THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Christian Brothers Academy Athletics

It’s hard to fathom that it has been four months since the last time Gaetano DeLonge wheeled behind the net and looked to the slot for Nate Darwin — a 6-foot-5 flash of black and orange — crashing the net for Keene High Hockey. It’s been four months since Jason Langevin last torched a helpless defenseman around the edge and cut a goalie to ribbons on a breakaway. In the summer months at Keene Ice, looking out at an empty sheet on Marlborough Street, it’s not hard to remember how the Birds absolutely rocked this rink. You can almost hear the way the boards quaked in front of the Blackbird student section when DeLonge, Darwin or Langevin potted one of the many — many — goals Keene High scored through an undefeated regular season. For one final time, the trio of graduated Blackbirds will take the ice under the same colors, representing the state of New Hampshire in the 25th Vermont-New Hampshire All-Star Hockey Classic to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation today at UVM’s Gutterson Field House in Burlington, Vt. The three are the first KHS boys to participate in the event since Tim Puis and Joe Nicholas in 1995. Keene has the second-most representatives on this year’s 20-man roster, only behind Bedford, the Division I champs, who will suit four players. “I’m excited to represent Keene and New Hampshire in such a great cause,” said Darwin, a second-team all-state selection with 17 goals and 22 assists in the regular season. “Me, Lang, and Guy are all playing on the same line which is really awesome. We have such good chemistry together.” DeLonge is really the only one of the three that has kept his skating legs since the season ended in March, getting reps in at Keene Ice to prep for his junior hockey season with the New England Wolves in Laconia. “I still really miss the boys, I miss the team,” said DeLonge, who netted 18 goals with 23 assists last season. “It’s going to be a blast getting back out there because I love playing with them.” Langevin, the team’s leading scorer from the winter with 21 goals and 21 assists in the regular season, admittedly said he isn’t in the best hockey shape, but the familiarity of skating with teammates should ease the transition. “I’m going to be a little rusty, but I’m sure it will come back to me quickly,” he said. “It’s a great way to end (our high school careers), especially with so many kids from Keene going. It’s a great thing for the program and it’s for a really good cause.” The chance to play for charity also struck DeLonge as a special opportunity. “I’ve always played hockey for myself really. It’s the love of my life,” he said. “So this is going to be cool to play for something bigger than myself and for a cause that really matters. That’s what this game is all about.” The Make-A-Wish Foundation began in 1980 and grants a wish to any child between 2-and-a-half and 18 years old who has been determinded by their physician to have a life-threatening medical condition. According to the Make-A-Wish website, the average cost of a wish is $10,000. Make-A-Wish New Hampshire has granted 1,270 wishes over the last 28 years. The puck drops at 6:30 p.m., and officially closes the book on the most storied season in Keene Blackbird hockey history. It’s only appropriate that Darwin, DeLonge and Langevin close out their careers with the Black and Orange making a difference for cause off the ice. Their contributions to Blackbird hockey on the ice went so much further than wins, goals and assists.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Christian Brothers Academy Athletics

THREE KEENE HIGH HOCKEY PLAYERS SUITING UP

MICHAEL M. MCMAHON

Sentinel Source | 7/1/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Keene High Athletics