Preseason All CTHSHockey Team

By: Luke Devoe

Here is my Preseason All State Team.  This is based simply on player performance last season and my expectations of these players heading into this season.  Tomorrow, my "Filthy 15" will be released, giving you 15 more studs to watch this year.  Let the debate begin.

All Connecticut High School Hockey Blog

F Billy Vizzo, Jr. (Notre Dame-West Haven) 25 G, 22 A, 47 Pts.

Vizzo celebrating

Billy Vizzo exploded onto the scene in his sophomore season and was part of the top line in the state.  This year, Vizzo is easily in consideration for the state's best player and will be integral in NDWH's quest for a repeat.  A natural scoring machine, he will continue to play nicely alongside the next member of our first team.

Zullo signing

F Greg Zullo, Sr. (Notre Dame-West Haven) 14 G, 34 A, 48 Pts.

Greg Zullo was the blue collar guy alongside scoring machines Vizzo and Cretella last season.  One of the best dishers in the state, Zullo should provide some of his own offensive flair this season in Cretella's absence.  If that's not enough Zullo has signed to play baseball at Stonehill.  A leader with a bevy of skills, Zullo will dazzle this season.

F David White, Sr. (Fairfield Prep) 28 G, 20 A, 48 Pts.

White dominating

Another candidate for the state's best player, White tore apart in state competition last year to the tune of 28 goals, including the memorable four goal overtime effort against Hamden last year at the Lou.  White loses line mate AJ Unker but retains Connor Henry, another one of the best right hand men in the state.  Expect another monstrous year out of this pure talent.

F CK Keator, Sr. (St. Joseph) 26 G, 18 A, 44 Pts.

Keator sniping

Keator kept St. Joseph afloat last year and put together a nice little year for himself.  With a year of experience and some key cogs around him look for his point production to go up even more.  Keator notched four hat tricks last year including three straight games with a hatty in mid February.  The Cadets will need Keator to step up in big games as well as gimmies in order for them to be successful.

F Brendan Hathaway, Sr. (Darien) 22 G, 10 A, 32 Pts.

Hathaway focusing

In what looks to be a down year in the FCIAC in terms of "blow you away" talent, Hathaway certainly stands out.  The senior has seen his point production go up each year and is looking for another climb in points on a Darien team that, with the exception of in goal, are loaded this year.  Hathaway threw on net over 100 shots last season and has that natural scorer feel to him.  Expect a huge year.

F Austin Hansen, Sr. (West Haven) 17 G, 19 A, 36 Pts.

Hansen toying

A crafty scorer who makes up for his smaller stature with some eye popping, highlight reel goals.  It was a thing of beauty last season watching Hansen work hand in hand with star forward Mike Troiano and it should be interesting to see how he fairs without him.  Hansen also stepped up his game on the big stage notching 16 of his 36 points in games against top 10 teams.

G Chase Gabor, Sr. (Glastonbury) .899 Sv. %, 2.57 GAA

Gabor stifling

Gabor lead the Tomahawks and backstopped them to a Division I finals appearance.  In the process he shut down the mighty Jesuits and a talented Darien squad.  While his numbers aren't the most stellar consider how much he turned it on towards the end of the season.  Gabor, along with Holdaway and Mozzer was one of the main reasons the Tomahawks took a good regular season and turned it into an exciting post season run.  If they are to be successful this season, a lot of the work load will fall on his shoulders.  This is probably my biggest reach on this team but I think he's up to the task.

Tomorrow check back for our "Filthy 15"- 15 additional players sure to impress this season as well as our preseason Top 10!  #cthk