Q & A with Jake Roy

He starts in goal, finishes on the mound, and is a self-proclaimed gym-class hero. As we've documented here at The Reporter, Jake Roy has been in questionable health for the better part of two years now.

The rest of the South Coast Conference is on notice; Roy has a perfectly clean bill of health now, and hockey season is days away. "I am 100% healthy. Hopefully it stays that way," said Roy in his Q & A with The Reporter this week.

In a few days, official practices will begin for Seekonk's hockey team, which is a cooperative and parent funded effort with Dighton-Rehoboth. Roy will be a fixture in net if his health remains intact.

Roy projects that his team's top line will be Tyler Poland, Nick Soares, and Joey Given. These three will need to replace some serious productivity. Adam Ferreira, who graduated from Seekonk this June, was the most prolific offensive player in the young history of the program.

Luke Allison and Casey Escobar figure to be the first defensive pairing, looking to limit the number of shots reaching Roy in the cage. These two have taken on leadership roles in the preseason, according to their goalkeeper.

"We're in captain's practice right now. I would love to be able to help out with it, but you know, I'm in the net," said Roy, a likely favorite to be one of the team's captains when they are selected to begin the season.

Roy says a few of the other leaders have really taken the proverbial bull by the horns this Fall. "Luke Allison and Casey Escobar are doing an awesome job running practices. Casey had mono, Luke was doing everything, he was the savior of the practices," says Roy.

At times in the past, Roy has been called upon for more goaltending than any team could expect. This year, things look more balanced. "Hopefully I can give some support in the net and if necessary, put the team on my back at times," said Roy.

The goalie wouldn't finish our interview without asking fans to come out this season. "We need a lot of support at the games. Last year was good but hopefully this year it can be even better," said Roy. His team plays in Fall River, at Driscoll Arena. Stay tuned to The Reporter for announcements of big matchups to come.