Welcome Back to the SSBHL Fall Season!

The South Shore Ball Hockey League is officially back for another exciting fall season! I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone hit the floor again, watching how the teams shape up, and seeing the intensity and passion that makes this league so special. Every season brings its own surprises, rivalries, and standout performances, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds this fall.

A big congratulations goes out to our two new captains stepping into leadership roles this season: J-Mac and the Mustangs, and Jeff Beattie and the Stick Figures. Best of luck to both squads as they begin their journeys – we’re all excited to see what you bring to the league!

I’d also like to give a special thank you once again to Ronnie Price for hosting the Arty Tournament this summer. It was an incredible event that brought the community together, and I know Arty would have been proud to see the competition and camaraderie that day.

Now it’s time to get back into the weekly grind – and of course, we’ll be highlighting the weekly high performers once again. Keep bringing your best, because you never know when your name might be up there!

Here’s to another fun, competitive, and memorable season in the SSBHL. Good luck to all teams, and let’s make this fall one to remember!

The Goal-Getters:

1)     Player Spotlight #1: Aiden Lovett

The SSBHL fall season kicked off with a bang, and leading the charge in the opening game was Aiden Lovett, who put on an offensive clinic against the Spiders. Lovett tallied 3 goals and 3 assists, proving to be a constant threat every time he touched the ball.

One of his tallies came on the power play, where he showcased his poise and finishing touch, capitalizing on the man advantage to swing momentum for his team. Beyond the scoring, Lovett’s vision and playmaking ability set up teammates all night, making him a driving force in the victory.

If this performance is any indication of what’s to come, opponents will have their hands full with Lovett this season. A true statement game to open the year.

2)     High Performer #2: Matt Connolly

While known primarily for his steady presence on the blue line, Matt Connolly showed he’s just as dangerous on the attack in the opener against the Spiders. Connolly exploded offensively, netting 4 goals and adding 1 assist, including a huge power play marker that further cemented his impact on the game.

What made the performance even more impressive was his ability to balance defensive responsibilities while jumping into the rush and finishing like a seasoned forward. Connolly’s offensive instincts were on full display, and his effort was a major factor in the team’s dominant showing.

A statement game from the back end – proving that Connolly can change the game from anywhere on the floor.

3)     High Performer #3: Matt Swan

Rounding out our top performers from opening week is Matt Swan, the long-time captain of the Smokey Joes. Swan did everything he could to spark his team in a tough matchup against the Stone Hands, putting up 1 goal and 3 assists for a strong 4-point night.

Despite the loss, Swan’s leadership and playmaking were on full display, creating opportunities and keeping his team in the fight until the very end. As one of the league’s most consistent veterans, Swan continues to show why he’s such a respected captain — leading by example and leaving it all out on the floor.

Even in defeat, it was a standout effort from the Smokey Joes’ leader.

Lockdown Legends:

1)     Defensive Player of the Week – Eric Kinger

In the season opener against the defending champs, the Smokey Joes, Eric Kinger set the tone with a rock-solid defensive performance. Tasked with shutting down some of the league’s top offensive threats, Kinger was a steady presence in his own end—breaking up rushes, blocking shots, and making smart plays under pressure. His ability to read the game and disrupt the Smokey Joes’ attack was a huge part of keeping the game within reach.

Not only did Kinger anchor the defense, but he also chipped in offensively, adding 1 goal and 2 assists to cap off a complete two-way effort. For his combination of shutdown defense and timely contributions on the scoresheet, Eric Kinger earns the nod as our #1 Defensive Player of the Week.

2)     Defensive Player of the Week – #2 Spot – Brendan Merrick

Brendan Merrick earns the second spot on our defensive leaderboard thanks to an absolute workhorse performance in the opener. Merrick was all over the rink like a man possessed—chasing down every loose ball, battling in the corners, and disrupting the Smokey Joes’ attack at every turn. His relentless hustle and energy set the tone defensively, making life difficult for the opposition all night long.

What truly stood out was Merrick’s balance of intensity and awareness. Even while flying around the rink with unmatched effort, he stayed smart and tactical—always in position to break up a play, create a turnover, or spark a transition. His tireless engine and defensive IQ made him an undeniable force in the game.

3)     Defensive Player of the Week – #3 Spot – Eddie Long

Rounding out our defensive stars of the week is Eddie Long, who made his presence felt in a big way. Long was a wall in the defensive zone, blocking multiple shots and using his size and strength to box opposing players out of dangerous areas. His physical play and positioning were a major reason why the shot count stayed low and the scoreboard remained quiet for the opposition.

On top of his defensive dominance, Long also made his mark offensively—registering a big-time assist that proved crucial in sealing the victory. With his blend of toughness in the defensive end and clutch contribution up front, Eddie Long earns the well-deserved #3 spot on this week’s defensive rankings.

1)     Top Goalie of the Week – #1 Spot – Manny Debettencourt

In sweltering conditions with temperatures soaring above 85 degrees, Manny Debettencourt stood tall—literally and figuratively—for the Hooligans in their season opener against the Stick Figures. Despite the heat beating down on him in full goalie gear, Manny never wavered and delivered a stellar performance between the pipes.

Facing 22 shots, he turned away 20 of them, finishing with a sharp 0.909 save percentage and a 2.0 GAA. His composure, focus, and big saves down the stretch allowed the Hooligans to hold their lead and lock down a huge 2 points to open the season.

Manny’s mix of grit, poise, and resilience in brutal conditions earns him the honor of #1 Goalie of the Week.

2)     Top Goalie of the Week – #2 Spot – Brad Wall

Coming in at our second spot is Brad Wall of the Stick Figures, who delivered a strong performance in their opener against the Hooligans. Despite his team falling short in a tight 3–2 game, Brad was a difference-maker in net, keeping his squad within striking distance all night.

Facing a heavy workload of 30 shots, Wall turned aside 27 of them, finishing with a 0.900 save percentage and a 3.0 GAA. Like Manny, he battled through the intense 85+ degree heat in full goalie gear, yet never let the conditions or pressure rattle him.

Brad Wall’s effort, composure, and resilience under fire secure him the #2 Goalie of the Week spot.

3)     Top Goalie of the Week – #3 Spot – Dan Harding

Taking the third spot is Dan Harding of the Mustangs, who put in a solid performance in his season debut. Facing 38 shots, Harding stopped 34 of them, finishing with a 0.895 save percentage and a 4.0 GAA.

While not the heaviest workload of the week—that honor belongs to Nick Bonofiglio who faced 64 shots of the Spiders—Harding still dealt with a steady offensive push and kept his team competitive throughout the game. Playing in the earlier matchup meant the conditions weren’t as scorching as later in the day, but Harding’s sharp positioning and calm play under pressure stood out.

For his steady netminding and ability to keep the Mustangs within reach, Dan Harding earns the #3 Goalie of the Week nod.

Standings so far…

1)     Mustangs: 1-0-0 / 2 Points / 11 GF / 4 GA / +7 GD

2)     Stone Hands: 1-0-0 / 2 Points / 9 GF / 4 GA / +5 GD

3)     Hooligans: 1-0-0 / 2 Points / 3 GF / 2 GA / +1 GD

4)     Stick Figures: 0-1-0 / 0 Points / 2 GF / 3 GA / -1 GD

5)     Smokey Joes: 0-1-0 / 0 Points / 4 GF / 9 GA / -5 GD

6)     Spiders: 0-1-0: / 0 Points / 4 GF / 11 GA / -7 GD

Matchups this coming week…

9:00am – Stone Hands at Hooligans (Key Matchup: B-Mack Vs Steve Wilde)

10:30am – Mustangs at Stick Figures (Key Matchup: Aidan L Vs Jeff B)

12:00pm – Spiders at Smokey Joes (Key Matchup: Nick Provenzano Vs Ryan D)

Thanks all, Hope you have a great rest of the week and see you Sunday 😊

-Dan H