No. 6 Ranked Wantagh Warriors Team Preview

The Wantagh Warriors check in at number six in the LILJ top 26 preseason rankings and are on the heels of what was a memorable 2025 that saw them win their first Long Island Championship since 2001 and make it to the regional game where their season came to an end. This spring sees them looking to build off that success as they bring back a talented senior class that featured one of the most explosive offenses in Nassau County. With several top scorers returning — and a record-setting underclassman already making headlines — the Warriors once again have the firepower to be a serious contender to once again win the Long Island Championship.

To simply put it, the returning core is loaded — particularly in the Class of 2026. Future Nova Wildcat Devin Paccione was one of the most complete offensive players on Long Island last spring, tallying 42 goals and 42 assists, bringing elite vision and scoring ability as one of the island’s most prolific attackers. Fellow Nova commit Joe Nicholson adds another elite scoring threat after finding the back of the net 49 times along with 23 assists for 72 points, while Carter Loughman (Albany) and Matthew Giacobello (Saint Anselm) give Wantagh added scoring threats. Sean Stachlik also further strengthens an offense that can score from multiple spots on the field.

In the Class of 2028, sophomore attackman Luke Martini exploded onto the scene with 77 points as he struck for a team high 60 goals with 17 assists, proving he is already one of the most dangerous finishers on Long Island regardless of class. Defensively, the Class of 2027 — including Patrick Forthofer (Towson) and Chase Dankenbrink (Siena)— continues to gain experience and will be key to balancing the team’s offensive strength.

In goal, Wantagh is in excellent shape. Gianni Passaro (Mount St. Mary) returns after a standout year with 271 saves and a 61.7% save percentage, giving the Warriors a proven backbone on the defensive end.

The biggest loss from the Class of 2025 is attackman Dylan Martini, who delivered a monster senior season with 85 points (55 goals, 30 assists). His production and leadership will be difficult to replace. Defensively, seniors John Gendels and Luke Perfetti also graduate. That group helped set the tone last season and were a huge part in the program having its best season in 24 years.

With elite returning scorers, experienced goaltending, and an emerging defensive unit, Wantagh has all the ingredients to remain among Long Island’s top programs in 2026. If the Warriors can replace the leadership of their graduating seniors and continue to defend at a high level, their offensive firepower alone makes them a team no one will want to face this spring. They host Smithtown West on March 19th in their season opener, and begin league play against Cold Spring Harbor on March 23rd to begin their journey to try to repeat as Long Island Champions.