McQuaid varsity hockey season is here. With the first two games underway, here is a preview of last season and this upcoming season.

Last season, the Knights finished with a 15-3-1 record and a loss to Penfield in the Section V semi-finals. With the loss of nine seniors, McQuaid hockey has a lot to prove this year.

Last season, then sophomore David (Bubba) Battisti and senior Connor Pulli split time in goal. With Connor graduating last year, David is expected to be the main guy in goal. Other returners to watch are senior Zach Lee (Forward), junior Luke Masaschi (Defense), senior Charlie Merkley (Defense), and senior Quinn Tata (Defense).

All this aside, what do the Knights exactly need to do to ensure that they bring it home this season?

“You need to act as a leader to help anchor the team to a championship,” said starting goalie David Battisti.

“They need to come out with the same mentality everyday. Ready to compete, have fun and achieve the same goal. The goal is decided as a team,” assistant coach Joe Dugan said.

The teams to look out for this season are Fairport, Pittsford, Penfield, Victor, Messena, Syracuse, St. Joe’s and Williamsville North, a team McQuaid beat on opening weekend.

History teacher and parent of senior forward Justin Rosedale has some ideas about how McQuaid can beat the rest of the teams.

“We need to play as a team and pass the puck,” Mr. Rosedale said.

David Battisti believes they need to “compete every night, play physical.”

All the regular season talk is great, but what are the chances of bringing home the brick and a potential state plaque?

“This team has a good shot at winning sectionals if they can stay motivated and work as a team. If they win sectionals, then anything is possible when it comes to the state tournament,” said Mr. Rosedale.

“They do not want to come in too cocky but want to come in confident in the team’s chances,” David Battisti added.

The knights are 3-0 to start the season with a game at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Rochester Ice Center (formerly Thomas Creek) against Canisius. Come out and support your hockey knights.