which was a little shy of his season high of 39 but it was still a respectable performance from the Czech standout. 

This season saw the Lancers break the ten-win mark in the MASCAC and play some of the best hockey this program has seen in a while. A championship would have been something that would cap off a great season. Unfortunately, it was not in the cards for this season. The Lancers left the ice with a finalist trophy with the scoreline reading Plymouth 5, Lancers 2.

 In this wrap-up interview, Senior leaders Mikey Wilson (Alexandria, VA) and Brendan Ronan (Saugus, MA) along with sophomore Jakub Kubik (Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic) provide some thoughts on the season and the team..

Questions:

Throughout your Hockey Career, what was the moment you realized you had aspirations to play in college? 

Mikey Wilson: Throughout my hockey career I didn't know I wanted to play College hockey until I started junior hockey with the Springfield Pics. I quickly realized that it was the best decision for me to get a college degree while playing the sport I love. 

How would you describe the recruiting process for you and your family? 

Brendan Ronan:  My recruiting process was really exciting. I had always dreamed of playing college hockey and when you’re being recruited you start to realize that could become a reality. My family has always been supportive of my goals so it was an exciting time for all of us. Coach Coughlin is such a great guy and our relationship made me feel like Worcester State would be a perfect fit for me.

How did you approach the offseason this year and what were your goals and do you feel like you achieved them?

Mike Wilson: Last year we could see that we were all moving in the right direction to win a national championship but we came up short. This year, I had the approach of getting better at scoring to help the team produce more in where we felt we lacked the past season. 

When was a moment that you realized this team had the potential to make a significant run to potentially win a title? 

Brendan Ronan: I knew coming into the season we had the potential to win a title but I would say right before Christmas break we played a great game against Westfield at the DCU Center and it felt like everything was starting to click. We came back from break playing really well so I think that was a turning point for us.

What’s something about the American College experience that was a bit of a culture shock? 

Jakub Kubik: Perhaps the biggest change for me was the style of teaching, where American students are often expected to participate in class discussions and ask questions, whereas in the Czech Republic students are more passive in class.

I also really like the campus culture with many activities and events organized by student groups and clubs. In contrast, in the Czech Republic, universities focus more on academic studies than extracurricular activities.

Who is someone that you would like to thank for their impact on your hockey career?

Brendan Ronan: There’s so many people I could name but I would like to thank my parents. I wouldn’t be playing hockey without all the hard work and sacrifices they made. 

Mikey Wilson: I would like to thank my parents for helping me throughout my hockey career. All of my successes are a result of them. Would like to thank them for all the hard work they have done so that I can play college hockey. 

What is your favorite memory from this season that most people would not assume would be of any significance? 

Jakub Kubik: There are a couple favorite memories from this season. First one is when we finished second in our division, which no one in the history of WSU men's hockey has ever done, and the second favorite memory is the MASCAC Championship game in a sold out arena in Plymouth.

With this being both of your last years are there any of the underclassmen who really surprised you throughout the season?

Brendan Ronan: We are very fortunate to have a deep team with a lot of underclassmen contributing to our success. There were no surprises but our freshmen Shane and Anders were great as well as Jakub who had an awesome season. 

Mikey Wilson: We had a talented team this year and we had many people that played outstanding. I think Shane Prifrel, Anders Grongstad and Marti Dlugoninsky had a great season making big plays and timely goals for the team. 

Are there any upperclassmen in particular who really helped in your development as a player?

Jakub Kubik: I could list a lot of them... I think all upperclassmen sold and still sell me a lot of useful advice and experience

How would you describe the overall college hockey experience to anyone who has dreams of playing at any level? 

Mikey Wilson: I would describe the overall college hockey experience as the best time of my life. You have the opportunity to get a college education, meet new people and play the sport you love. The competition level is very high and will push you to become your best. 

Favorite goal this season?

Brendan Ronan: I scored an empty net goal against Fitchburg to clinch our first round bye and I have never heard the WIC so loud in my career. It was a huge game for our team and it was senior night so that was a great moment.

Now is the time for a little fun:

Who is most likely to have a terrible excuse for being late to practice? 

Mikey Wilson: Unfortunately, I would have to say my linemate Anders Grongstad.

Who would make a good lawyer on the team?

Jakub Kubik: Drew Eid

Could win a talent show and why? 

Brendan Ronan: I might be able to. If I did it would probably be for impersonations. People tell me they’re pretty spot on and they get a good laugh out of them.

Which coach do you think could still lace up the skates and do well in a match?

Mikey Wilson: I think Coach Feeley could still play well in a game. I've seen him do some pretty smooth moves in practice. 

Which away fans were the worst when it came to chirping at you?

Jakub Kubik: Definitely Plymouth fans were the worst. They always had a good amount of fans in the stands and every time there was someone shouting at me.

You had to do Survival with a teammate. Which one are you picking and why? 

Brendan Ronan: Honestly probably Anders Grongstad. He’s an expert on every subject. Seems like the kind of guy to know random plants that are edible and how to make fire out of anything. 

What's one American dish that you don’t understand why people like it?

Jakub Kubik: Chicken and waffles for sure

With that last question that concludes this interview. I would like to thank all of those who contributed to this article. Once again this is Malcom Hawkins with your indepth season recap.