As we get to number 21 in the LILJ top 24 preseason rankings, it’s the Smithtown West Bulls of Suffolk Class B. In 2023 they went just 5-10 in the regular season, but still qualified for the playoffs where they were defeated by East Islip in the opening round. This year they have a new head coach in charge of the program as Matt Schultz enters his first season at the helm, and this winter the Bulls played in the HSWL to get ready for the upcoming season.
Starting on the offensive side of the field, Smithtown West has one of the top face-off specialists on the island to get them the ball with their Towson bound senior Necco Cottage. Their top attack unit is a trio of upperclassmen between Tom Hyland (UIndy), Dylan Frank, and Liam Byrne. Last season Byrne was the leading scorer on their attack with 22 goals and 16 assists for 38 points. Look out for junior Peter Bonenfant to potentially see more action this season as part of their attack. The midfield is also filled with upperclassmen as they will be led by John Savino (Merrimack) who’s their leading scorer among returning middies, Carmelo Pace (Hopkins), and Patrick Hyland, as the Bulls look to an enhance their offensive output after averaging around eight goals per game last season.
On the defensive end of the field they bring back the majority of their poles which is also an experienced unit filled with juniors and seniors. Among their returning defensemen and LSM’s include Kevin Corcoran, Daniel Hsaio (sophomore), Evan Kazlauskas, and Donovan Rail. The last line of defense protecting the net is senior goalie Dylan Bonasera who will keep Smithtown West in a number of games and comes off a 116 save season in 2023.
