In an era of leaving for preps and juniors, Daniel Menyalkin is a Pioneer for staying.

An incredible article featured in the December 27 issue of the Boston Globe highlighting the Saint John's Hockey Team and senior Daniel Menyalkin's decision to remain at Saint John's, playing his four high school hockey career with the Pioneers, and committing to play for Bowdoin after graduation. 



In an era of leaving for preps and juniors, Daniel Menyalkin of Saint John's is a Pioneer for staying.

STAYING PUT AT SAINT JOHN'S

 

By Cam Kerry, Globe correspondent

 

Daniel Menyalkin is an exception.

 

The Saint John's (Shrewsbury) senior captain elected not to suit up for a prep school or play juniors and will see his career through with the Pioneers. Committed to Bowdoin, the Shrewsbury resident wants to make more memories and rack up signature wins before competing in the Division 3 circuit.

 

"To be honest, it's one of the best decisions and things that's happened to me - staying," said Menyalkin. "I was feeling the pressure to go prep. It didn't work out. I think it's the best thing that's going to happen to me, staying all four years at the place that I love."

 

It's not just Menyalkin reaping the benefits of his choice.

 

"We've been very fortunate that he decided to stay," said Saint John's Shrewsbury coach Michael Mead. "Because he decided to stay and because he committed to play at Bowdoin, that should convince other kids to come and play for Saint John's Shrewsbury. You can do it. You can play for us, play in the Catholic Conference, play high school hockey, and then go play at the next level. He's the perfect example."

 

Mead praised Menyalkin's second-to-none work ethic.

 

He's in the gym before school and is known to return after class. A quiet leader, Menyalkin's passion for the sport drives his actions on and off the ice. He's the hardest worker in practice, scurrying around the ice as Mead blasts AC/DC over the loudspeaker.

 

"The thing that drives him nuts is that I will always single him out for being the hardest worker in practice, because he works harder than everybody in any drill," said Mead. "It doesn't matter if it's a warm up drill or a battle drill - he's working harder than everyone and that's why he's finding the success that he is."

 

After scoring 59 points (19 goals, 40 assists) in his first three varsity seasons, Menyalkin owns a team-leading 6 points (goal, 5 assists) through three games for the ninth-ranked Pioneers (2-1). Playing alongside junior Caleb Keyes, the duo have formed chemistry early in the season. When Menyalkin attracts extra attention, he sees the ice well enough to find the open man. When afforded space, he quickly gets up to top speed and beats defenders wide or opens up the ice through the neutral zone. He wins battles along the wall, playing a power-forward style. 

 

"He always picks us up when we're down," said senior captain Dominic Reidy. "If the team needs a boost or a big play, he's the one that brings it to us. With his skills, he can always get the job done, whether it's putting the puck in the net or creating a big play. Off the ice, he's a great leader with his words, and treats the boys as his equal."

 

The Pioneers possess plenty of talent to keep up in both the Catholic Conference and the shark tank that is Division 1. Junior Brady Chenevert provides a spark each time he's on the ice. Reidy's solid play anchoring the second line has resulted in two goals through three games.

 

"It means everything to me [to be a senior captain]," said Reidy. "To be able to lead these boys, be an example with my words and also my actions. It means the whole world to me and I wouldn't trade it for anything."

 

Freshman Logan Cotter and sophomore Carter Richard play beyond their years. Brothers Ryder and Kevin Bisson bring physicality and puck movement on the back end. "Those two are really great kids," said Menyalkin. "They're very smart, that's the big thing. They see the ice really well. They're leaders off the ice. They're great, and they're physically dominant."

 

Senior Paul Bonina earned the job between the pipes out of the preseason. Not even on the roster last season, Bonina made 29 saves to backstop the Pioneers to a 4-1 victory over No. 10 Arlington Catholic on Monday, tracking pucks well and commanding the crease.

 

"Here's a goalie that was on our JV team last year, worked hard in the offseason, came out at tryouts and he's been the No. 1 goalie for us the last three games," said Mead. "He's doing a great job."

 

With a plethora of talent throughout the lineup, the Pioneers expect to compete with any team in the state. With Menyalkin in the fold, it makes the Pioneers a force to be reckoned with.