With an influx of returning starters and playmakers at virtually every position, the New Canaan Rams varsity lacrosse team enters the 2014 season primed to defend their back-to-back FCIAC titles and make a run at the school’s first state championship since 2003. With multiple weapons at his disposal and talent to spare, second-year head coach Chip Buzzeo can hardly wait to get the season underway.
“From top to bottom we’re better than we were last year, and last year was an incredible team,” Buzzeo told NewCanaanite.com. “But some guys grew up. Some guys got bigger, stronger, faster. We just have a great young group that complements our older guys very well.”
The Rams will be led in 2014 by their quartet of senior captains: attackman Harry Stanton, midfielder Ted Bossidy, long-stick midfielder Seth Neeleman and goalie Trent Nader.
New Canaan lacrosse captains (l-r) Harry Stanton, Seth Neeleman, Trent Nader and Teddy Bossidy.” credit=”Terry Dinan
“All four have unique characteristics, but together they’re a great group,” Buzzeo said. “Trent is very calm off the field, but on the field he’s tenacious as hell. He’s a true competitor and keeps us in every game. Seth Neeleman and Ted Bossidy are probably our most vocal leaders on and off the field. They do all the little things right, which seniors and leaders should do. Harry Stanton is one of the best competitors I’ve ever come across. When the game is on the line he likes to put the team on his back.”
In what should be an extremely competitive FCIAC with perennial powers Wilton, Greenwich and Darien looming, it’s possible Stanton will need to be relied upon as he was so many times last season, when New Canaan rolled to the conference title only to be stunned by Joel Barlow in the Class M state semifinals. For Buzzeo and the Rams, the sense of unfinished business looms large.
“We know that it’s going to be an incredible fight, because there are some very, very talented teams not only in our conference but in the state of Connecticut,” Buzzeo said. “It should be a challenge on a weekly basis, and we’re ready for it.”
Joining Stanton in the offensive zone will be juniors Michael Kraus and Justin Meichner, making up one of the most dangerous attack squads in recent history, despite losing 2013 All-American captain Puck Richardson to graduation. Buzzeo is particularly excited about the emergence of Meichner, who played behind Richrdson last season.
“I think Justin is going to shock the hell out of people and show how good he is,” Buzzeo said. “I think we have the number one attack unit in the state of Connecticut, and I’ll say that all year long.”
The Rams will also feature a strong defensive team, coming off a year where they gave up the least amount of goals in 39 years. Despite losing three key 2013 seniors–John Rhudy, Thomas Costigan and Eric Persky–junior defenseman Frank Cognetta will help lead the way in 2014. Along with senior Carson Armstrong and junior Logan Hart, the New Canaan defense should give opposing offenses a tough time getting shots on goal. Which takes us to Nader, who came of age last season in the FCIAC semifinal against Darien with several huge saves en route to a 5-3 win over the Blue Wave.
“Some people who know the people on our roster or think that we’re going to be weaker on defense because we lost three senior stars they’ll change mind quickly,” Buzzeo said.
Senior captain Teddy Bossidy in action last year against Darien.” credit=”Julie Bossidy
A key for New Canaan in 2014 will be the outcome of play between the 30’s. When one looks at the talent and depth in the Rams midfield, you have to be optimistic. With Bossidy and Neeleman at the helm, joined by the likes of senior Cole Turpin, junior Max Begoon and sophomore Kyle Smith, the Rams are incredibly deep and balanced. That said, Buzzeo specifically pinpoints two senior defense middies who will play a huge role in the Rams success – Jack Gilio and Graham Wagner.
New Canaan head coach Chip Buzzeo.” credit=”Terry Dinan
“It’s a position where they don’t score goals, they don’t show up in the scorebox, but they are our core,” Buzzeo said. “How well our team does depends on how well they do. They excelled at that role last year as juniors and were probably the reason we won the FCIAC championship. I expect them to have a great year.”
With all the pieces of the puzzle seemingly in place, it should be one heck of a ride for Buzzeo the Rams in 2014.
“Six-on-six I don’t think anyone can beat us either offensively or defensively,” Buzzeo told NewCanaanite.com. “Between the lines it’s anyone’s game, and if we lose the battles between the lines–face-offs, ground balls, wing play, creating transition–anybody can beat us. It’s definitely something that if we can perfect, we are going to be tough to beat.”
2014 Schedule (Home games in bold):
Wed, Apr 9th vs. Trumbull – 6:30pm
Sat, Apr 12th @ St. Anthony’s – 9:30am (@ Princeton University)
Tues, Apr 15th @ Wilton – 7:00pm
Thurs, Apr 17th vs. Westhill – 4:30pm
Sat, Apr 19th vs. Danbury – 11:00am
Tues, Apr 22nd @ Norwalk – 7:00pm
Thurs, Apr 24th vs. Ridgewood – 4:30pm
Sat, Apr 26th @ St. Joseph – 4:00pm
Thurs, May 1st @ Greenwich – 5:00pm
Sat, May 3rd @ Darien – 3:00pm
Tues, May 6th vs. Fairfield Ludlowe – 7:00pm
Thurs, May 8th vs. Trinity Catholic – 6:30pm (Senior Night)
Sat, May 10th @ Fairfield Warde – 12:00pm
Tues, May 13th vs. Joel Barlow – 4:30pm
Thurs, May 15th vs. Don Bosco Prep – 4:30pm
Sat, May 17th vs. Fairfield Prep – 4:00pm (40th Anniversary Celebration)