By USA Junior Hockey News
During the middle weekend of July, Boston Jr. Rangers general manager and head coach Mario Martiniello was all over Massachusetts.
The Rangers had one team in the Senior Chowder Cup in three southeastern Massachusetts towns. They had another the same weekend in the Eastern Junior Summer Showcase at the six-rink New England Sports Center in Marlborough. Both teams competed under the name Super Skills Hockey.
“We had our guys split, with Eastern Hockey League and Metropolitan Junior League guys on each team,” said Martiniello. “I was at the Chowder Cup for one game and then at the EJ Showcase for two other games. The guys are already getting to the point of starting to compete for spots and jobs. We have a lot of depth.”
He’s looking forward to the contributions this coming season from former New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Empire League) Nate Philbrick and Michael Bears. Both played for the Rangers team in the EJHL Summer Showcase.
Philbrick, a ’94 from Henniker, N.H., scored 12 points in 26 games and Bears had 24 points, playing all 40 regular season games for the Monarchs. He is a ’94 from Londonderry, N.H.
“The two of them moved the puck very well. Nate has a nice touch around the net. He had [three] goals this weekend and did a nice job,” said Martiniello. “Michael did a nice job moving the puck. He was a pleasant surprise.
“[Philbrick and Bears] have an opportunity to play now for our EHL team, at a higher level, and they look good,” Martiniello added.
Another newcomer that impressed Martiniello at the EJ Showcase was Garritt Otten, a Suwanee, Ga., resident who scored 19 goals and 40 points in 42 Met League games last year for the Laconia (now New Hampshire) Lakers and the Northern Cyclones.
“He looked really good. He’s got size, 6-feet-5-inches and 210 pounds, and he can skate and hold the puck well,” said Martiniello.
Returning players Chris Hinrichs and Tyler Theodoulou also put up good performances over the weekend.
“Chris is rock solid on defense and he’ll have a strong season,” said Martiniello. “Tyler is one of those players who is just really good.”
Rangers players report for camp on Aug. 26 and ice sessions begin Aug. 27. The following weekend, the Rangers will hold a scrimmage series against the Connecticut Wolfpack.
“We’ll split up into the two teams after that,” said Martiniello.
