WASHINGTON — The Shepaug High School co-op hockey team is coming off one of its most successful seasons in recent memory. Led by head coach Jason Conway and senior All-State captain Logan Beauprey, the team finished with an even 11-11 record and an appearance in the CIAC Division III playoffs, where they lost to Hall by a score of 6-3. 

Considering the program once witnessed a 39-game losing streak no more than five years ago, it’s clear to see the team has improved considerably. The last time Shepaug had seen a season with similar success was the 2014-15 season, where the Spartans finished 12-12 and would go on to win two playoff games before being eliminated. 

The question as the new year approaches is how will the team replicate and build off the success they saw last season? 

Following the graduation of Beauprey, the team is going to have to endure the loss of many key players including Jason Conway, Thomas Vaillions, and Nolan Flynn. Flynn, who started on the team last year as just a sophomore, finished the year in second place for total points, only trailing Beauprey. Now, as a junior, Flynn will play out his high school season for Notre Dame, leaving a gaping hole behind for Shepaug. 

The team will need a rise in production of their underclassmen if they want to duplicate last season’s success.

“I think the biggest challenge is going to be the fact that we’re going to have to heavily rely on some of the younger guys to play a big role on the team,” said the new senior captain, Brody Turner.

“We’re going to need to look for young guys like Matt Molleur to step up and fill the huge hole [Beauprey] left,” said senior Mason Pieger regarding the leadership turnover on the team. 

The team is hopeful sophomore Molleur will be able to elevate his game to the all-state level. Molleur was a regular starter the previous year as a freshman. He finished in third place on the team with 10 assists, ultimately scoring 18 total points. An increase in his production would have major implications on the team’s goal for a winning season. 

The X-factor for the team going forward is going to be Turner. 

Turner finished as a first-team All-State player last season and is looking to repeat this year. Playing on defense, he finished third on the team in points, including 11 goals. Another phenomenal season by the senior would not only almost guarantee team success, but might also provide him college offers. Turner is going to be the player to watch as this new-look Shepaug team looks to continue on its upward trajectory.