With the recent approval for the return of high-risk sports by the New York State Department of Health, basketball, ice hockey and wrestling can now compete across the state in their given sections.
All local health departments passed this approval, bringing the return of Section III hockey, specifically the restart of Oswego Buccaneers hockey at the Crisafulli Ice Rink.
On Feb. 2nd, a special board meeting was held for the Oswego City School District Board of Education approving the beginning of the Oswego Bucs winter sports season. Some of the varsity sports teams began practicing that week, with the players returning to the ice after months in limbo. Long time head coach Kevin Ahern emphasized the importance of following all safety protocols.
“We are going to follow every recommendation from the health department and the New York Public High School Athletic Association along with our school procedures,” Ahern said. “We are going to have our players arrive 15 minutes before practice, always with a mask, as well as [conducting] daily health screenings and temperature checks.”
An individual was recently appointed to the new position of COVID-19 director. This position will oversee changes regarding the virus and have constant communication with game day officials and upcoming opponents.
Last season, the Bucs finished 11-10 and lost in the opening round of the sectional playoffs against the Cortland-Homer Golden Eagles. Oswego had a five-game win streak during the middle of the season which featured a win against state ranked opponent Spencerport. Nine players from the squad have graduated, but Ahern said that the group can still take care of business this coming season.
“We graduated quite a bit, and I think we have a young team,” Ahern said. “The nice thing is we always have that tradition in Oswego, and it’s a program that continues to be strong and we have guys that are ready to step in and fill those roles.”
Despite the young roster, the coaching staff has plenty of options in terms of upperclassmen that can step in to lead this team. Adam Michalski was named the new captain along with a young defensive core that will stand in front of senior netminder Brandon Demling. The netminder saved 345 shots, surrendering 55 goals last season. Demling will oversee three other goaltenders that plan to follow in his footsteps.
“[Demling] was really good with the younger guys,” Ahern said. “We got four of them, and sometimes it’s a detriment, but with these guys, they work really well together, and they all know their roles.”
On offense, the coach has plenty of guys that he can turn to for firepower. Frank Winchek and Joe Diblasi both return for the Bucs, each playing a big role in the scoring department. Winchek secured 14 points last season with seven goals.
Due to COVID-19, the Bucs will face off against some opponents that the team has not faced in over 15 years. With teams like Syracuse, Baldwinsville and West Genesee on the schedule, Oswego will get to play against competitive teams from Division I of Section III. Teams plan on playing one game at home and one on the road against each school, with roughly 16 games on the schedule. Sectionals will not be played this year, but the team is content with only playing a regular season.
“Our coaching staff is really about providing the opportunity to give these guys some mental health and play as much hockey without getting shut down,” Ahern said.
Photo provided by Oswego High School Athletics
