This roster established itself as one of the best the state had to offer from beginning to end of the season.
It's time to announce the postseason honors for the 2023-24 men's ice hockey season. Throughout the season, NJ Advance Media staff was able to get an up-close look at the talent that New Jersey has to offer.
See below for this season's All-State First Team.
Each team is chosen after hours of discussion and research by NJ Advance Media's hockey writers, taking into account the player's influence on the team's success, observations from games covered, and input from coaches across the state. It was put together after some work.
2023-24 First Team, All-State
F: Brent Beswick, Northern Highlands Jr.
- statistics: 37 goals, 48 assists, 85 points
Beswick has had a special year, helping to bring the Northern Highlands back to the top of the mountain. For the second consecutive season, he broke the previous totals for goals, assists, and points. Northern Highlands made it 20-3 when Beswick got on the scoresheet with a goal or an assist. He stepped up come the playoffs, recording 12 goals and 10 assists in five games, leading the way to his second state championship in three years. With his 85-point season, Beswick is 20 points away from reaching 200 career points and 20 points away from reaching 100 points.
F: Dean Toscos, Don Bosco Prep Sr.
- Results: 21 goals, 15 assists, 36 points
The Toscos are doing so many things right, many of which don't show up on the scoresheet. However, the senior managed to go out in good spirits. He had the most prolific season of his career, reaching 20 goals for the first time. Don Bosco Prep went a perfect 12-0 every time Toscos scored. His leadership and all-around game were pivotal in leading the Ironmen to the Gordon Cup. He also assisted on the winning goal against Christian Brothers, sending the team back to the non-public state finals.
F: Max Pendy, Delbarton Sr.
- Results: 26 goals, 25 assists, 51 points
After Delbarton reached the non-public finals a season ago, Pendy was given an even bigger role this season as several big-time players graduated. He handled it perfectly and became one of the top offensive threats in the Gordon Conference. Pendy had 20 goals and 15 assists for his career this season. He topped both totals with flying colors, lighting the lamp 26 times and picking up 25 helpers en route to a 51-point season. The senior has scored in 17 of Delbarton's 24 games this season.
D: Kenny Cullman, Don Bosco Prep Sr.
- statistics: 2 goals, 24 assists, 26 points
This was the best season of Kallman's career. After a great regular season, it's no wonder the coaches named him the Gordon Conference MVP. He logs plenty of playing time, plays in all situations and is one of Don Bosco Prep's most reliable defensemen. The Ironmen conceded less than two goals per game with Kallman patrolling the blue line. On the offensive side, the senior also showed his true potential with 2 goals and 24 assists. His assists alone were more than double his points total in his first three seasons.
D: Kalib Capech, St. Augustine Jr.
- statistics: 5 goals, 14 assists, 19 points
If St. Augustine was going to perform well again and win another state title, a defenseman needed to step up to fill the void left by the departure of Ryan Weitz. Capech, like many of his teammates, stepped up and had a great season. Defensively, he helped limit opponents to 2.62 goals per game. Offensively, he had five goals and 14 assists, but his ability to take action and jump into plays was a key asset for the Hermits in the state playoffs. He finished his junior season with a championship ring, scoring five points in the state playoffs.
G: James Tarabochia, Don Bosco Prep Sr.
- statistics: Appeared in 21 games, save percentage .934, shutout 5 times
After appearing in more than a dozen games as a sophomore and junior, this season was Tarabocchia's time to shine, and he seized the opportunity. He struggled a little early on, giving up three goals in each of his first three games, but only allowed two more in the remaining 18 games. Tarabochia was one of the pillars of Don Bosco Prep's defense, one of the best in the state. He finished his final season with a .934 save percentage and five shutouts, and led Don Bosco Prep to a Gordon Cup championship and a berth in the nonpublic state finals.
Donovan Hugel can be contacted at: dhugel@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @Donohugel.
Brian Bobal can be contacted at: bbobal@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @Brian Bobal.
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