Conner Delaney ’17, Matt Freese ’17: A closely knit trio, Wills Singley ‘14, Drew DeBacco ‘14, and Grant Regillo ‘14, Episcopal’s Ice Hockey captains, have played together for the past six years. The group first met on the ice their sixth grade year, and it is a result of this longstanding relationship that, as Regillo asserted, “We know exactly what is going to happen. We know where each other is going to be and it works out really well.”
Indeed, in all aspects of the game it is evident that the group has a special and successful connection. During last season’s campaign, DeBacco had 23 goals and 29 assists, and Regillo had 21 goals and 18 assists, with most of the assists going to the other. DeBacco emphasized the point saying, “In the last game, we both had six points each. [Regillo] had five goals and one assist, and I had one goal and five assists, and all of our assists were to each other.” This incredible bond on offense, coupled with Singley, recently returning from multiple serious injuries, on defense will be vital as the Churchmen as they seek an IHL league title.
Photo Courtesy of Drew DeBacco ’14
Singley is excited to be back with the team, having sat out all of his junior season – a task that hurt both him and the team significantly. After finally being cleared to play again, Singley had this to say: “It feels really good to be back. I had to watch an entire season of my friends competing and sweating without me. And as a senior it’s your last year, and I’ve been waiting especially long to get here so there are things I want to do this season for missing last season. I tore my shoulder, and broke my hand, and lost a knuckle, since the last time I played Episcopal ice hockey.”
Photo Courtesy of Grant Regillo ’14
Another unique aspect of the hockey team is that it is an off-campus sport. A typical week has the following schedule: Monday – on-ice practice at the Skatium, Tuesday – either a game or off-ice practice consisting of lifting or conditioning, Wednesday – on-ice practice at the Skatium, Thursday – off-ice practice (or occasionally a game). Friday – either a game or a day off to rest.
This season will be extra special because the team will be honoring Paul Pratt, in addition to their former coach, Marc Mandeville. The team will host this memorial game against the Haverford School on Jan. 31 at 5:00. The night will feature some reflective words from Joe Pratt, Kimberly Pratt, and Andrew Stone ’14 and the dropping of the puck by Joe Pratt.e dropping of the puck by Mr. Pratt.