Hampton hockey team boasts 4 all-stars

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, January 17, 2019 | 7:57 PM

Four Hampton hockey players made the PIHL Class AA All-Star team for the 2018-19 season.

Senior forwards Justin Adamski and Michael Orban, along with senior defenseman Will Meglio and junior goalie Jake McGee, will represent the Talbots in the four-game showcase Jan. 27 at the Robert Morris Island Sports Complex on Neville Island.

As of last week, Orban led the league in points (35), and Adamski was third (33). Along with forward Matthew Commendatore (26), the trio represents the most potent line in Class AA.

“Watching them on the ice is a treat,” coach Luke Leya said. “They are just in sync with each other.”

Orban, along with Commendatore, plays for the Armstrong Arrows, and Adamski plays for the Pens Elite U18 squad in the T1EHL. The players and team benefit from playing outside of high school in premier amateur youth programs. It is the second PIHL All-Star selection for both.

“Because they play in elite leagues outside of high school, they’re two-way players,” Leya said. “They don’t quit in the zone, they’re careful with the puck in their own zone and make smart plays. They’re complete players.”

McGee is a three-year letterman who has come into his own after forming one of the best goaltending duos in the league last season with the graduated Connor Andrews.

“He’s been great all year,” Orban said. “And truthfully deserves that all-star game nod. He’s been working hard since he was a freshman … he’s been incredible all year, and it gives us a lot of confidence.”

McGee has worked hard to become an upper-tier goalie, even if he isn’t sure he actually is.

“The first two years I played high school hockey, I concentrated too much on where I am in comparison to other people,” he said.

McGee was 5-2-1 as of last Wednesday with a 3.60 goals-against average and .860 save percentage.

“To be honest, I haven’t checked the stats all year and have no clue where I stand in any statistical form. Just knowing how I played, I’m a bit surprised, but I’m also very proud of that because I’ve been working really hard to set myself apart and grow into an upper-level goalie for two years now. I wanted to put in the work and show I really belong here.”

Meglio is a four-year starter on defense and was surprised other teams’ coaches voted for him.

“Megs is probably the most polarizing player in the PIHL,” Leya said. “He’s one of those guys where if he plays on your team, you love him more than anything. I’m sure everyone else in the league is quivering to go against him.”

Meglio is a stay-at home defenseman who doesn’t need to fill the score sheet to show his value.

“He’s not going to put up 20 to 30 points a year,” Leya said. “But he scores in the big moments and is our most solid defensive defenseman — makes a lot of smart reads.”

Said Meglio: “I’m not a dirty player, but I’m aggressive. I never have bad intentions, that’s just how I play the sport.”

Devon Moore is a freelance writer.

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