Joe Conlon, who had a successful career in the Lynn English High School hockey program prior to graduating in 1999, has begun his fourth season as head coach of the Lynn Jets hockey team.
The all-Lynn team consists of 11 students from Classical, 10 from English, and one from Tech.
The Jets are 1-2 after three games, defeating Revere 4-3 in the opener before falling to Marblehead 10-1 and Swampscott 5-1.
“We’re making strides,” said Conlon, whose mother Gail is the principal of Winthrop High School (He is the nephew of former WHS football coach Tony Fucillo). “We just have to be able to concentrate on getting better every day in practice. If we do that, the wins and losses will sort themselves out. I’m more concerned about having a good effort every single day.”
The Jets have qualified for the State Tournament in two of the last three seasons. Last year the Jets lost to Latin Academy in the opening round.
“We’re hoping to be in the mix again,” said Conlon, whose coaching staff includes assistant coaches Mike Deering, Ron Gaudet, Joe Gunning, and goalie coach Adam Sullivan.
The captains of the Jets are center John Finnigan and defenseman D.J. Hunt. The leading scorer to-date is sophomore Ryan MacDonald who has three goals and an assist. McDonald skates on the top line with Finnigan and Mark Brazell. Hunt and Brett Erelli lead the contingent of defensemen. The starting goaltender is Mike Gately.
Lynn is competing in the Northeastern Conference South Division with Salem, Marblehead, Swampscott, and Revere. Lynn plays two games against South team and one against each North team.
“I’d have to say either Swampscott or Marblehead is the favorite in our division,” said Conlon.