Coach O'Neill had about 11 of the 15 club participants returning along with the incoming freshman class to play varsity hockey in it's first season.  This provided a core group of talent but one with little experience against stronger teams throughout the division.  The team experienced many successes throughout the season, with many milestones achieved along the way to a 0-0-17 record for the 2005-2006 season that does not begin to tell the story.   The team was not expected to set the world on fire in its first season as a varsity program, but O’Neill remains optimistic about his team’s chances of being competitive.  "We played teams that were better than us and more talented than us, but my kids have a lot of heart and they leave it all out on the ice every game. They never stopped moving and they never gave up."  

The 2006 - 2007 season will  have 8 returning players and several new incoming freshman that should allow the team to continue to progress in the Blue Division.  The team had 5 freshman sign up for hockey this season. Of those 5 players, there is a wide variety of talent and skill levels —from kids who have travel team experience to kids who are new to the sport.  "Yes, we are a new program, but I think we are going to come up with a couple surprises this year.”

Coaching Staff:
The St. Rose coaching staff, made up of O’Neill and assistants Monteverdi and Liguori, does not lack the experience or know-how to help jump-start the Roses varsity program.

Head Coach - Peter O'Neill
O’Neill has been coaching for about eight years. He is certified by USA Hockey in the advanced level — the fourth of five certification levels.  Coach O’Neill is the founding president of the Manasquan InLine Hockey League, a competitive inline program that he launched that includes all division levels as well as a clinic and challenger league.  He was responsible for overseeing the entire league operation which began with 32 players in 1997, the league’s first year, to over 175 players participants.   O’Neill also played hockey at Seton Hall Prep for three years before playing at Hawthorne College for one season.

Assistant Coach - Jay Monteverdi
Asst. Coach Monteverdi has also been involved with the MIHL as a coach as well as having extensive playing experience.  Montiverdi was a member of the Livingston Hockey Club from 1970-76 as well as being a part of the New Jersey Rockets and captain of the Seton Hall Prep team from 1976-80.

Assistant Coach - Jamie Liguori
Asst. Coach Liguori has coaching experience from the John Warhol summer camps from 1979-1984 before becoming involved in the MIHL.  Liguori also played at William Paterson College from 1980-84 and was invited to try out for the 1984 US Olympic team. He was invited to the 1984 Olympic team tryouts and he made it to the last cut.  Liguori has been playing the sport since he was 5 years old.

Eric Micallef reached the 1,000 save milestone during the December 29th game against Red Bank Regional, a goal that was reached in 2 short years at SRHS.  The milestone was marked by a stop in play early in the 3rd period as he was awarded a plaque commemorating the occasion by Head Coach O'Neill along with a quick photo session.  Our congratulations to Eric for all of his hard work and giving his all to keep the team in each and every game! 

The team rules are in the handout section of our website and will go into effect on December 1^st.  Please note that these rules will be strictly enforced.  We ask each player and his/her respective family to do their best regarding scheduling things like birthday celebrations etc… around the hockey schedule.  Although we all are committed to the value of family time, the players need to respect the team and the commitment required in order for the team to be successful.

The winner of this year's 50/50 was Robert Garretson of Robbinsville, N.J.  Robert's name was drawn between periods at our December 1st game and with a total of $1500 collected, he walked home with $750.  Our thanks to all that participated and our congratulations to Robert!!!

We look forward to another season of exciting ice hockey.  The team experienced many successes throughout the season, with many milestones achieved along the way.  A challenging 0-0-17 record for the 2005-2006 season does not begin to tell the story of the 'Frozen Roses' many successes.   The team was not expected to set the world on fire in its first season as a varsity program, but O’Neill remains optimistic about his team’s chances of being competitive.  "We played teams that were better than us and more talented than us, but my kids have a lot of heart and they leave it all out on the ice every game. They never stopped moving and they never gave up."  

The 2006 - 2007 season will  have 8 returning players and several new incoming freshman that should allow the team to continue to progress in the Blue Division.  The team had 5 freshman sign up for hockey this season. Of those 5 players, there is a wide variety of talent and skill levels —from kids who have travel team experience to kids who are new to the sport.   Coach O'Neill remains optimistic, noting that we are a new program, but I think we are going to come up with a couple surprises this year.   Please come out and support this newest member of the Saint Rose High School sports family!!!