Liam Centrella originally opted for modesty at the mention of one of the most emotional goals in Andover hockey history.
"Yeah, I think that was me," he said with a chuckle.
It was 10 months ago that Centrella sent Golden Warrior players and fans into hysterics, shocking Super 8-bound Central Catholic with his late-minute game-winning goal just days after the controversial firing of hockey coach Mario Martiniello.
"That is definitely the defining moment of my hockey career," said Centrella. "If I could score just one goal in my entire career, it would be that goal. That was special."
Following his impressive junior season, Centrella is now ready to take on a go-to role for the Golden Warriors under new coach Mike Ciarletta. The team opens Wednesday by hosting Billerica.
"Liam is just a natural leader," said Ciarletta. "He is gifted athletically, but it is the way he carries himself. He gives off a sense of authority, and I am excited to have him here and to work with him."
After seeing limited playing time as a sophomore (one goal), Centrella earned a spot on the top line last year. He finished the season third on the team in goals (9) and second in points (24), earning MVC-DCL All-Star honors.
Centrella delivered three two-goal games, including his memorable performance against archrival Central Catholic, and had four games with two or more assists.
"I try to use my speed and get my teammates involved," he said. "Scoring a goal is amazing. But I am looking to step up my production even more this season. It will be tough to replace a guy like (MVC/DCL Division 1 MVP) Matt Swett."
But his skills with the puck are just one reason Ciarletta is thankful that the forward is on his squad.
"Liam is the whole package," said Ciarletta. "He brings a boost to the team with his presence. It's the way he handles himself and speaks to the team. It has been very valuable to me that I can talk to him and he can make sure the team is on board."
Centrella, for one, is more than happy to ease the transition for Ciarletta, who at 30 years old is in his second stint as a head coach following two seasons at North Quincy (2007-09). "We knew we had to step up and ease the transition," said Centrella. "We really wanted to welcome him and make him feel comfortable. We joked around with him when it was appropriate. We have all had new coaches at some time, so we wanted to handle it right."
Thus far, Centrella and the team are thrilled with the approach of their new coach. "He has a fresh and exciting approach to the game," Centrella said. "We are trying to pick up the intensity to keep up with him. It started a little slow but now it feels like we have had him forever. He is passionate about the game. He can joke, but he will let us know when we do something wrong."
This season is especially important to Centrella because it may well be his last on the ice.
"I'm not going to play junior hockey so I know this could be it for me other than rec leagues," he said. "But I would love to play college hockey if it works out.
"We (Andover) are a fast team with a lot of youth. We can put a lot of pressure on other teams and the chemistry is getting there. I think we will be tougher than a lot of teams are expecting."
Boys hockey
2010-11 season: 10-8-3, lost in Division 1 North first round
Returning lettermen: C.J. Boilard, Sr., defense; Stephen Brighton, Sr., defense; Liam Centrella, Sr., forward; Ryan Oteri, Sr., forward; Scott Campbell, Jr., forward; Chas Heseltine Jr., defense; Alex King, Sr., defense; Matt McIver, Sr., forward; Dan McLaughlin, Jr., goalie; Chris Olson, Jr., goalie; Kyle Wakefield, Sr., forward; Tyler Weeks, Jr., forward; Colby Gilbert, Jr., goalie; Jack Wilkie, Soph., defense
Promising newcomers: Mark Campbell, Frosh., forward; Justin Brosman, Jr., forward; Joe Baglio, Jr., forward; Brett Coneeny, Jr., forward; Evan Dinu, Jr., defense; Ryan LaCroix, Frosh., goalie; Nate Spellacy, Jr., forward; Will Sauerbrunn, Frosh., forward; Will Vogel, Jr., forward; Steven Castaldo, Jr., defense
Captains: TBA
Candidates: 52
Returning leaders: Scott Campbell 10 goals, Liam Centrella 9 goals, Jim Burns 6 goals, Tyler Weeks 5 goals
Returning honorees: Liam Centrella MVC-DCL All-Star
