Going undefeated in any sport at any level is a tall order, and that’s exactly what Canton High School’s hockey team has done through the regular season and the first tournament game.
The Bulldogs are 21-0-1 entering Saturday’s Division 2 South Quarterfinal game against Oliver Ames.
"It’s incredibly hard to have that record at any level," said Canton coach Brian Shuman. "It’s hard to remain unbeaten for a long time. It’s a testament to the focus of our guys. Our leadership is driven. They realize we have a bull's-eye on our back each game. We’ve just had the approach to take it one shift and one game at a time."
Simply put, Canton was dominant through its first 22 games of the season. Brian Shuman’s team has averaged just a hair under five goals per game while allowing less than a goal per game.
“It’s been a team effort through the regular season and hopefully that can continue throughout the post-season. We’ve had success this year because guys have stepped up in big games,” said Shuman, who has guided the Bulldogs to nine straight Hockomock League titles.
However, the team does have two superstars. Canton has been led offensively by two upperclassmen, senior captain Ryan Nolte and junior captain John Hagan. Nolte has 25 goals and 31 assists on the season while Hagan has registered 15 and 24.
“It helps that we had two of our better players come back from last year. They’ve had phenomenal years. Ryan’s offensive production has been off the charts. Johnny is probably the best three zone player I’ve ever had. Those guys can pick you up in games where other guys are struggling,” Shuman explained.
First-year starting goaltender, senior Michael Staffiere, has been a key to the team’s success as well.
“Our goaltending has been great. Mike Staffiere has played incredibly well in big games. He’s been the backbone,” Shuman commented.
The blue line was hit hard by graduation, but new players have stepped up to fill the void. It’s a defensive group that has continued to progress as the season has gone along.
“We’ve had some guys step up on defense. We lost a lot of defense from last year, but guys have gotten better back there as the season went along,” said Shuman, who has posted 228 wins at the school.
Canton’s program has elevated to the level that the team was seriously considered for the Super 8, despite being in Division 2. The positive attention of possibly making the Super 8 also came with plenty of distractions so the coach is happy to just have one focus in mind now.
“It’s good to have it behind us. These guys have been reading the watch lists and hearing it from their parents. It’s so far in the rearview mirror right now. We’re just lucky to step on the ice each tournament game,” said Shuman.
While Canton is the heavy favorite to come out of Division 2 South and possibly win a state championship at the TD Garden on March 17, there are plenty of good hockey teams in its way.
If the Bulldogs get past Oliver Ames, a battle with North Attleboro looms. The Red Rocketeers gave Canton its toughest game of the regular season. Canton escaped with a 3-2 win. Westwood, on the other side of the bracket, is probably the toughest foe Canton could face in the South Sectional.
Canton’s already special season could become that much more memorable with a trip to the TD Garden.
