Brooke Federice, Sports Reporter
19 February, 2024
In the heart of the hockey season, the Rye Town/Harrison Titans Hockey Team stands tall with determination. In an interview with Titans players Messier Mollica (#21) and Billy Villanova (#10), they discuss their success and the trials they’ve faced on their journey to winning their section.
Their prowess on the ice mirrors the Titans’ stellar record this season, boasting an impressive 14-1-1 standing. But what fuels this winning streak? According to Villanova, it’s all about chemistry. “We’ve been working really well together,” he explains. “We even have a bonding dinner each week.” Mollica echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in their success.
Yet, every journey has its obstacles. Villanova admits that the team can be tough on each other, striving for perfection in every play. Mollica points to the challenges of facing biased referees and the struggle to find the net in tight games. These trials only serve to strengthen the team, driving them to push harder and play smarter.
When it comes to strengths and weaknesses, the Titans know where they shine and where they need to improve. “Our power play and penalty kill are solid,” Villanova remarks, “but sometimes we stick handle too much.” Mollica agrees, citing their aggressive forecheck as another asset, while acknowledging room for growth in their breakout and defensive zone play.
Looking ahead, the Titans have their sights set on the ultimate prize: Victory in the league and states, Villanova declares. Mollica shares this ambition, emphasizing the importance of finishing strong and making their mark on the state stage.
As the Titans continue to carve their path through the ice, they prove that with skill and teamwork no challenge is too great to overcome. With their eyes fixed on going to states, they are ready to conquer whatever obstacles lie ahead.