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CASTAGNA COMMITS

By Joe Sindoni , 05/12/17, 7:15PM EDT

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JRFlyers Defenseman Sean Castaga Headed for DIII Hockey

(PHOTO CREDIT MARISA MASSO) 

 

JRFlyers defenseman Sean Castagna has committed to play Division III Hockey next season. The 6’0 d-man from Wilmington, Delaware is heading to Worcester State University in Massachusetts. This was Castagna’s second year with the JRFlyers, and he was a core member of a veteran defense for the team which won the Eastern Hockey League Title.  Castagna wasn’t the type of defenseman that would light the lamp every game. Instead, what you saw was a player who led by example. A player who consistently gave his best effort day in and day out each time he was on the ice. Castagna was on the ice a lot contributing to the power play and penalty kill, categories in which the JRFlyers were near the top in the league. He didn’t have a flashy game but he was fundamentally sound, and did the little things correctly and that’s why he had success at the junior level. Castagna ends his junior career a championship; it doesn’t get any better than that, as he reflects on his time in West Chester. “The last two years have flown by, but I'm so glad I chose to play juniors. The friendships and bonds that I have formed are ones that will never be broken. The amount of adversity that we had to overcome this season was unbelievable, and we overcame it all and won the Championship to end our junior career. I have learned how to adapt to new systems, new work ethic, and most importantly how to keep my game simple. I have learned how to protect myself better, and also that if a team works together, it will find a way to win together.”

Worcester is the next step for Castagna as he heads to College hockey. Right now he is undecided what he will major in but still has goals set for his future. “My number one goal for college hockey is to be the player Worcester saw in me. I want to continue to play great defense, but graduating with a college degree might be just as important.” Castagna also joins teammate and forward Matt Manning who committed to Worcester earlier in the season so they will continue to be teammates as the road to college hockey approaches. “I think the ‘Manno-Stags’ offensive-defensive combination will be great. We know how each other plays. We will be able to read each other and help the play. If we are on the ice together we know we have each other's backs so the game will come naturally.”

Head Coach Jerry Domish is thrilled for Castagna next step as he moves to College Hockey. “I was very glad he came back to play a second season with us. He is a very good defenseman. His skating has improved a lot in the time he has been here, and he is an excellent skater now and as a d-man that is important. He has good poise with the puck, and he is a strong player on the offensive blue line. Worcester has always been a decent team but couldn’t get over the hump. I think him and Matt (Manning) are going to help them in a big way, I don’t think they realize yet just how much those two will help them.”

It was a successful career for Castagna, but he sheds light on all of those who helped along the way. “I would like to thank all my family, friends, teammates and coaches that have helped me get to where I am today. I would like to thank Jerry (Domish) and Jason (Kilcoyne) for the last two years for believing in me and helping me improve my game. I would also like to thank Joe Sindoni for all his hard work with the team all year, and I would like to thank Chris Cowan our equipment manager for all he did this season.”

Castagna leaves the JRFlyers which wasn’t just a team, but more like a brotherhood. He turns the page to the next chapter, but leaves one final message to his teammates. “I would like to thank every one of my teammates who have helped push me in practice and games to get to where I am.  I would most importantly like to thank the one player who has been there with me from learning to skate at four years old, to winning a championship together. Doc (Tommy Dougherty-JRFlyers Captain) I’m going to miss you buddy.  We will always be brothers and that bond will never be broken.”

Congratulations Sean on a successful junior hockey career. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to the JRFlyers. Best of luck as you move on to the next phase of your hockey journey. Thank you for being part of the JRFlyers family now and forever.

 

By Joe Sindoni

Staff Writer

Play By Play Announcer