Healthy Marines seek playoff run

Slammed by injuries most of the campaign, Long Beach’s hockey club has still managed to win 13 of 16 games and is looking to challenge for the Michelino Division championship with a healthy lineup.

“Never in my 20-plus years have we dealt with these kinds of injuries,” Marines coach Joe Brand said. “At one point we had seven key contributors out. We just had our first practice with everyone there. If we can get a good month under our belt with the whole team, we can make a run at it.”

Long Beach lost in the best-of-three county finals last winter to Syosset but qualified for the state tournament and made an impressive run to the semifinals. The Marines are bound for this year’s state tournament in Jamestown, Brand said, but they’ve got other goals they’d like to accomplish.

“Right now it looks like it could come down to us and Bellmore-Merrick in the finals,” Brand said. “Anything can happen in single elimination, so we both have to take care of business in the first round. I’ve seen it happen before where one or both of the top teams don’t make the finals.”

All three Long Beach losses have come at the hands of Bellmore-Merrick, which was undefeated through 17 games after rallying to beat the Marines 6-5 on Monday night at Newbridge Arena. “They’re very strong and it would be exciting to face them in the finals with a healthy team,” Brand said.”

The Marines top two forward lines look vastly different than they did a month ago. That’s because senior Larry Niland (wrist) and junior Alec Rovitz (hip) are back on the ice after dealing with considerable injuries. “Larry’s the most talented player in the county in my opinion,” Brand said. “Alec is also a playmaker. Our offense is a different story with them around.”

Niland, who centers the top line and serves as an assistant captain, missed a month of action. “He does it all,” Brand said. “He’s on the ice in every situation and is a big part of the power play.” Larry’s younger brother, sophomore Sean Niland, and senior captain Timmy Hoarty, are the starting wings on the line. “Sean is a hard-nosed player who does a great job working the corners, and Timmy is just relentless on the forecheck and has a lot of speed,” Brand explained.

Rovitz, junior Kenny Ferrara and talented freshman Luke Judge form the No. 2 line. “They’re showing pretty good chemistry,” Brand said. “They’re going to get their share of goals.”

The defense is led by workhorses Chris Guido, Doug Butler and Shane Pues. Guido, a junior, and Butler, a sophomore, were key pieces last season, while Pues, a junior, is emerging.

In goal, senior Shawn Kennedy has been solid if not spectacular, Brand said. “He’s getting better and better every game,” the coach noted. “Right now is the best I’ve seen him play.”

The Nassau County playoffs begin Feb. 22 with one-game elimination semifinals.