MIDDLETOWN — A fast start to the season has Middletown High School North hockey riding confidence and momentum, and a balanced offensive attack has been a major reason why. Under the guidance of Head Coach Don Wood, the Lions have jumped out to a 5–1 record, showcasing depth, speed, and consistency at both ends of the ice.

North opened the year with dominant wins over Manalapan (7–0), Rumson-Fair Haven (8–6), and Cranford (10–2), before bouncing back from their lone loss of the season with convincing victories over Middletown South (9–4) and Marlboro (4–1). Through six games, the Lions have outscored opponents by a wide margin, thanks to contributions throughout the lineup.

Senior Dominiks Marnauza has led the offensive charge, posting a team-high 14 points on seven goals and seven assists, including the team’s lone game-winning goal so far. Fellow seniors Brendan Costello (5 goals, 6 assists) and Caden Kirk (4 goals, 7 assists) have also reached double digits in points, each totaling 11.

Junior Greg Bonczek has been a consistent scoring threat with six goals and three assists, while senior Lucas Laranjeiro has been a key playmaker, recording nine assists. Juniors Samuel Noone and Tyler Cummings, along with sophomores Kellen Harris and Landon Hopwood, have added important secondary scoring, highlighting the team’s depth and versatility.

Defensively, the Lions have been steady in front of senior goaltender John Gato, who has made 104 saves on 122 shots, posting an .852 save percentage and earning one shutout in five appearances. His strong play has helped North control games early and protect leads late.

The Lions have displayed an unselfish approach in which they are getting scoring from all four lines and strong play in goal. The balance makes the Lions tough to defend and keeps them competitive every night.

With the offense clicking, solid goaltending, and a disciplined team structure, Middletown North has set a strong tone for the season. As the schedule continues, the Lions will look to maintain their momentum and continue representing their program and community with pride on the ice.

2025 Middletown North Hockey Schedule / Scoreboard

Date	Opponent	Result	W-L
Fri, 12/5	@Manalapan	W 7-0	1-0	Result
Mon, 12/8	@Rumson-Fair Haven	W 8-6	2-0	Result
Tue, 12/9	vsCranford	W 10-2	3-0	Result
Thu, 12/11	vsRed Bank Catholic	L 6-4	3-1	Result
Tue, 12/16	@Middletown South	W 9-4	4-1	Result
Thu, 12/18	vsMarlboro	W 4-1	5-1	Result
Date	Opponent	Time
Fri, 12/19	vsGov. Livingston	4pm		Pre-Game
Fri, 12/26	@Northern Highlands	4pm		Pre-Game
Tue, 12/30	@Westfield	10am		Pre-Game
Tue, 1/6	@Toms River East	4pm		Pre-Game
Thu, 1/8	@Manasquan	6:25pm		Pre-Game
Mon, 1/12	@Livingston	4pm		Pre-Game
Tue, 1/13	@St. John Vianney	5:50pm		Pre-Game
Thu, 1/15	vsChatham	5:15pm		Pre-Game
Mon, 1/19	vsBrick Township	3:30pm		Pre-Game
Tue, 1/20	vsHowell	5pm		Pre-Game
Thu, 1/29	@Middletown South	5:15pm		Pre-Game
Tue, 2/3	vsSouth Brunswick	5:15pm		Pre-Game
Thu, 2/5	vsChristian Brothers	5:15pm

Cover Photo via Kevin Prefer