The Natick High boys ice hockey team has a plethora of strengths, so it’s not surprising that coach Bill LaCouture is extremely bullish on this year’s squad, emphasizing that “if there were post-season playoffs at the state level, I firmly believe that our team would be in the Super-8 tourney.’’

LaCouture, who was a two-time Bay State Conference all-star in hockey at Natick, lost 11 seniors to graduation but there are approximately 22 players on hand with varying degrees of experience.

“We’ve got experience and depth, strong senior leadership, a high hockey IQ, high-level skills, speed, skating ability, and physical and mental toughness,’’ said LaCouture, who guided the Redhawks to a 14-3-5 record last year in his first year as coach. “Our kids display discipline competing within our framework and they all take pride in the program’s tradition.’’

That pride was evident when the players were informed that their season would be delayed because of an outbreak of covid-19. The Redhawks’ skaters started practicing on Dec. 14 but on Jan. 2 they were ordered to stop workouts. The program was put on pause until Jan. 22. However, the School Superintendent (Dr. Anna Nolin) and the Board of Health ended the delay a week earlier, informing LaCouture and his team that they could begin competing on Jan. 15.

“All of the kids in our program have done their due-diligence and I’m proud of the way they’ve adhered to the rules, like wearing masks, staying in small groups and socially distancing,’’ Lacouture said. “Our players have done their best to get our season underway. The delay was unfortunate be we respect the decisions made by Dr. Nolin and the Board of Health. I’m glad we’re moving forward but the priority is the health and safety of everyone in the community.’’

At Local Town Pages deadline, Natick’s schedule, which was originally a 12-game lineup, was not specific about when and where the Redhawks would start their campaign.

“I don’t know our opening-day opponent because things are still up in the air,’’ LaCouture said. “Other teams in the Bay State Conference have experienced delays.’’

One thing about Natick’s team that’s not “up in the air’’ is its talent-laden roster and its top-notch leadership.

The Redhawks’ trio of senior captains reflect the squad’s overall strengths. The captains are defenseman Luke Rader, center Alex Crook and right wing Will Genaske.

“Luke is a warrior,’’ said the 52-year-old LaCouture. “He’s got a tremendous shot and a physical presence. He’s got a high tolerance for pain and he sacrifices for his team, leading by example. Alex is a vocal captain whose comments are timely. A first-line center who’s an effective play-maker, he can shut down opposing offenses. Will can always be counted on and he’s got a high hockey IQ. A strong skater, he’s in great condition.’’

The two assistant captains are also seniors — forward/defenseman Nick Polymeros and center Max Gargurevich.

“Nick has an incredible shot,’’ LaCouture said. “He’s very physical and disciplined and he controls the boards. His work ethic on ice is dynamic. Max is one of our fastest skaters and his hockey IQ provides him with a knack at the net. He’s highly respected and leads by honoring the culture of the program.’’

Natick has four very capable goalies — juniors Luc Gagnon and Tim Cushing and seniors Steve Schneekloth and Jason Christlieb. Gagnon was a BSC all-star last year.

“Luc has a high hockey IQ, he’s instinctitve and he strives to master his craft,’’ LaCouture noted. “He’s a definite college prospect. All of our goalies are capable of playing on any other team in the BSC. They support one another, bond well and are highly skilled.’’

Besides Rader on defense, the Redhawks can rely on seniors Joe Tarlin and Brandon Ihloff, juniors Nick Haswell and Ryan Comeau, and sophomore Noah Czech. “This group puts a high priority on playing defense first,’’ LaCouture said. “They take pride in knowing that defense wins games.’’

Forwards who’ll play significant roles are seniors Tyler Duby, Colton Green and Bruno Tavilla, and juniors Mike Fair, Nic Verna, Matt Haskell, James Carr and Sean McWhinnie, a BSC all-star last year. “These forwards have speed, they’ve got physical and mental toughness and they all complement one another on the ice.’’

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Mass. Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) modified school hockey, on and off the ice. Two changes are on faceoffs and scrums. Opposing players must be six feet apart until referees signal the drop of the puck. And, when more than two players are battling for possession, a faceoff will be called when a scrum numbers three or more skaters. Also, masks must be worn while playing, social distancing is required on the bench, crowd size is limited and there is no locker-room presence.

“Experts make the decisions on whether we’ll compete and how we’ll compete,’’ LaCouture said. “We adapt and adjust.’’

Because there are no post-season playoffs at the state level this season, LaCouture firmly believes that a strong competitive philosophy must still be maintained with a focus on reaching one’s potential and enjoying athletics. “If those two things occur, then winning will be the by-product,’’ he emphasized. “I also want our players to believe in themselves and embrace the culture. Bonding will help them get through lows and paying attention to detail is very important.’’

LaCouture, who played college hockey at the University of New Hampshire, also works diligently to teach life lessons through sports. 

“When kids are part of a team, that helps them overcome adversity, like covid-19, because they find support from teammates,’’ he offered. “Our players care about each other and they care about the health and safety of everyone in the community.’’