Men's Hockey team sends four to the pros

By Preslee Welu

For the first time in program history, the men’s ice hockey team has had not only one, but four players sign professional contracts this year. They are celebrating defenseman Evan Orr, forwards Teddy Lagerbäck and Frankie Ireland, and goalie Connor Androlewicz.  In the ECHL, Orr joins the Atlanta Gladiators, and Lagerbäck heads to the Rapid City Rush. In the SPHL, Ireland will go to the Knoxville Ice Bears, and Androlewicz to the Pensacola Ice Flyers. 

Head Coach David Berard reflected on this major accomplishment and breakthrough for the Stonehill men’s hockey program. 

“Up until last year, we didn’t have a guy who was able to play professionally. When our players sign professionally, it gives younger guys confidence that if they perform well and are part of a winning program, they’ll have that same opportunity”. 

Over the last three years, as Stonehill has adapted to Division 1, the men’s hockey program has developed immensely. Coach Berard emphasized that this has been a huge stepping stone for the team's growth. 

“Now, as a Division 1 program, we can play the very best competition across the country. That gives our players confidence when they have success against nationally ranked opponents. The individual, the team, the coaching staff, and the schedule are all key parts of the developmental process for our players”. 

For the players, that development has been transformational. Former Skyhawk defenseman Evan Orr reflected on how the program shaped his path to the next level. 

“If I didn’t come to Stonehill I don’t think I would’ve learned the values and overall knowledge I would need to be able to access this level of opportunity. I owe a lot to them and am very thankful I was able to spend some of my career there”.

According to Coach Berard, the team’s core values of gratitude and accountability have been crucial in contributing to the success of the players. 

“We try to promote the mindset of ‘we get to’ instead of ‘we have to’. Accountability is also a big piece of what we do every day. It’s ‘we’ over ‘me’. We really want the guys to be a team and proud of their jerseys and what they represent”. 

Each of the four players was a key contributor to the team’s unique identity. Coach Berard shared some highlights of each player who had the incredible opportunity to go on to play professional hockey. 

“Evan became the backbone of our defensive core, while also standing out offensively. He was someone the team relied on to be an impactful guy. He embodied everything we wanted in a hockey player.”

“Frank started here in Division 2 and was able to make that transition to Division 1 because he is such a great hockey player. He’s a guy who set a good example on the ice and that the team could always rally around. The talent he has will most definitely show at the next level”.

“Connor really became our go-to guy in the net. He was someone that our team was able to build a lot of confidence around. Connor gave us a chance to win every night. He battles and works exceptionally hard every day”.

“Teddy is a good player on both sides of the puck. His ability to score goals and make offensive plays in big moments helped our team a lot. He is passionate and committed to becoming the best player he can be”.

Their journeys were not identical. In fact, three of the four players arrived at Stonehill as transfers, searching for a fresh opportunity and a place to grow.

Coach Berard shared that “Three of the four signed contracts were signed by transfers. They came to Stonehill for a fresh start, and they were able to fulfill their dream.”

With the program continuing to grow, more players are getting the chance to turn lifelong dreams into reality. It’s a mindset built on confidence and perseverance, something Coach Berard emphasizes to his team.

“We go into every game believing we can beat anyone, even if we don’t have all the bells and whistles.”