Feb. 12, 2022, marked the end of an era for ten male ice hockey players. The New England College Pilgrims held their senior day at Lee Clement Arena at 4 p.m.. The seniors were called onto the ice, where they were given a plaque, flowers and posed for a photo with family and friends. Their senior day marks their last home game for the season.
“There wasn’t a lot of defensemen trying out when I came in,” said Connor Dunn, a defensemen that was honored on senior day. “I came in as a freshman and was put in a role where I was getting a lot of ice time right away. I think that helped me become an experienced player right away.”
The game was the end of Dunn’s 18-year hockey career.
Nine other seniors were honored that day: Spencer Kozlowski, Chris Maratea, Connor Inger, Jacob Hedencrona, Bernie McGovern, Trevor Momot, Andrew Kormos, CJ Valerian, and Nikita Pintusov.
“My first home game, I was so nervous, had no idea what I was doing out there,” Dunn said. “I think my first shift of college hockey, I went up to make a hit, and we got scored on. Now I think it’s a lot different. I’m settled into my role—what I bring—and I’m confident in that. I’m no stranger to college hockey now, so it’s another day, another chance to get a win.”
After four years as a Pilgrim, Connor Dunn remembered one of his career highlights was a sixteen-game win streak his sophomore year.
“I think one of my favorite moments was sweeping two of the top teams in the league to keep alive,” he said. “I’ll always remember being in the locker room with the fellas – all the laughs going around, remember the big wins, remember the road trips remember all the stuff getting together with the guys out of season as well. It was just like having a nice little family in this nice little town.”
When asked about what he will miss, Dunn seemed to be taken back. As if he had to the realization that in just a couple of hours, he would be on the ice for the last time.
“Honestly, it sounds a little cheesy but just throwing on that jersey on game day getting ready with the boys to go to war, that’s the type of feeling ill miss.”
“Any big shifts, blocking a shot, making a hit, getting a puck out when I need to, I’ll miss the rush when you get a big goal when we need it’ll just miss the feeling in the locker room after a big win.”
Dunn wanted to pass along advice for freshmen ice hockey players.
“Be yourself, work hard and trust the process. Don’t let yourself get caught up in too much pressure.”
After graduation in May, Dunn plans to take a year to work and study. He then hopes to attend medical school in the fall of 2023.
