Montclair senior Jack Dunne (2) fires a shot for the Mounties first goal of the 2025-26 season in the season opener on Dec. 4. Five different Mounties scored against the Raiders at Clary Anderson Arena. Unfortunately it was not enough as Montclair dropped an 8-5 decision to Nutley. (EDWARD KENSIK/STAFF)

The 2025-26 Montclair High School ice hockey team got a rude awakening to start the new season on Thursday at home at Clary Anderson Rink.

In the opener the Mounties could not keep up with Nutley especially in the second period where the Raiders outscored Montclair, 4-0. And with that difficult period, the Mounties fell 8-5 in the 2025-26 season opener in the NJIIHL (New Jersey Interscholastic Ice Hockey League) Kelly Division.

Montclair head coach Connor Smith took responsibility for the defeat in the opener.  “We were prepared on paper, but we didn’t fully execute the plan,” said Smith. “I can do a better job preparing the team for the kind of stretch game Nutley plays. That’s on me and we’ll tighten it up.”

Rematch with Nutley on Thursday

It won’t be long for their other regular season contest against Nutley. The Mounties (9-12-1 record in 2024-25) will take on Nutley again on Thursday (Dec. 12, 8:15 p.m.) at Codey Arena in West Orange. Montclair could see the Raiders a third time this season with the end of the season Kelly Cup. 

Montclair senior Jack Dunne (2) brings the puck down the ice against Nutley in the season opener on Dec. 4. (EDWARD KENSIK/STAFF)

In the loss to the Raiders, Montclair received several contributions with five different goal scorers, senior Hannah Rosenheck, junior Darren Turetsky, seniors Sean Dunne and Jack Dunne along with sophomore Henry Day.

The difference in the contest was Nutley’s top scoring line led by Christian Sherman who had four goals. “Nutley has a ton of star power up front,” said Smith. “They kept their top line out for most of the game, and I told our group beforehand that their plan is basically to win 8-7. They’re fine trading goals as long as they end up with one more.”

Mounties Done In by Odd-man Rushes

The Mounties head coach pointed to the odd-man rushes down the ice that hurt them as Nutley took advantage of their chances. Montclair put shots on net as Raiders goalie Aiden Rosamilia made 33 saves while Montclair senior goalie John Kavanagh made a dozen saves.

Montclair junior Jaxon Parma (9) goes for the loose puck against Nutley in the season opener on Dec. 4. (EDWARD KENSIK/STAFF)

Despite the defeat, Smith wants his team to be a “pass-first, chemistry-driven team built on structure and discipline.”

He added what the goals are for this season: “Montclair aims to compete for and win the (NJIIHL Kelly) division while continuing to build depth through the Mountie Hockey Nation pipeline. Although the team does not return many top statistical scorers from last season, the roster is deeper, faster and more connected.” 

MHS Searching to Replace Brown, Jenkins

For this season the Mounties will have to replace their top players in graduated seniors defenseman Logan Brown and Anders Jenkins who were named to the NJIIHL Kelly Division first and second team honors respectively last season.

Montclair senior Sean Dunne (3, right) celebrates with his brother, senior Jack Dunne (2) after Jack scored the first goal of the 2025-26 season in the season opener on Dec. 4. (EDWARD KENSIK/STAFF)

The top returning players are seniors, Sean Dunne and Rosenheck, both were placed on the NJIIHL Kelly honorable mention list. 

Dunne is the leading scorer returning this season with seven goals and a dozen assists. “Sean is a dynamic skater with a high hockey IQ and elite one-on-one defending ability,” said Smith.  “He anchors the defensive unit.”

After Dunne, Rosenheck was the next highest scorer back this season with seven goals and 10 assists. “She is a true 200-foot player and one of the top girls hockey athletes in New Jersey,” said Smith who added that she is aiming to play in college. “She covers more ice than anyone and sets the team’s focus.”

Kavanaugh is Key to Season in Goal

In addition Montclair has the advantage of the return of Kavanaugh in goal. Kavanaugh comes off his first full season as the lead goaltender with a save percentage of .844. “He’s bigger and stronger this season with controlled movement and growing confidence,” said Smith about Kavanaugh.

Montclair senior goalie John Cavanaugh (30) watches as a puck goes by him and the Mounties defense against Nutley in the season opener on Dec. 4. (EDWARD KENSIK/STAFF)

Along with Sean Dunne, his twin brother, senior Jack Dunne, is one of the top scorers coming back with seven goals and seven assists. “He’s a north-south power forward with vertical speed and one of the most dangerous shots on the roster,” said Smith about Jack Dunne.

For this season Montclair has three other seniors who will contribute in forwards, Colden Poreda and Daniel Gallagher along with defender Jayden Manabet.

Leading the way in the juniors are the Parma brothers, Jaxon and Kyle. Jaxon is one of the top goal scorers returning this season with 8 in 24-25. “He’s (Jaxon) is a physical net-front presence with strong intimidation ability,” said Smith. “His continued improvements in discipline have made him a reliable impact player.”

Mounties Defense Spells Kyle Jaxon

And for Kyle Jaxon he is a major presence on the defensive end. “(He’s) a precision passer who helps quarterback the defense,” added Smith. “He has a hard, accurate point shot.”

Montclair senior Hannah Rosenheck looks for a teammate to pass against Nutley in the season opener on Dec. 4. (EDWARD KENSIK/STAFF)

And the other top juniors include Parker Masson, Demitri Zacharia, Turetsky, Max Bidwa and Henry Devinsky.

One of the young up-and-coming players is Day who saw varsity time last season as a freshman. The other top sophomore is Jackson Mixer who is a first-year varsity player.

And the top freshman might be Asher Callanan who is the brother of Luc Callanan, a center who graduated from the 2022-23 team. “He (Asher) is a tough, fearless freshman forward,” said Smith. “He shares the competitive edge of his older brother, a former Montclair captain.”

Battles with MKA Highlight Schedule

For this season the Mounties will take on township rival, Montclair Kimberley twice since they are both part of the Kelly Division. The first contest against the Cougars will be Jan. 9 (5 p.m.) that will be the annual Montclair Cup. Montclair Kimberley won the trophy last season in a 3-2 overtime thriller. Both teams will also face off on Jan. 23. 

Montclair senior Sean Dunne (3) tries to get the puck out of the corner against Nutley in the season opener on Dec. 4. (EDWARD KENSIK/STAFF)

Montclair Ice Hockey Schedule
(Home Games, 4 p.m. at Clary Anderson Arena, Montclair unless noted)

Dec. 10 Clifton
Dec. 12 at Nutley, Codey Arena, 8:15 p.m.
Dec. 15 at Verona, Codey Arena, 8 p.m.
Dec. 19 Fair Lawn
Dec. 22 Frisch
Jan. 4 at Frisch, Mackay Ice Rink, 5 p.m.
Jan. 9 Montclair Kimberley, 5 p.m.
Jan. 12 at Manalapan, Howell Ice Arena, 7:50 p.m.
Jan. 14 Verona, 7:20 p.m.
Jan. 16 Hanover Park, 5:10 p.m.
Jan. 23 at Montclair Kimberley, 4:15 p.m.
Jan. 27 at Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Warinarco Park, 8:35 p.m.
Jan. 29 at Hillsborough, ProSkate Ice Arena, 3:45 p.m.
Feb. 2 Wayne Hills, 4:10 p.m.
Feb. 4 Glen Rock, 4:10 p.m.
Feb. 5 Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 4:10 p.m.

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