2025-26 Season Preview ...

Heading into the season, every team feels the impact of graduation, but Lexington faced an extra challenge with a few key players also departing for prep school and juniors. While those losses are significant, the Minutemen still return a strong, experienced core—and if the recent Martha’s Vineyard Tournament is any indication, this group is poised for a promising year.

The top line of Captain Dylan Lane, Brady Kingsbury, and Ryan Jenness set the tone all weekend, dominating possession and combining for four goals in the tournament. Not to be outdone, the second line—centered by Connor O’Leary (who netted two goals on the Vineyard) and flanked by senior Ryan Li and sophomore Andrew Pechinsky—gives Lexington a credible one-two offensive punch.

Rounding out the deep forward group are returning veterans Karl Gude (Senior), Aiden Neale (Sophomore), and Aaron Yu (Junior), all of whom bring experience and talent to the lineup. They’re complemented by a wave of promising newcomers—sophomores Nick Piantedosi, Kyle Li, Sahieshnu Vasanthan, and Joey Dolci, one of just two freshmen to earn a spot on the varsity roster.

On the back end, Lexington is anchored by Senior Captain Caleb Fehm, who has been the core of the Minutemen defense for several seasons thanks to his elite skating, size, and puck-moving ability. Fehm is currently sidelined with an injury, but the hope is he’ll return to action soon.

Joining him on the blue line are fellow seniors Vasilis Splagounias, who turned in a strong showing at the Vineyard Tournament, and Coulson Roy, whose offensive instincts and puck-moving ability give Lexington a dynamic offensive flair on the back end.

Rounding out the veteran presence on the blue line is Hunter Xu, coming off an impressive sophomore campaign. A converted forward, Xu brings a well-rounded game and was one of Lexington’s most reliable, steady defensemen last season—capable of logging heavy minutes in all situations, including five-on-five, the power play, and the penalty kill.

Promising freshman Will Pjura is expected to shoulder significant minutes as well, showcasing an exciting blend of size and agility. They are joined by the “twin towers” on the back end—sophomores Luca Fehm and Samuel Xi, both of whom add length, reach, and physical presence to the defensive corps. Sophomore Andrew Najarian rounds out the newcomers on D and looks to provide needed depth on the blue line.

In goal, Lexington returns Timmy Rinaldi, who is coming off an outstanding sophomore season. Rinaldi was a true workhorse last year, backstopping the Minutemen to numerous wins—and outright stealing several games.

He’s joined by fellow junior Teighan Tassinari, who also turned in strong performances throughout the 2024–25 campaign.

Both goaltenders looked sharp in the recent Martha’s Vineyard Tournament, giving Lexington plenty of confidence between the pipes as the regular season approaches.

Given the key offseason departures—and with Captain Caleb Fehm temporarily sidelined—the Lexington defense may experience some early-season growing pains as younger players adjust to the varsity pace and physicality. To navigate that transition, the Minutemen will need a committed, five-man defensive effort in their own end, with all players working together to protect the net front and move pucks out cleanly. For this group to be successful, there can’t be any passengers; every skater will need to defend with purpose and cohesion.

Additionally, LHS will need to stay out of the penalty box and avoid giving opponents unnecessary power-play opportunities. Playing a disciplined, intelligent brand of hockey and minimizing mistakes will go a long way in determining how the season unfolds. If the young defense and new forwards can adjust quickly to the varsity pace, a playoff push is absolutely within reach. With a veteran core, strong goaltending, and maybe a little puck luck, this has the potential to be an exciting season.

Let the games begin!!

The regular season kicks off Thursday night on the road as Lexington travels to Shawsheen Tech for a 7:10 PM matchup at Hallenborg Pavilion in Billerica, MA.