This roster established itself as one of the best the state had to offer from beginning to end of the season.
It's time to announce the postseason honors for the 2023-24 men's ice hockey season. Throughout the season, NJ Advance Media staff was able to get an up-close look at the talent that New Jersey has to offer.
Check out what this season's All-State Second Team looks like below.
Each team is chosen after hours of discussion and research by NJ Advance Media's hockey writers, taking into account the player's influence on the team's success, observations from games covered, and input from coaches across the state. It was put together after some work.
2023-24 Second Team, Jeonju
F: Vincenzo Capano, Northern Highlands Jr.
- statistics: 27 goals, 26 assists, 53 points
With just over six minutes remaining in the Public State final as the Highlanders defeated Manalapan 4-3, Capano scored the winning goal, perhaps Northern Highlands' biggest goal of the season. The goal showcased how Capano has been able to break through defenders all season, using his speed to rush toward the goal and pounce on rebounds. His speed and ability to find teammates in open shooting lanes was equally impressive, as he was difficult to contain throughout the season as he routinely attracted multiple defenders, which led to his final goal and assist. This can also be seen from similar aggregations. He had 10 goals and 23 points in the state tournament.
F: Michael Schmeltzer, Manalapan, Sr.
- statistics: 34 goals, 15 assists, 49 points
Schmelzer made his mark on Manalapan not only with his 34 goals this season, but also with his 94 points in just 36 games over two seasons with the Braves. After starting his high school career with just six points at Christian Brothers Academy, Schmelzer transferred to Manalapan and went on to become one of the most prolific scorers to ever play for the school. It will be. His performance in the playoffs was particularly impressive, as he scored 10 of the Braves' 14 goals in the state tournament.
F: Sean Guinnessy, Christian Brothers Sr.
- statistics: 19 goals, 35 assists, 54 points
Guinnessy was the only Christian Brothers player to score 50 points this season and led the team with 35 assists. Of the 23 games the Colts played this season, Guinnessy scored at least one point in 20 of them and finished with only one point. 1 point in 5 games. The Colts' highest scoring game of the season came when Guinnessy was on the ice, and it showed more than ever in his senior season.
D/F: Alex Ebell, Westfield, Sr.
- statistics: 13 goals, 25 assists, 38 points
Perhaps no player in the state is more unselfish than Westfield defenseman/forward Alex Ebel, who led the Blue Devils in scoring this season. A center for most of his high school career, Ebel retreated to the blue line at the midway point when Westfield slipped, but his changeup quickly turned his fortunes around and the Blue Devils ultimately advanced to the Union County Tournament. won both titles. And the MacInnis Cup. Ebel's ability to use his experience as a forward to create offense while staying poised on defense opened up a world of possibilities every time Westfield stepped on the ice.
D: Derek Fiore, Christian Brothers, Sr.
- statistics: 5 goals, 14 assists, 19 points
Fiore was one of the state's top shutout defensemen all season, contributing greatly from the blue line in his senior season with a career-high 14 assists and 19 points. Fiore particularly shined in the playoffs as the Colts allowed just six goals in their final five games, and his play on the back end nearly led to an upset of Don Bosco in the non-public state semifinals.
G: Anthony Conetta, Pope John, so.
- statistics: 493 saves. .920 SV%, 7 shutouts
Conetta had a great coming out party in his second season with a .920 save percentage in 23 games. In his first year as a starter, Conetta recorded the most shutouts in the state this season and quickly established himself as one of the state's best goalies. He almost single-handedly kept the Lions' season alive, making 44 saves in a 3-2 overtime loss to Don Bosco in the nonpublic state quarterfinals. This performance made him one of the best goalies in the state this season.
Donovan Hugel can be contacted at: dhugel@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @Donohugel.
Brian Bobal can be contacted at: bbobal@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @Brian Bobal.
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