Team of the Year

Passaic Valley

A team coming off a disastrous 3-18 season. A new head coach. A week's delay in the start of the season made necessary because of an unexpected state playoff run by the football team. Not exactly the ingredients you'd expect for a successful year.

But everything came together for Passaic Valley, who started the season on a tear and didn't look back. The Hornets lost only one game in the first month, to DePaul, and avenged that defeat a short time later in the Passaic County tournament final. Led by the explosive scoring feats of Kenny Dahdah and Mark Sytsma, and the sharp goaltending of Joe Calandriello, the Hornets went on to capture the NJTCC Passaic Division title as well.

Passaic Valley suffered a disappointing loss in the NJTCC postseason tournament, but looked to bounce back in the states. After one win, the Hornets were three minutes away from beating West Essex and reaching the quarterfinals. But the Knights rallied and defeated the Hornets in overtime, their closest call en route to the state Public B championship.

Despite the Hornets' feats, this honor was no slam dunk. Lakeland came on very strong at the end of the season and won that NJTCC tournament. But the Lancers lost three times to Passaic Valley, and even though all those games came in the first half of the season, it's simply too much to overlook. The other contender was Kinnelon, which plays in a tougher league and had some impressive wins this year. Overall, though, it was a somewhat disappointing season for the Colts, who suffered an unexpected early exit from the states and finished just a couple of games over .500.

Finishing at 20-5-1, with two banners to hang on the wall, the Passaic Valley Hornets are the JSN Ice Hockey Team of the Year.

Player of the Year

Andrew Niedzwiecki, Lakeland

After a slow start, Lakeland may have been the best team in the area for the last two months of the hockey season. The Lancers went 17 games without a loss, and claimed the Tri-County tournament championship, the first cup in program history.

The player who made much of that happen was Niedzwiecki, a senior forward. The team's leading scorer, Niedzwiecki collected hat tricks at an astounding pace. His ability to create goals on his own allowed Lakeland to play a more defensive style in key games and still come out on top.

Heading into the NJTCC tournament, Niedzwiecki wasn't even expected to play because of a shoulder injury. Instead, he scored six of his team's eight goals in its run to the title, including the vital overtime tally in the semifinal round win over Ridgewood.

For his role in leading Lakeland ice hockey to new heights, Andrew Niedzwiecki is our JSN Ice Hockey Player of the Year.

Coach of the Year

Mike Sheehan, Passaic Valley

In his first season as a varsity head coach, Sheehan led the Hornets to a remarkable turnaround campaign, which included county and league titles.

Sheehan was no neophyte; he had coached club teams and was Passaic Valley's assistant coach for two years. He also had a large number of returning seniors to work with. But to lead a team that had such a miserable season just a year ago to such great heights is a remarkable achievement.

It's going to be a hard act to follow, but for his successful leadership in his first year as the man in charge, Mike Sheehan is our JSN Ice Hockey Coach of the Year.

-- Paul Mencher for Jersey Sports Now