For the first time in the history of CBA ice hockey, the Colts captured their first state championship, and were awarded the Star Ledger Trophy. After going 3-13-2 the previous season, the Monmouth County School went unbeaten over its first 19 games (18-0-1) during the regular season, and finished with an overall record of 22-2-1. In the process, this team also accomplished what no other team had ever done, and was the first unranked team at the start of the season to capture a state championship, the first Parochial team to win a State Championship, and was the first non A Division team (now Gordon Conference) to win the State Championship by the largest margin of victory, with a shutout in the State Finals. CBA won the B Division Championship and qualified for the Gordon Cup Tournament.

The team was led by sophomore goaltender, Bob Cielo, a first Team All-State Selection, and Junior Captain forward, Paul O’Hern, a second Team All-State Selection. The team was also led by an explosive set of Junior forwards in left wing, Brian Fitzgerald, (50 points, 17 goals & 33 assists), right wing, Paul O’Hern, (45 points, 23 goals & 22 assists) and center, Pat Bottazzi. The defense was led by juniors, Mark Ryan and Frank Pettinato. CBA outscored their opponents by a margin of 171-47. Seniors Joe Mancuso, John Brow, Ryan McCafferty, Glenn Schaul, Tim Shalloo, Brian O’Hern, Eric Mason, Junior Pete Bottazzi, Sophomores Dave Brow, Ross Kane, Pete O’Mara, Eric Falkinberg, Mike Fitzgerald and Freshmen Mark Bruno, all played vital roles in the success of the team.

Players
Brian Fitzgerald
Pete O’Mara
Eric Mason
Ryan McCafferty
John Brow
Frank Pettinato
Glenn Schaul
Mark Bruno
Mike Fitzgerald
Paul O’Hern
Eric Falkinberg
Tim Shalloo
Pat Bottazzi
Joe Mancuso
Pete Bottazzi
Bob Cielo
Brian A’Hern
Ross Kane
Mark Ryan
Dave Brow
Joe Hanney
Coach
Bob Smith
Brother John Griffin

Dustin DePalma began his youth hockey with the Brick Hockey Club before attending Christian Brothers Academy where he was an integral part of the school’s three consecutive Gordon Cup and State Championship teams from 1994-1996. The two time All State defensemen captained CBA in his Junior and Senior seasons and was voted player of the year in 1996. After high school he attended University of Connecticut. Dustin has coached in New Jersey at the Junior and Youth levels for more than a decade and is most proud of helping many NJ players develop and progress in the game.

James started playing hockey from an early age for the Brick Hockey Club. In High School he starred for two seasons at Christian Brothers Academy where he earned All-State status as a sophomore in the 2004-05 season. His breakaway goal with 6:17 remaining in overtime in the 2005 NJSIAA Non-Public final gave CBA a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Delbarton.

After his sophomore year at CBA, he was recruited by the U.S. National Team Developmental Program where he represented his country in international play and participated three times in the World Junior Championships for the USA.

In 2007, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers but elected to play two years of hockey at the University of New Hampshire. In 2009, he signed a contract with the Flyers and recently signed a six year extension. So far the highlight of his career is reaching the Stanley Cup finals in his rookie season and a strong showing during the 2011 playoffs. James is involved in various charities including “JVR’s MVP’s” which provides a suite at all Flyer home games for Autistic charities and wounded warriors.

As a player for CBA Bob was part of a team that won the schools first State Championship (1982-83) and finished the season with a 22-2-1 record. As a sophomore he was named All State First Team.

He went on with his hockey career while in college and graduated with a BA from Assumption College and an MBA in Psychology from Rutgers University. Bob played in the Sunshine Hockey League in Florida and won the championship (1992-93).

Bob went on to coach hockey at Toms River North High School and was part of starting the hockey program at Monmouth University. He used all his knowledge to author the book, “Winning Hockey Systems and Strategies in all three Zones” published in 1996. Although Bob tragically passed away, he left an impact on many people.

The team won a record third straight state championship in going 25-4, which also included the Gordon Cup. It downed Brick, 5-0, in the state final at Mennen Arena.

Senior defenseman Dustin DePalma was the leader of coach Mike Reynolds’ team. CBA’s string of three-straight championships began in 1994.

Goalies

Brock Giordano
Matt Vittoria

Defensemen

Dustin DePalma
Brennan Guli
Andy Gojdycz
Dan Novellano
Vinnie Bruce
Mike Wagenbach
Freddie Brown

Forwards

Mike Shaheen
Joe Cangelosi
George Conway
Dan Granato
Jim Henkel
Todd Wagenbach
Chris Pisani
Connor Green
Todd Portadin
Dan Ciorciari
Jonas Forssell
Matt Panzarino
Keith Mazza

Manager

Steve Nardiello

Coaches

Head Coach
Mike Reynolds

Assistant Coach
Adrian Thomas