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04/29/2016 12:00 AMWhen it comes to hockey and lacrosse, most players see the glory in finding the back of the net. However, North Haven senior Josh Back does his best work by preventing goals as a defenseman on the boys’ ice hockey team and the goalie for lacrosse.
“It seemed like it would be a good spot for me. I could help my team keep pucks out of the net and help the rush start. I’m a defensive defenseman, so I try to clear rebounds and chip it up to wingers—let them do the work,” says Josh. “Similar to the defense aspect of hockey, for lacrosse, I’m a goalie because I like being the last guy back. It’s something about being the last guy before the goal that does it for me.”
Josh captained North Haven hockey during both his junior and senior years with the club. Now in the current spring campaign, Josh is one of the captains for his lacrosse team. Hockey coach Mike Silengo says that Josh proved a reliable veteran presence who certainly earned the “C” on his jersey.
“He’s a real trustworthy kid. I could count on him. He’s a hard worker and a good example for the younger kids to follow,” says Silengo. “His best asset is his experience. He’s been on the team for four years, so his experience and leadership was tremendous.”
Josh was a factor on the ice in all situations with North Haven. He made his mark on the power play and also contributed to the penalty kill.
“Being able to quarterback the power play helps me. I’m always the last guy back and it allows my teammates to rush the puck more,” says Josh. “I’m always working on my slap shots. I’d be outside taking shots, trying to keep them low and on net, so when I shoot through traffic, I give my guys more opportunities in front. I’m also always trying to find opportunities back door.”
After the Indians struggled during his freshman season, Josh says it felt rewarding to help them qualify for both the SCC/SWC Division II Tournament, as well as the Division II state bracket, in each of his seasons as a captain.
“It’s a great feeling to make playoffs the last two years,” says Josh, who was an All-SCC Academic selection as a sophomore and junior. “Being able to grow up and play in those tournaments the past two years is a great feeling.”
Josh started with lacrosse when he was in middle school. A lot of hockey players play the sport in the spring and so Josh was already comfortable with his teammates. Josh would have liked to play defense, but due to his size, goalie turned out to be a better fit. With Josh manning the net last spring, the Indians had an exceptional campaign and won 15 games.
“Defenders in my town are bigger and stronger guys,” say Josh, who is attending UConn in the fall to study physical therapy and kinesiology. “I’m on the smaller side, so it’s where I fit better, I think.”
Josh says he needed to adapt to being a more conservative player as a goalie. In hockey, he was free to roam all ends of the ice, but for lacrosse, Josh needs to make sure that he remains between the pipes. One of Josh’s biggest assets as a defenseman was his shot-blocking ability. He’s so used to using his legs to stop pucks getting through to the goalie that he has no fear of a lacrosse ball zipping at his shins now that he’s in the netminder’s position.
“When I suit up, it all goes away. I don’t worry about getting hit,” says Josh. “When you get hit with the puck, it still hurts, so I’m used to the impact.”