1Out of the 60-plus or so that try out, maybe three or four make the team, and out of that small group, maybe one earns any real playing time throughout the course of the year.
Playing against Catholic Conference foes like Catholic Memorial and Malden Catholic, those freshmen must be able to stand their ground against Super 8 Tournament representatives and players who will go on to attend Division 1 colleges.
This year, three freshmen made the Eagles' varsity roster for coach Kris Hanson. Of those three, Newburyport's Shane Eiserman has made the biggest contribution; he's the team's second-leading scorer with 21 points (8 goals, 13 assists) in 12 games.
"Every year, there's always a small group that competes for a varsity spot, and this year Shane was in that group," Hanson said. "Shane turned into a go-to guy at a young age, which is rare, especially for us."
Playing wing on the first line alongside one of the best players in the state, senior center Colin Blackwell, who has committed to play Division 1 hockey next year at Harvard, hasn't hurt Eiserman's production, Hanson said. But the attribute that has enabled the freshman with a 6-feet, 180-pound frame to make an instant impact has been the skill that Hanson can't teach — desire.
"When I think about Shane, I don't think about points," Hanson said. "I'd love to make a team of kids like Shane, kids that love hockey and will go through a wall for you. Emotionally, he's already taken a leadership role as a freshman.
"He's the type of guy who will go in the corners, get dirty, go in front of the net, does the little things that some guys older than him don't want to do, and that's paid off for him," Hanson said. "He's physical out there, and from what I see, generally freshmen come in and make (the team) based on talent level, and it takes some time to adjust to the physical part of the game. Usually freshman year, they are spectators. He's come in because of his physical style of play, emotionally not afraid of anyone. Those are all attributes that help him succeed at this level."
Although Hanson had not seen Eiserman play or recruited him in any aspect, he had heard of the Newburyport native's abilities "through the grapevine." Eiserman's two older brothers, Billy and Chris, have both committed to play for UMass Lowell, with Billy headed there next year after playing this winter in the United States Hockey League. Eiserman helped the Junior Warriors win a state title two years ago.
"Right from day one, I could tell he was a special type of player," Hanson said. "He does have finesse-type skill, but his desire, fire, and emotion stand out. I don't want to take away from his offensive abilities, but it's difficult to teach a kid to have heart. Some kids have it, and some kids don't, and Shane has it. As a coach, I appreciate it.
"We do see him as a Division 1 player, but oftentimes, it's hard to really know," Hanson said. "Shane has the emotional gifts. That aspect will make him much more desirable. The sky is the limit for him."
At 7-4-1 and ranked fourth in Eastern Mass., St. John's is battling for its tournament life and a Super 8 berth with eight games to go in the regular season. To play that brand of hockey, the best level in the state, was the top reason Eiserman took his talents 30 minutes south to Danvers' St. John's Prep campus.
"I went there because I wanted to play where the best hockey was, Division 1 hockey with better competition," said Eiserman, who said he did not expect to make varsity as a freshman. "The campus life, going to school and meeting new people, and putting on that jersey is all awesome, too."
Watching his older brothers play over the years, Eiserman said was great preparation for what awaited at St. John's, and developing chemistry with Blackwell has worked out perfectly for the freshman.
"Playing with Colin Blackwell is a real treat; we've got good chemistry, and we're working good together," Eiserman said. "Colin is more of a skillful player, and I see myself as a power player. I'll go into the board to bang the body, get the scrappy goals. I feel real comfortable doing that because I've got two older brothers, so I'm used to that.
"It's exactly what I was hoping for," said Eiserman, who thanked his coach for giving him a shot to prove his worth. "As the games have piled up, I've been more comfortable with the puck. Earlier games, I was more passive, because I didn't want to upset anybody, but now I'm taking the puck and trying to do stuff with it to build my confidence."
An emotional Iverson returns to Philly
Jackson on his desire to be a better leader
Hamels on Harper and free-agency
Manuel is helping the Phillies loosen up
Fans prove they're not fair-weather fans
Sixers confident in their fans
Are the starters feeling extra pressure?
The Sixers are prepared to win or go home
Kelce reflects on his first year as an Eagle
Brandon Bass 1-on-1
Nix talks about going to the DL
Are the Sixers falling apart?
McCarthy and Wheeler recap the Phillies' loss
What is wrong with Roy Halladay?
Bob Ryan doesn't know what to expect in game 6
Phillies on the loss to the Nationals
Phillies on Ruiz's ejection
Brandon Bass dominates the Sixers in Game 5
Sixers PGL crew on the keys to the Sixers' loss in Game 5
The Sixers on their costly turnovers in Game 5
