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Danvers Boys Ice Hockey Preview

Last year's record: 9-7-5 (lost to Gloucester, 4-1, in Division 2 North first round)

Coach: Kevin Brown (2nd year, 9-7-5)

Key returnees: Pat O'Kane, Sr. G (8-7-5, 2.57 GAA); Steve Kontos, Sr. LW (14-8-22); Jake Korthas, Sr. D (3-10-13); Jay Sabino, Sr. RW (4-1-5); John Curran, Sr. C (1-3-4); Troy Thibodeau, Jr. C (1-3-4); Colin Cooper, Jr. C/W (2-2-4); D.J. Yost, Soph. F (0-3-3); Brett Spencer, Sr. D (2-1-3); Dylan Carr, Jr. D (0-1-1).

Key departures: Matt Conway, C; Nick Steele, D; Brett Fravel, RW; Kevin Poor, C.

New faces: Kyle Larson, Fr. RW; Brandon Kelly, Soph. W; Jason Carruci, Soph. W; Chris Kontos, Soph. W.

Captains: Jake Korthas, Steve Kontos and Pat O'Kane

They're all set with: Depth and defense. Led by O'Kane and six defensemen with varsity experience, the Falcons should be solid in their own end of the ice. There are also some depth forwards waiting to break out offensively this winter. They need help with: Scoring punch. Steve Kontos is the only forward who hit double digits in points a year ago; players who will be skating first and second line minutes need to step up and follow suit.

Coach's outlook: "The players and coaches have high expectations. How we do depends on how the team jells together. So far, we're doing very well in that department."