This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
04/04/2019 12:00 AMJohn DeLucia had already re-written history within the Guilford boys’ ice hockey program before the beginning of his senior season, but the senior captain forward refused to rest on his laurels and added to his many accolades.
Last year, John etched his name in the Guilford history books when he blew past the standing school record of 145 career points scored. This season, though, John added to his record tally—finishing his with 270 career points, after grabbing 34 goals and 36 assists this winter. For another feather in his captain’s hat, he was named both the SWC/SCC Division II Conference and Division II State Player of the Year while helping Guilford return to the conference and state tournaments.
“It’s definitely special to score that many points, but the important thing is that I’m thankful for the opportunities from my coaches, teammates, and family,” says John. “I couldn’t do it without them. I’ve been given great opportunities since my freshman year, and I just kept working hard with my teammates.”
John explains that he and his fellow Indians just kept grinding on the ice while having a lot of fun along the way. John believes that garnering his dual Player of the Year awards were just the result of that approach.
“Earning those honors are great recognitions,” John says. “It’s just something that shows through hard work, dedication, and trying to have as much fun as possible, anything can happen.”
John captained a diverse squad that had solid components at every level of the roster this past season. John believes that no matter the grade, skill, or position, all of the Indians had the same target in their sights throughout the campaign.
“I had a great time as captain. We had a lot of contributors in all of the grades, but we had common goals,” John says. “As teammates, we respected each other, supported each other, and had a great time.”
No certain attribute or talent can predict a superb goal scorer. According to John, a lot of that ability comes organically as you develop a connection with your wing men, as they play a key role in putting the puck in the net.
“It’s a team sport, so you have to work with the people around you,” says John. “Chemistry is a big factor in it, so you have to have good chemistry with your line-mates.”
Guilford boys’ ice hockey Head Coach Ralph Russo says that John’s stats tell the tale of the type of selfless player he is on the ice. On top of that, John has made a strong impact in his local community.
“John is blessed with a great deal of athletic talent and the love of competing. His statistics show his talent. They also show his balance as a player in demonstrating the ability to finish a play as well as assist a teammate. He has shown a high level of sportsmanship throughout his high school hockey career,” says Russo. “This quality may be often overlooked these days, however, John did it to a degree that was recognized across the state. It is a nice honor for him to be acknowledged as the CIAC Division II Player of the Year. That award is not just given based on talent. Off the ice, John is also a scholar athlete, a member of the student senate, and participates with our Unified Sports program.”
John and his fellow seniors accomplished much with Indians, notching a record of 72-24 over their four years, winning two conference titles, and also claiming a state championship. John concludes that they made concrete connections all along the winning way.
“I definitely enjoyed every second of it. I formed nice relationships with people I’ll remember forever,” says John, who thanks his coaches, family, and teammates. “We can take a lot from this year, and I’m proud of what we accomplished. The seniors had a lot of good times in the last four years.”