By Ken Hamwey and Matt Hylen

Last year, Head Coach Karl Infanger directed Natick High’s hockey team to an 11-5-5 record, the Carey Division title, and a No. 16 seed in the state’s Division 1 playoffs.

The Redhawks defeated Weymouth and lost to St. John’s of Danvers in the tourney. But this time around, the coach and his players are eager to get to a higher level, and they’re optimistic their playoff journey could become a longer ride.

However, a 2-6-2 start to the season was not quite the beginning the Redhawks had hoped for.

“One of the things we have been talking a lot about [as a team] is competitive stamina, which is the ability to keep moving forward,” Infanger detailed.

Yet, Infanger remains extremely confident in his group that they can turn things around.

“The kids have been playing really well; it’s just a matter of finding the back of the net,” the head coach said.

Sure, the start may not have been ideal, but due to the tough matchups in which Natick has kept competitive, the state Power Rankings seem to reflect their team’s effort and skill.

“They [the players] were thinking they were going to be in the 30s and out of contention, but we ended up being ranked at number 22,” Infanger said.

This seemed to have sparked a fire within Infanger, who still thinks the team can do great things down the line. 

The 50-year-old Infanger, who spent two years playing professional hockey, is acutely aware that his current squad is not only talented, but also has a plethora of assets.

“We’ve got experience, depth, balance, good hockey IQs, a strong work ethic, and solid team chemistry,’’ he said. “On the ice, our skating ability is a plus, thanks to fast forwards and defensemen who can move. Our defense is strong, and so is our senior leadership.’’

The Red Hawks’ five captains are all seniors who have three years of varsity experience. They include Mike Zahornacky at wing, defensemen Jonathan Chase and Will Fair, and forwards Braeden Homer and Joe MacDonnell.

“Their styles are a blend of leading by example, being communicative, vocal, and supportive,” Infanger noted. “They know the expectations of the program.”

With a great set of captains leading the charge, the Red Hawks are primed for a strong second half. “It starts with culture, our Natick culture,” Infanger said. “Some teams, you never know what you’re going to get. I know what I am going to get out of this team: a full effort, full speed, full tilt from every single player, which our leaders do a great job of directing.”

A season turnaround won’t just come down to the players, however, but also the experience and guidance of the coaches. This is something Natick Hockey has no shortage of.

Infanger’s staff of assistants includes varsity aide Neil Donohue, a Tri Valley League MVP at Medway High; jayvee red co-coaches Matt Kustra (four-year starter at Natick) and Jake St. Pere (TVL all-star at Medway); jayvee blue coach Mike White (Natick goalie); goalie coach

Paul White; and varsity aides Nathan Joyal (Natick defenseman) and Andrew Decristoforo (Medway defenseman).

Nevertheless, no matter what the record sheet may say, Infanger always makes it a top priority to make his players the best players they can be, but even better men. “One thing in high school sports you want to show these kids is that you’re part of something bigger than yourself,” he explained. “Sports can also teach kids to be good teammates, to be leaders, and to be accountable. A strong work ethic leads student-athletes to be improved players, better teammates, and good human beings.”

The players seem to take Infanger’s principles to heart, which is a testament to his ability to connect with his players. 

“On Mondays, we [the team] volunteer at the Natick Food Pantry. We all get together to help organize the food pantry; it’s a great way to give something back.”

Looking into the second half of the year, Infanger will rely on an athletic philosophy that focuses on winning, reaching one’s potential, and having fun. “Winning is a by-product of reaching one’s potential and enjoying competition,” he said. “Team chemistry also plays a key role.”

With the end of the season looming and the tournament within reach, the Natick Boys Hockey Team has a fantastic opportunity to finish the year off strong.

“All that matters is that the team plays their best hockey in the last five games of the year.

That is always something I make sure I stress,” Infanger said. “With the tournament still within reach, I want our best hockey going into that tournament. With the way they work, they practice every day, get better every day, I am confident that we are well on the way to being there.”

There’s no doubt that Natick High’s hockey fortunes are in good hands. Infanger has all the attributes to get results, and his current skaters have lots of strengths.

Desire, dedication, and devotion to the task just might make the 2025-26 Natick squad a very special group.