Printer Friendly Version - Occhiboi Never Rests on Defense

Guilford girls' ice hockey senior tri-captain defender Bryanna Occhiboi has shown both toughness and heart by starting nearly every game for the Indians the past two years-a run that includes a state final bid last winter and a six-victory stretch after an 0-3 opening to the current campaign.

The Indians' girls' hockey squad is in the midst of what's been an up-and-down campaign thus far, although Bryanna Occhiboi has unquestionably proved consistent with how she's gone all out for Guilford in every game.

The senior tri-captain defenseman first laced them up with figure skating at age six before adding a helmet and stick to the mix. Bryanna has helped the Indians rebound from an 0-3 start to score six victories in their last 12 games this winter while displaying an 'Iron Man' mentality the past two seasons as she's started nearly every game on defense.

"I love hockey because I just love being on the ice. It's completely different from any other sport I've done," says Bryanna, who also plays field hockey for the Indians. "Game time is the most important time to leave everything out there, plus we do a lot of fitness drills at practice to help stay in shape. I've always played defense in hockey so it's not too much different, except for the fact that it's a much faster game in high school."

Guilford Head Coach Gil Schaper says that Bryanna houses the proper mental attributes to help keep herself sharp while trimming down the opposition's tallies.

"Bryanna is a very smart, level-headed, and consistent player. She has started almost every game for the past two years on defense," says Schaper. "You know what you are going to get from Bryanna each game, which is honest, 100 percent effort. Her decision making and perseverance allows her to shut down her opponents."

While Bryanna knows that high school hockey is played on a fast track, she realizes the importance of getting out in front of potential trouble and having complete awareness of all the pieces on the rink.

"Going from middle school to high school, I really see the faster pace and I always want to keep the other team's forwards away from the net," Bryanna says. "Playing field hockey, as well, has helped me with my stick handling and I've gotten some increase in my upper-body strength to help move the puck. It can be hard sometimes, but I just have to know where everyone is out there."

Schaper's assistant coaches, Krystyn O' Neill and Mel DeCaprio, each praise Bryanna for her dedication to the game and the betterment of her teammates. DeCaprio says that "[Bryanna] has stepped into an important leadership role...leads by example and is a sound defenseman," and O' Neill seconds those motions.

"She always has her head focused on the game and/or practice and wants the girls to be prepared and ready to play," says O' Neill. "She hustles and has really stepped her game up this year."

Communication is crucial for any hockey player when it comes to making moves at the drop of a dime and Bryanna enjoys speaking up on the ice, along with leading her teammates at the captain's helm.

"My decisions with the puck really depend on where the other person is on defense and it also involves talking to other teammates about where we all need to be to prevent shots," Bryanna says. "It's an honor to be a captain. It's a great responsibility, but I love my team. It's a great group of girls."