BY BEN KUPFERBERG

Whether you see him racing around in his tricked-out Jeep or dangling in the Jungle, you know senior Joey Naclerio is coming.

Naclerio said he started playing hockey because his older brother played. Soon, Naclerio went from merely copying his brother to becoming a leading scorer on the varsity team, making the team as a freshman.

“Last year's team got off to a rough start, but it turned into one of the best seasons in Mamaroneck hockey history, and I just hope to repeat that,” Naclerio said. “Since we lost in the state finals, I know everyone who was on the team and even the new additions are going to come ready to play this year.”

The MHS Varsity Hockey team had an excellent season last year, losing only 3 games, yet falling just short of the New York State Championship. This year, the team looks to rebound off last season, despite the loss of many seniors, and have another successful season. The answer to whether the hockey team can find success this year lies greatly in the hands of Naclerio.

Naclerio will be the center of the first line this year, and along with his line-mates, looks to put up more points than last year. In his senior year, Naclerio will look to lead the team along with his right hand man Matt Connor, and possible third line mate Scott Hagan or Mike Wojciechowski.

Coach Mike Chiapparelli will depend heavily on Naclerio and his line to create the plays, score the goals and secure a spot in the sectionals. Of course, the rest of the team will help out greatly, but Naclerio is one of the center forces of the team.

“This year our team has a lot of potential,” Naclerio said. “With back-to-back section titles and a trip to the states, we are going to be the team to beat.”

At every practice, Naclerio leads most of the drills, coming in first or just flat out sniping the goalies. One can definitely tell from watching that he puts in the effort at every practice to become such a quality hockey player.

“At every level of hockey it always seemed Joey was just one step ahead of everyone else,” junior winger Craig Schiff said. “He is fast, strong and has a great shot, three components to make a great hockey player."

Naclerio plays hockey for most of the school year, starting off with Midgets. Midgets is the town travel team, which is a warm-up for varsity. Then comes the varsity season, which of course is the most important season. In the spring, after varsity, comes the “chill” team called Greenline Demo. Naclerio's dad, who runs a construction company, sponsors this team. Spring hockey is a way to relax and continue playing hockey after the varsity season ends.

     This is Naclerio's last year of high school hockey and he is going to do whatever it takes for the team to win every game. “A winning record is my first goal,” Naclerio said.

     Naclerio said his future hockey plans are undecided as of right now. He said that he wants to take things one step at a time, and once he finds success this hockey season, he can began thinking about where he will play hockey next.

     Naclerio is definitely one of the most skilled hockey players whenever he steps on to the ice, and it is very fortunate for the varsity team that his focus is on winning the section.