For CBA Hockey’s Dominic Szczygiel, his senior season featured major highlights as he helped lead the Colts on a deep postseason run.
With a team-high 71 points, Szczygiel is the CBA Digital Network’s Player of the Season, something he credits to his great teammates and coaches.
“It’s definitely an accomplishment, but I couldn’t have done without them,” he said.
As a senior captain, Szczygiel prided himself on playing hard on the ice as he embraced his leadership role.
“Being a captain at CBA has been nothing but an honor,” he said. “To follow in the footsteps of some great players and people meant the world to me.”
In true Colts fashion, CBA had a strong season, advancing to both the Gordon Conference Final and the Non-Public State Championship.
“We didn’t know what to expect [coming into the season], but we came together and figured out what kind of team we were,” he explained.
The season was not always smooth sailing, as a late-January losing streak threatened to derail the Colts’ season. Szczygiel credited the team’s hard-working attitude in getting back on track.
Determined to turn things around, the team ran detailed practices to refocus and sharpen their play.
"We faced some challenges, but we stuck together, trusted our system, and found a way to win when it mattered most,” he said.
Szczygiel proved to be a key part of the Colts’ late season resurgence. In the opening game of the Gordon Cup playoffs, he scored twice in a 4-3 overtime victory, including the game-winner.
In the Non-Public State Quarterfinals, he once again scored the game-winning goal with one minute to play against Morristown-Beard.
Looking back, Szczygiel values the brotherhood and lessons from his time at CBA.
“These three years have been an amazing journey,” he said. “The bonds I’ve made and the moments we’ve shared mean so much to me.”
Beyond the wins and losses, he credits the hockey program for teaching him important life lessons.
“This team is like a family, and the brotherhood we’ve built is something I’ll carry with me forever.”
