FHS boys hockey top Malden Catholic 3-2

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Thursday.


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 3 vs. Malden Catholic, 2 – Final
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-19-19/

Via Twitter https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

• Goals from Dylan Marchand, Conor O'Neil, and Tommy Tasker

Dylan Marchand scores the first for @FHS_Puck 1-0. Hurley with the assist

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) December 19, 2019

With 2:26 in the 2nd period @conor0neil makes good on his second breakaway attempt burying a goal on a nifty move. @FHS_Puck 2, @MCLancersHockey 0 assist by @Kevin_ORielly.

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) December 20, 2019

Right away on the PP, @tommy_tasker makes it 3-1 @FHS_Puck 6:14 left in the game.

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) December 20, 2019

Boys pick up a HUGE first win of the season over Malden Catholic with a 3-2 win. Hard hat to Tasker for the game winner and hard effort. #HOORAH pic.twitter.com/2xzKqhbkQw

— Franklin Hockey (@FHS_Puck) December 20, 2019

FHS boys hockey top Malden Catholic 3-2

Winter Farmers Market - Dec 21 - 10 AM to 2 PM

With the successful approval by the Town Council on Wednesday night, La Cantina Winery will be sharing some wine samples and selling their wine at the Winter Farmers Market on Saturday at the Fairmount Fruit Farm.

Winter Farmers Market - Dec 21 - 10 AM to 2 PM

Fairmount Fruit Farm = 887 Lincoln Street, Franklin, Massachusetts 02038

Follow the Facebook event  https://www.facebook.com/fairmountfruitfarm/

Franklin School Committee - Legislative Forum - Feb 4 - hold the date!

What: Franklin School Committee Legislative Forum

Where: Franklin High School Lecture Hall

When:  Feb 4, 2020, 6:30 PM


The current agenda doc can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_2-4-20-legislative_forum.pdf

 

Franklin School Committee - Legislative Forum - Feb 4 - hold the date!

Franklin Line Meeting - PowerPoint

Thanks to Rep Jeff Roy for sending along the PowerPoint presentation itself to share:

Franklin Line Meeting - Dec 17, 2019 from Franklin Matters

The other documents were shared yesterday:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/information-from-public-meeting-with.html


The documents and info shared from the meeting with MBTA and Keolis held on Tuesday, Dec 17 posted by Representative Jeff Roy on Facebook and shared here:

• "As promised at last night's meeting, here is a link to the website on the Franklin line double-track project.  "

https://www.mbta.com/projects/franklin-line-double-track

Franklin line double-track project

• "Here is a link to the MBTA Rail Vision website which will identifies cost-effective strategies to transform the existing Commuter Rail system into one that better supports improved mobility and economic competitiveness in Greater Boston."

https://www.mbta.com/projects/rail-vision

MBTA Rail Vision

Ben Franklin caught in action (video)

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"You’ve heard of the Grinch who stole Christmas, but what about the golden retriever?

On Wednesday, the Franklin Police Department’s 1-year-old therapy dog, Ben Franklin, was caught committing larceny on camera, “stealing” away toys reserved by the department for the Santa Foundation, a charity based in Franklin.

As the canine was feeling a little Grinchy, Officer Eric Cusson recorded Ben Franklin carrying a doll in a baby carrier in his mouth, his fluffy tail swaying back and forth as he zipped through the hallways of the Police Department to his hiding place."

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191219/in-house-grinch-almost-foils-franklin-police-charity-effort

The Facebook post includes the video of Ben in action:

Photo walk Wednesday (Dec 18) morning

On my walk around Franklin Wednesday morning, the sun popped out from behind the clouds often enough to get some photos. I was not the only one out and about with a camera.

view of the downtown train station

sidewalk shoveling quality varies around town

On the Town Common

More photos I found to share:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kyGNGfYmwLqb7Tm57

Information from Public Meeting with representatives from the MBTA and Keolis

The documents and info shared from the meeting with MBTA and Keolis held on Tuesday, Dec 17 posted by Representative Jeff Roy on Facebook and shared here:

• "As promised at last night's meeting, here is a link to the website on the Franklin line double-track project.  "

https://www.mbta.com/projects/franklin-line-double-track

Franklin line double-track project

• "Here is a link to the MBTA Rail Vision website which will identifies cost-effective strategies to transform the existing Commuter Rail system into one that better supports improved mobility and economic competitiveness in Greater Boston."

https://www.mbta.com/projects/rail-vision

MBTA Rail Vision

• "As promised at last night's meeting, below is a copy of the PowerPoint presentation."

https://www.facebook.com/events/749922378840955/permalink/761203401046186/


All these links can also be found on the Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/749922378840955/

FHS gymnastics, boys and girls swim, and boys and girls basketball teams all post wins on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Wednesday.

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 92 @ Oliver Ames, 67 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 80 @ Oliver Ames, 88 – Final

Girls Gymnastics = Franklin, 134.45 @ Canton, 112 – Final
– Franklin sophomore Elizabeth Schirduan took first in a pair of events while junior Lexi Lupien and sophomore Kate Rudolph each won one to help the Panthers open the season with a win. Schirduan scored an 8.85 to take first in the beam, and notched an 8.15 on the bars to for her second win of the net. Lupien shined on the vault, earning a 9.0 while Rudolph picked up a 9.1 on the floor.

Franklin results: Vault – Lexi Lupien, 9.0; Kate Rudolph, 8.8; Maddie McGuire, 8.7; Maia Keohane, 8.4 … Bars – Elizabeth Schirduran, 8.15; Kate Rudolph, 8.0; Emma Nelson, 7.9; Caroline Woelfel, 7.8 … Beam – Elizabeth Schirduan, 8.85; Kate Rudolph, 8.7; Ashley Hammann, 8.2; Emma Nelson, 8.15 … Floor – Katie Rudolph, 9.1; Caroline Woelfel, 8.6; Lizze Brown, 8.0; Lexi Lupien, 8.0.

Girls Basketball = King Philip, 50 @ Franklin, 80 – Final
– The Panthers dominated from the opening whistle, running out to a 17-0 lead and never allowing a shorthanded Warriors team to get close. Ali Brigham starred for the hosts, scoring a game-high 25 points, pulling down 18 rebounds, and dishing out five assists. Sophomore Olivia Quinn was unstoppable as well, adding 20 points and five rebounds. Meghan O’Connell added 11 points and Stefany Padula had nine in the win. Brianna James scored 14 points for KP and Emma Glaser chipped in with 10.

– for a Photo Gallery from this game 
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-King-Philip-Girls-Basketball-12-18-19/

Girls Hockey = King Philip, 2 @ Franklin, 1 – Final
Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Ken Assad has plenty of good memories inside on the ice inside of Pirelli Veterans Arena just next to the campus of Franklin High.

Now he can add his first career win as a high school hockey coach to that list.

A state champion as a player in 1983 and a state champion as an assistant coach in 2016 with the Franklin boys hockey team, Assad traded in his Panther baby blue for the King Philip green and gold this season, taking over the helm of the Warriors girls hockey program.

In the second game of the season, Assad guided the Warriors to a 2-1 win over the Panthers for his first career victory."

Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/shandley-coleman-king-philip-girls-hockey-skate-franklin/

– for a photo gallery of this game 
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-King-Philip-Girls-Hockey-12-18-19/

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 63 @ King Philip, 45 – Final
Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

After struggling against a tough Franklin defense for the first two quarters, the King Philip offense found its rhythm early in the second half.

The Warriors hit three of their first five shots from the floor after being limited to just five total field goals in the first half. And the visiting Panthers had three empty trips and a fourth end in a turnover. Suddenly, Franklin’s double-digit lead was down to just six at 29-23.

Panthers’ coach CJ Neely, who earned his 100th win with Franklin, quickly called a timeout and had a simple message for his squad.

“Just relax,” Neely said of the message. “We just went back to the basics [out of the timeout] and we wanted to get them on their heels.”

Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-pull-away-kp-strong-defense/

– for a photo gallery of this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/King-Philip-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-12-18-19/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-18-19/

Franklin senior Chris Edgehill goes up for a shot in the second half against King Philip’s Alex Fritz. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin School Committee - Student Services Workshop - Jan 28, 2020

Franklin School Committee 

Student Services Workshop

Municipal Building 

3rd floor Training Room

6:00 PM

Agenda Document:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_1-28-20-studsvcwkshop.pdf

Franklin School Committee - Student Services Workshop - Jan 28, 2020

MBTA - Commuter Rail: Franklin Line - weekend shuttle service extended to March 2020

Weekends, through March, Franklin Train service is replaced by free buses between Forge Park/495 and Readville for a Fairmount Line connection while PTC is installed. There will be no service at Back Bay, Ruggles, Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot.

Normal train service will operate on December 28-29.

Additional weekends may be added to the train service suspension between Forge Park/495 and Readville as work progresses on the Franklin line.

Please visit https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork for more details about bus shuttle schedules. Visit MBTA.com/PTC for more information on how this project will improve commuter rail safety and travel. Passengers may experience delays of up to 30 minutes as a result of shuttle bus connections.

There will be no Franklin line service at Back Bay and Ruggles stations on weekends. Please travel to South Station to reach a Franklin Line station. If you are travelling inbound, please board a Worcester/Framingham line Train for direct connection to Back Bay or a Providence/Stoughton line Train for a direct connection to Back Bay or Ruggles.

We also recommend the subway: board the Red Line at South Station and transfer to the Orange Line at Downtown Crossing to reach Back Bay or Ruggles.

Due to proximity of adjacent stations, bus shuttles will not serve Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot stations:
-Endicott station customers, please use Readville or Dedham Corp stations.
-Islington station customers, please use Dedham Corp station.
-Norwood Depot customers, please use Norwood Central or Dedham Corp station.

8:40pm and 10:40pm departures from Forge Park as well as 11:20pm departure from South Station will be accommodated by a bus for the entire trip between South Station and Forge Park (including the portion between South Station and Readville).

Thank you for your patience while we improve the signal system on your Commuter Rail line.

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork


Last Updated: Dec 18 2019 10:02 AM 

MBTA - Commuter Rail: Franklin Line - weekend shuttle service extended to March 2020

Keeping it real and keeping busy at St. John’s Church

There’s never a dull moment at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The active church is busy in the community. Mark your calendar for December and January.


December 24 – Christmas Eve church services at 5 pm and 9 pm.

The 5 pm service features the popular Christmas Pageant. The pageant is a musical performance telling the story of Jesus’s birth by the children and teens of St. John’s. It’s a joyful and entertaining service with Communion.

The 9 pm Festival Eucharist service is more formal service with music from the choir, organ, and viola.

January 5 – Feast of the Epiphany Family Service at St. John’s. This service is led by the church youth.

January 12 — Members of St. John’s will be serving lunch and worshipping with the people of common cathedral on Boston Common. Common cathedral serves Boston’s homeless community. If you are interested in helping, please contact the church.

January 18 — St. John’s will host One Family. One Family is a breakfast and community gathering with games and crafts for low-income families of Bristol County and is held at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Attleboro. Contact the church for more details.


For more information:

• Call 508-528-2387
• Visit on Facebook at St John’s Episcopal Church
• See the website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org

Keeping it real and keeping busy at St. John’s Church

Live reporting: TA Report through to Closing

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
24,000 pounds in two weeks with pink bags collected

Chrissy and Alicia both took the MA Municipal Assoc finance course and passed

transitional assistance/homeless
Senior Center partnership with St Vincent DePaul
any social services, hard time paying bills, etc.
if you know of folks with an issue, work through the Senior Center

thanks for your support, I love this job
happy holidays to everyone, we'll see you in 2020


12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
discussion on sidewalk clearing for merchants for a future item

Senior Center update and discussion on the services available

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Earls - happy holidays this year, 2020 will have good things in store for us
Kelly - merry Christmas, happy Chanukah, looking forward to next year
Hamvblen - farmers market on Saturday, La Cantina will be there; happy holidays, happy new year 
Pellegri - sidewalks for beaver St (Kelly to catch up off line)
Jones - merry Christmas, happy holidays, happy new year
Dellorco - also happy holidays, be safe, have a great time
Mercer - happy holidays to all, great safe and happy holiday season


14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- Purpose #6: to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property (majority roll call vote)

motion to aDJOURN in executive session, not to return to public meeting

motion, seconded, passed 9-0

Live reporting: Town Administrator Evaluation

b. Town Administrator Annual Evaluation
draft provided to Councilors for review and comment
in position for 7 months, am happy with the performance (per Mercer)
the ease of the transition from Jeff to Jamie 
two and half years of training under Jeff per the success plan

Jones - you jumped in to the communication, quite feisty which is a good thing

Kelly - kudos to the transition going well, can't be loved by everyone
the number of transitions within the overall Town administration is amazing
new Fire Chief, HR Director, Board of Health Director, new folks elsewhere

Dellorco - only here 7 months but it feels like 7 years (and that is meant to be a compliment)

Chandler - being the newest person, I have asked Jamie a million things and he gets back to be right away, thanks to the rest of your team

Bissanti - thanks to my speed reading courses, I have read the document, I piggyback upon what Councilor Chandler said

Mercer - he shows up at everything, every meeting, he is as close to a Franklinite as you can get, it means a lot to us and to the people

motion to approve the written summary, seconded, passed 9-0


9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
meeting Jan 15, 6 PM
have been participating in the FinCom to review the capital

b. Budget Subcommittee
status quo

c. Economic Development Subcommittee
meeting Jan 8 5:30 - plot line clean up and residential zoning for solar

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-89: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Veteran’s Services Department, $1,480 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-89 - Majority Vote (5))

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

Live reporting: Plastic Bag Waste Reduction

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Plastic Bag Waste Reduction
Ethan leading a group of approx 14 students lined up to present each section of the plastic waste reduction plan

year long transition period to allow for work out of existing stock
can also apply for an additional 3 month waiver if necessary (just once)
state bill imposes a mandatory 10 cent fee, this does not
the State bill was passed by the Senate, and not by the House, no way to know for sure if it will pass
other communities are passing similar legislation around us
26 of 29 businesses talked with approve
347 signatures on petition
multiple meetings to prepare for this

Mercer - thank you, we applaud your efforts in bringing this forward

Hamblen - this group has been before the EDC four times
What if the State passed and overturned this?

Jones reading part(?) of the proposed bylaw for "clarification sake"

Earls - statement on recycling, questioning the single stream due to other recycling issues
"bag ban problematic in several ways" 
study from Australian professor questions the textbook case of the CA example

Bissanti - I don't want to see them leave here, let's give them the chance
let's get this done in Franklin

Dellorco -my concern was for the small businesses, you have answered that with this proposal and the implementation plan

Hamblen - they have encouraged people to try different materials
plastic with wood fibers so it will dissolve, another from a root, some of the smaller packets being made from sea weed; it is a statement to get people thinking

Kelly - thanks for changing from a ban to reduction, it plays better

really three options:

1. send a resolution
2. start a bylaw
3. wait for the state

looking for a sense of where we are for which direction

bylaw
resolution (Earls)
bylaw
bylaw
bylaw
bylaw
bylaw
bylaw
(Mercer did not publicly declare)

hence bylaw is to be drafted, written then announced for two public hearings, and then voted on

it is possible that the State could get their act together and take it out of our hands

two minute recess

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/12-18-19_full_agenda_web_1.pdf

Live reporting: Alcohol Licenses - new, changes, and renewals

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- 7:10 PM

7a. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. La Cantina Winery Company, Farmer Winery, Farmers Market

to allow for samples at the winter farmers market
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


7b. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
b. The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Change of Hours, 466 King Street.
a correction of the hours that should have been submitted originally with the initial application. An oversight missed in the original application; bar and food served through the hours indicated

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

7c. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
c. Acapulcos Mexican Restaurant, License Modification, Change of Location, 371 Union Street
Bissanti recused himself

pending inspections as construction is not complete
similar process used for others in the past, will hold off submitting to State after inspection complete

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0-1 (Bissanti abstain)

7d. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
d. GlenPharmer Distillery, LLC, New Farmer Series Pouring Permit for a Farmer-Distillery, 860 West Central Street

this is the pouring permit to accompany the already approved distillery operation

will be serving a full menu of food service during the service of alcohol
recipes being tested, 72 seats inside, some outdoor is seasonal

more complicated than imagined it would be, master distiller on site
test batches done, chef in place, looking for construction completion
it is highly regulated, looking to open Jan/Feb
a little behind schedule, but close to the light at the end of the tunnel
looking to provide a unique destination for Franklin

delays are weeks, not months, ready from a construction stand point but then the approvals are required; not looking forward to opening on Super Bowl weekend

open with tasting room on ground floor
looking for an other tenant for the 2nd floor

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

7e. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
e. 2020 Annual Alcoholic Beverages License Renewals

the hold for La Cantani was removed with successful inspection yesterday
but the packet came out before, it is the nature of the business

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

Council Clerk read the licensee listing "after" the vote to include it per request of Town Attorney Mark Cerel

second vote to properly approve, seconded, passed 9-0

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/12-18-19_full_agenda_web_1.pdf

Live reporting: Town Council - December 18, 2019

Present: Chandler, Hamblen, Pellegri, Dellorco, Mercer, Jones, Kelly, Earls, Bissanti
Absent: none


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• a. October 2, 2019

motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0

• b. November 13, 2019

motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0


4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Historical Commission, Associate Member: Alan R Earls
Eamon Earls recused himself as Alan is father

discussion on appointment not being reviewed by commission itself
everybody is correct, not every appointment has gone through the review process, TA admits an end run on this one. Done in this case as it is an 'associate member', some were aware
it is what you want to do as a body


motion to approve, seconded, passes 8-0-1 (Earls abstain)


6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/12-18-19_full_agenda_web_1.pdf

FM #188 - Finance Committee - Capital Plan for FY 2020 (audio)

FM #188

This internet radio show or podcast is number 188 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares Finance Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 17, 2019 at the Senior Center beginning at 6:30 PM.

This is the second of two sessions to review the Capital Plan for FY 2020. This session covers the DPW and the enterprise Water and Sewer accounts.

The documents for the meetings are available on the Town of Franklin page as well as Franklin Matters. The links are contained here so you can follow along.

Agenda doc - 12/17/19
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/fincom_agenda_12-17-19.pdf

The Finance Committee approved the three recommendations that the Town Council will take up at a January/February 2020 meeting

• 20-01 Recommends Capital FY 2020 of $1,640,579 (as detailed on page 20 of the agenda document)
• 20-02 Recommends transfer of $348,000 for the OPEB Trust Fund (page 22)
• 20-03 Recommends transfer of $570,000 from Free Cash to the appropriate stabilization accounts (as detailed on page 24 of the agenda document)

The meeting runs about 50 minutes so without further ado here is the Finance Committee meeting of Dec 17.

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HN2yBvXX



--------------

Audio File - 12/10/19 meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-186-finance-committee-capital-budget.html

FY 2020 Capital Budget document
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy20-capital-budget

FinCom Agenda doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-12-10_finance_committee_agenda_fy20_capital_plan_1.pdf

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

sidewalks have been part of the plan but not this year

 

ALERT: Support HS students' Plastic Bag Ban at Franklin Town Council vote WED DEC 18!

"Wednesday, Dec 18, the Franklin Town Council will be voting on a bylaw for Plastic Bag Reduction. The meeting starts at 7 pm at the Town Hall, 2nd floor.

The students from Franklin High School have been working with the subcommittee of the Town Council, the Economic Development Committee, for about a year trying to get this bylaw ready. The students will be presenting, the result of all their work, the bylaw, to the Town Council.

It would be wonderful to have as many residents of Franklin as possible to attend the meeting to support the high school students and to encourage the council members to finally pass this bylaw.

Can you please show support your support of the students' efforts by attending the meeting?"

Thank you!

Carolyn Barthel
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node
508-473-3305 H

image from the proposal presentation by the FHS students in Oct 2016

From 2016
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/we-dont-need-to-put-each-piece-of.html


Economic Development Meeting 12/4/19
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyrcVWxX

Economic Development Meeting 10/23/19
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1gfBHQX

Girls Hockey: Players to Watch - FHS' Gabby Colace and Amanda Lewandowski

FHS juniors Gabby Colace and Amanda Lewandowski were named to the list of the Girls Hockey: Ten Players to Watch in 2019-2020 by HockomockSports.com.

Gabby Colace, Junior – Franklin

After missing time at the beginning of last season, Colace returned to solidify the goaltending position for the Panthers (after an admirable job filling in by Gianna Cornetta), helping to bring home the program’s first Hockomock League title. Colace finished the year with a 1.77 goals against average, which was second in the Hock, and stopped 91 percent of the shots that she faced. She made 242 saves and recorded a pair of shutouts for the Panthers, who went unbeaten (7-0-1) in the Hock and won 17 games overall. 

Athletic and quick, Colace covers a lot of ground in net and is capable of making highlight-reel stops, while rarely giving up soft goals. Her communication with the experienced defensive corps in front of her will also be crucial to Franklin’s attempt to repeat as Hock champs and make another run in the state tournament.
Amanda Lewandowski, Junior – Franklin

Lewandowski was part of a dynamic first line for the Panthers last season, but she will be counted on even more this winter after the graduation of top scorers Regan Paterson and Cassie Ronan. She scored eight goals and added 10 assists from the wing, but those numbers could take a jump this year as she will be one of the team’s primary puck handlers and will be expected to play a role in power play and penalty kill situations as well. A strong player with the puck on her stick, Lewandowski won’t shy away from contact in the corners to keep the puck moving and has the extra burst of speed to find space in the transition game. 

While Franklin has an experienced defensive group coming back, Lewandowski will also be expected to start defending from the front and provide cover through the center of the ice. It is always difficult to repeat as league champion and Franklin will be hoping that Lewandowski can provide the scoring punch to get the Panthers back on top this winter.


For the other players to watch in girls hockey
https://hockomocksports.com/girls-hockey-ten-players-to-watch-in-2019-2020/

Franklin junior goalie Gabby Colace is back after an impressive sophomore season. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Boys Hockey : Players to Watch - FHS' Tom Tasker

FHS senior Tom Tasker was named one of the Boys Hockey: Ten Players to Watch in 2019-2020 by HockomockSports.com.
 


Tom Tasker, Senior – Franklin

Tom Tasker (HockomockSports.com photo)

There is a lot of change around the Franklin program this season, with a new coaching staff taking over after the retirement of Chris Spillane. The Panthers have become one of the top public school programs in the state and Tasker will be one of the players that the new staff relies on to keep that consistency this season. The senior defenseman is a strong, aggressive player who is tough to beat in the corners but is also capable of stepping up into the attack and has one of the league’s hardest shots from the blue line. 

He scored three goals and had 10 assists last year and showed the ability to play different brands of hockey depending on the opponent. He can race up and down the ice or he can sit back in the defensive zone and be the physical presence that the Panthers needed. In a season where there is a lot of changes, Tasker’s return for a third year on varsity gives some much-needed stability to the defensive pairings.


For the nine other boys hockey players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/boys-hockey-ten-players-to-watch-in-2019-2020/