Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 15, 2024 Saugus hockey seniors leave legacy of grit and mentorship despite tough season By Dom Nicastro I t wasn’t the season Ryan Jones and Dom Chianca of Saugus envisioned for the Peabody-Saugus High School boys hockey team. The team finished 5-12-1 and scored 56 goals while allowing 104. But forward Jones and defenseman Chianca, the lone seniors from Saugus on the cooperative boys’ hockey program, certainly went out leaving it all on the ice. And the coach noticed. Jason Marshall, coach of the Tanners, was impressed with the effort of captain Jones and Chianca. Their presence alone on the team demonstrates their commitment to hockey. When Saugus was forced to end its program because of low participation numbers last year, it teamed up with Peabody. And no matter the colors on their jerseys or the rink in which they play, Jones and Chianca just needed a sheet of ice, a pair of skates and some equipment. And they were more than happy. “Ryan was one of my captains,” Marshall said. “He has a great passion for the game and was a fantastic teammate.” Jones finished the season with four goals and four assists over 17 games. “For Dom, this was his first year with the program,” Marshall said. “He was a highly skilled player and had a highly competitive drive.” And he had not-so-bad stats for a first-year player: 10 goals and 10 assists over 17 games. “I would say that being a leader is something I’m proud to have contributed to the team because I was able to help the younger guys and kind of mentor them which was awesome this season,” Chianca said. Speaking of leadership, that’s something Jones recalls among his most fond achievements for Peabody-Saugus. “I’m most proud that I was able to be a captain of the team because I was given the opportunity to lead and be a role modHOCKEY | SEE PAGE 13 Saugus team leaders Dom Chianca (left) and Ryan Jones From Saugus to Endicott: Taylor Bogdanski’s journey of growth and leadership in college hoops By Dom Nicastro A s the curtains close on the college basketball careers of countless young athletes across the nation, the journey of Saugus’ own Taylor Bogdanski is one of personal growth, athletic achievement and leadership. The lone senior for the Endicott College women’s basketball team this past season, Bogdanski wrapped up a fine career for the Lady Gulls. The season ended in the opening round of the Commonwealth Coast Conference tournament. But that doesn’t take away a career that began with a great run with the Saugus Sachems in high school and finished on the collegiate hardwood. Bogdanski’s journey through the ranks of collegiate sports offers a compelling narrative of resilience, determination and the transition to life beyond the hardwood. In an interview with The Saugus Advocate, Bogdanski delved into the experiences that have shaped her career, her reflections on leadership and teamwork and her aspirations for the future. Bogdanski ended up starting 49 career games for the Gulls, including 25 this season for the 14-11 team. She had her best season at 5.5 points per game and averaged her highest minutes per game at 23.0. She reflected on the end of her college basketball career with a mix of sadness for its conclusion and excitement for the next chapter of her life. Despite the disappointment of a first-round exit in her final season, she views the transition positively. “Obviously, I’m upset it’s over,” she said. “Especially working so hard for so many years. But I think I’m really ready for that new chapter of my life. So I’m trying not to focus on so much of the sad part of it but trying to be more excited for that new chapter of my life.” Endicott’s most successful season during Bogdanski’s run was the previous year, whereas the sixth seed, her team made an unprecedented run to the conference championship. This achievement was particularly significant given the close competition with the top-seeded team, showcasing the team’s capability and resilience. It ended with a loss, leaving the Gulls just one game shy of an NCAA tourney appearance. A standout game for Bogdanski came against the University of New England during the conference semifinals last year, where she Taylor Bogdanski at Endicott achieved a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. “It was crazy,” Bogdanski said of the Gulls tourney run. “We weren’t expected to go that far. We beat the No. 3 seed, Gordon, and then beat the next team, UNE. And both at their places. It’s always a better feeling and beating someone at their place in a tournament. It was really unreal. It was unbelievable. But it was such a great experience. It really was.” As the only senior in her final year, Bogdanski took on a significant leadership role, emphasizing team chemistry and the importance of off-court relationships to on-court success. She aimed to be a supportive figure for her teammates, guiding them through challenges and fostering a family-like atmosphere. Bogdanski appreciated the special senior day organized for her and valued the support from her hometown, former coaches and the broader community. This support was crucial throughout her career, offering encouragement and recognition. “It was really interesting because I was the only senior,” Bogdanski said. “So I felt like I had a big role in being that older figure, especially for the underclassmen. My personal goal was to bring everyone together and really feel like a family more than obviously push people to work hard. But I always feel like the chemistry of a team is way more important than how good you are on the court. Because without that connection off the court, you’re not going to have it on the court. And since I was the only senior, it was kind of easy for me to really connect with everyone on a different level whether that’s in classroom or they needed help – like with friends or any aspect – I just really tried to be a pinpoint person for a lot of people.” On the court, Bogdanski was tasked with various defensive assignments, facing opponents with different strengths and sizes. She aimed to bring a sense of calmness to the game, adapting to each match-up with a focus on contributing to the team’s overall performance. And she proved she could do it on the court, too. Bogdanski five times scored in double figures, her highest coming in a 76-69 win over Emerson on the road Nov. 21 when she scored 14 points on 6-for10 shooting. Bogdanski credits her Head Coach, Brittany Hutchinson, for significantly influencing her growth as a player and person. Hutchinson’s approach to pushing players beyond their limits and fostering personal development was instrumental in her evolution. Endicott parted ways with Hutchinson after this season. Looking ahead, Bogdanski is excited about pursuing graduate studies in special education and exploring opportunities to coach basketball. Her experiences as a player have shaped her desire to contribute positively to others’ lives, both on and off the court. “I want to work in the public schools,” Bogdanski said. “And I’m hoping that I’ll get my foot in the door with basketball and high school basketball. I would love to do something like that.”
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