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02/02/2022 11:00 PMJake Hines has been making an impact on the ice ever since he joined the North Haven boys’ hockey squad as a sophomore. After helping his team win its first conference title last year, Jake is back in action for his senior season and is the leading the Nighthawks both in points and as a captain this winter.
Jake began skating with his father George when he was 2. George had played hockey for West Haven and also at the collegiate level with Quinnipiac. Jake says that his dad helped him and his brother Tyler learn a lot about hockey and had a huge influence in terms of how he plays the sport.
“My dad definitely had an impact on me hockey wise,” says Jake. “This was his main sport. He passed it on to me and my brother. He has had a big impact in how I play.”
Jake started playing hockey for the Greater New Haven Warriors’ mites program and continued with the Warriors through pee-wees. Jake then competed for the Southern Stars until his second year of bantams, after which he joined the West Haven youth program. Jake was inspired by playing so much hockey, and the experience made him want to be out there as much as possible.
While he played defense as a youngster, Jake ultimately found a home for himself on the offensive side of the ice. Jake currently switches between center and left wing for North Haven. Whenever he gets the puck, Jake is excited to make a play and put the Nighthawks in position to score.
“It’s all about making the right play, making good plays. With the way my father taught me, I want to be dominating at all times,” Jake says. “I want to have the puck. I want to make a good pass, score a goal, get an assist. I want to push my linemates to be the best player on the ice at all times. I want to always be scoring and always have the best opportunity to win.”
Jake played for the Southern Stars in his freshman year, then joined the North Haven hockey team as a sophomore. He was immediately inserted into the team’s second line and also saw some time on the first line. Even with numerous years of experience, playing for North Haven opened Jake’s eyes toward the stiff level of competition.
“It was definitely a change. Coming in as a sophomore, I was 15 years old and playing against 18-year old seniors. The level of play was much different,” says Jake. “But for me, it was exciting. I wanted to prove I could play with kids older than me. I enjoyed watching high school hockey. It was big for me to get in there and make an impact as a sophomore.”
During Jake’s junior season, North Haven took on Cheshire in the championship game of the SCC/SWC Division II Tournament. Jake scored a goal and had two assists to help his club capture the crown with a 3-0 victory. It was time that North Haven won a conference title.
“I didn’t know what to think that day. It was really cool. I’ve played with some really good players. To be a part of a team that accomplished something no one else at the school has ever done, it’s a whole different feeling,” says Jake. “From stepping off the ice to the whole bus ride back, it was the most amazing feeling. We did all we could do that season. It’s one of the best moments I’ve ever had.”
Now a senior, Jake currently leads North Haven with 23 points on the season and is averaging 2.1 points per game for Nighthawks, who are 9-2. Jake says that he transformed into more of a playmaker over the years. Rather than just trying to “grind it out,” Jake now openly looks for the puck and wants to score. Jake believes that change in mindset has allowed him to become a stronger all-around hockey player.
“Sophomore year, I was a smaller kid, and my role was to get on the ice and grind it out. If I scored or made a play, that was big. I wasn’t necessarily worried about scoring as much as I am now,” says Jake. “Now, I’m more of a playmaker. I’m out there to score, make plays, and be an offensive threat. I think I’ve changed quite a lot.”
On Jan. 26, North Haven earned a 3-1 victory over West Haven for the team’s first win against the Blue Devils in 10 years. Jake netted a goal in the game and was on the ice for all three of the Nighthawks’ scores.
It was a big moment for Jake, especially since most of his family hails from West Haven. Jake felt encouraged him to see so many people at the rink to support him.
Head Coach Chris Avena praises Jake for his play in the win versus West Haven and the season in general. Avena also commends the senior for being a great leader who’s always showing the underclassmen what a strong work ethic looks like.
“Jake brings a high skill set and energy level every day to practice. He leads by example with his work ethic and ability to produce game in and game out,” Avena says. “Jake pushes his teammates and makes everyone around him better—the true characteristics of a great leader.”
In his senior year, Jake was named one of North Haven’s captains alongside fellow seniors Michael Anquillare and Brian Jooss. After playing with the likes of former captains such as Andrew Sacco, Eli Brubacher, and Donny Funaro, Jake felt honored to earn the role. Jake has high expectations for North Haven this season and is excited to lead the team toward its goals.
Jake plans on playing hockey at the junior level after he graduates from high school. However, right now, Jake is focused on representing the North Haven hockey program and doing his hometown proud every time the Nighthawks step on the ice.
“The team we play for is a big deal. This team has brought so much camaraderie between the players and even the fans. Our fans have come out and shown support everywhere we have gone,” says Jake. “It brought together the whole town. To say I play on this team is a great honor. We’re so together on and off the ice. I’ve made more friends here than anywhere else.”