Senior night often brings heartfelt emotions to players, parents, and fans alike. Norwin High School Hockey certainly had its fair share of emotions on Monday January 8 for their ‘Senior Knight’ game.
Even though the team has some games remaining in the 2023-2024 season, the Senior Knight game was a touching one for all players. Fans filled the stands and pressed against the rink’s glass to get a good view at watching the Knights take on the Franklin Regional Panthers. The Knights went into the game holding a 7-4-2 record, giving them confidence to fight for the win.
The Knights played tough and quick, and the game was nothing short of a nail-biter. To take initiative, senior captain Alex Thomas secured the first 2 goals for the Knights. Shortly after, the Knights fell behind 3-2. Fans cheered, rang cow-bells, held fatheads, and remained shivering in blankets in the stands anticipating for the Knights to bring back their lead. Assistant senior captain Dominik Constantino fought hard for a 3rd goal followed with a 4th goal by junior Dominic Cerilli in the 3rd period. Unfortunately, Franklin Regional was able to keep their lead for a majority of the last two periods, ending the game with a 6-4 win.
Regardless of the outcome, crowds of family, friends, and fans remained outside of the rink to congratulate and celebrate the Seniors who had committed to Norwin High School Hockey for years. Players and fans further discussed the game as well as sharing the times and memories the team has had with the seniors.
“It was really cool and it was a really fun night,” said senior captain Alex Thomas. “It sucks we didn’t get a win but it was still really cool to see everyone come out to support us.”
Thomas, along with the other senior players, are sad to be leaving the team, but appreciative of the memories and opportunities Norwin High School hockey has brought them. The senior players are captain Alex Thomas, assistant captain Dominik Constantino, goalie Owen Burmeister, Zach Singleton, Aaron Varrati, Joey Speranzo, and Dylan Kanczes.
“I’m not playing hockey with my friends for the rest of my life but, hey, you gotta enjoy it while it lasts,” said Aaron Varrati.
The lobby outside of the rink was decorated in blue and gold streamers, table cloths, and a beautifully constructed balloon arch. Under the arch displayed picture frames containing pictures and information about the senior hockey players.
In another room, tables were filled with food, decorations, and smiling faces of players and family members enjoying the moment of the 2024 Norwin hockey senior night.
While some of the seniors are moving forward with their hockey careers after high school, others have decided to let go and continue to cherish the memories they’ve had playing on the team.
Dylan Kanczes, although still deciding, plans on pursuing college in the future. He advices his teammates to “always work hard” because persevering is the only option. Ron Varrati has decided to attend Penn State Greater Allegheny college to major in Early Childhood Education. He suggests to “enjoy every second” because life moves quicker than you may expect. Joey Speranzo will be attending the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg to major in BioChemistry with PreMed concentration. Speranzo wants his teammates to “have fun along the way” because winning is only a part of the game. Owen Burmeister continues to decide on ways to ensure his future in education and hockey, but plans to study to be a nurse anesthetist. He insists to “get out there and make memories while you can” because “time really does fly.” After graduation, Dominik Constantino will either be working next to his dad or attend college. He too knows that time flies “when you’re having fun,” and wants his teammates to not take their memories for granted. Zach Singleton will begin studying Professional Golf Management. He hopes his teammates will continue their futures with the mindset of “always playing like it is your last game.” Thomas couldn’t be more ready to pursue a hockey-filled future in the North American Hockey League with Colorado Grit, hoping to further play in college after juniors. He encourages his teammates to “respect the game; be confident and not afraid to have the puck.” He also wants his team to know that their “hockey journey is not a race, but a marathon.” And a marathon is surely what the Norwin High School Hockey team has been through together.
The Knights will continue to fight for wins in the future, and they hope to receive the same support throughout this season as they did on senior night.
The seniors could not be prouder to have played for Norwin High School hockey and to have shared the memories and moments with the rest of their teammates. After so many years of hard work and time spent, the team has truly created a bond they will never forget.
