Avonlea Cummings
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
Westwood High School's hockey team is gearing up for an exciting season, led by Coach Matt Sebet, who is entering his 15th year as a coach and 6th year as head coach. In a recent interview, Coach Sebet provided insights into the team's preparations, including details on tryouts, captain selections, and the emphasis on fostering a cohesive and hardworking team.
This season, the team has implemented a structured approach, categorizing players into junior, senior, freshman, and sophomore groups during tryouts. With a larger group expected on Friday, the team prepared for its first scrimmage against Boston Latin on Wednesday, December 6th.
The role of captaincy is pivotal in guiding the team, and Coach Sebet announced the captains for this season: Senior forward Brett Hobson and senior defenseman Ryan Pezzuto. Both captains were elected by their teammates at the conclusion of the previous season, bringing years of varsity experience to their leadership roles.
“So, we have, we have two captains, they were named at the end of the season, and were voted on by their peers from, all their peers. Senior, Forward Brett Hobson. and then Senior Defenseman Ryan Pezzuto. Both guys are great. Ryan's been on the varsity, and been with the team as a freshman, so this is his fourth year up with varsity. For Brett, it’s his third year with varsity. They’re two guys that have obviously been around in the program and have played a lot of minutes for us. Just them having that experience, we’re looking for them just to set that example. We’re going to have a lot of turnover this year so just instilling those values of the team, of the program, and the tradition that we have, it's up to those two guys to carry that on,” said Sebet.
Acknowledging the unknowns, Coach Sebet expressed excitement about the upcoming weeks as the team solidifies its roster. The coaching staff is eager to see which players will step up and take on crucial roles in the squad. With a focus on winning and instilling a competitive spirit, the team is poised for a season full of potential.
“I'm really trying to make that, be as tight-knit and family atmosphere and incorporating it. It doesn't matter what grade you're in or anything like that, everyone's equal. That's what we're instilling as a coaching staff, and it also really comes from those two captains, Brett and Ryan. There are definitely some unknowns for us right now, I think that's also from a coach's perspective pretty exciting. It's just asking what guys are going to be the ones that step up and really take that position over, that's what I’m looking forward to over these next couple weeks and getting going. Just to see where it all shakes out because we have some ideas. I would say it's a little bit more open than it has been the last few seasons, if you're a freshman or a senior, that doesn't matter we're in the business of winning. We want to make sure we have that best out there, so everyone's getting that chance to show what they have right now in these couple scrimmages,” said Sebet.
As Westwood High School's hockey team gets closer to the season opener, the anticipation is building. Coach Matt Sebet's strategic approach, along with the grit and determination of the players, will get the team skating on the right foot for a season filled with hard work and celebration. The Wolverines' first match is against the Medfield Warriors where they will be hosting on the Canton Ice rink for puck drop at 7 PM.
