Goffstown Grizzlies 2025-2026: A Season of Faith and Hockey

Introduction: Finding God’s Fingerprints in the Roar of the Arena

In the frosty air of New Hampshire winter, where the sound of blades carving ice becomes a familiar rhythm, the 2025-2026 Goffstown Grizzlies hockey season unfolded as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the quiet miracles that occur when young men & women come together in pursuit of something greater than themselves. Finishing with a 13-5 regular season record and earning the #4 seed in Division II, the Grizzlies defied expectations while developing both on-ice talent and off-ice character grounded in spiritual principles.

Why I Write: The Heart Behind the Words

For all the years that I have been writing, faith has been as near to me as my next breath. Even so, I have not always professed such a thing unless you are really good at reading between the lines. Well, that time is over. Above all, God, family, and country are a part of my every action and thought. I certainly do not get it right all the time, but I am sincerely trying to be better. A better man, a better father, a better husband, and a better testimony of my Lord and Savior.

Raise The Bar: Serve Others

Certainly, I do not believe that my decades of trying to lift others (especially kids) up in stories and recaps would be possible without the hope and promise of eternal life in heaven through Jesus. Most definitely, the thousands of words would not have landed as they have without Him. Honestly, the reward has been mine. For the thousands of hours spent compiling numbers, words, and pictures (thankfully we have been blessed with many excellent contributing photographers over the years) the rewards have been invaluable. I continue forward for the love of the game and the kids who play sports they love. To lift them up, to lead in example, and teach along the way. Because it is well with my soul, and that is all God.

This comprehensive recap chronicles a season that began with uncertainty but evolved into one of the most successful regular seasons in recent program history. It captures the pivotal moments, individual achievements, and philosophical reflections that defined the Grizzlies’ journey through the winter of 2025-2026, always remembering that “God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings” (1 Peter 4:10). A season of faith and hockey counts on more than any one person. 

Season Overview: The Team No One Picked

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV): “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

When Zack Tarrier decided to return for his senior season just days before tryouts, he set in motion a chain of events that would propel the Grizzlies beyond what “not a soul on earth would have predicted.” The team’s 13-5 regular season record marked the third time in program history that Goffstown achieved back-to-back 13-win seasons, cementing their status as a consistent contender in Division II.

The season unfolded as a divine tapestry, each thread representing different aspects of the team’s character and faith:

1. Early Season Finding Identity (December-January): The Grizzlies navigated early challenges while experimenting with line combinations and developing team chemistry, trusting in the process and each other.
2. Mid-Season Surge (Late January-February): A remarkable 10-1 stretch from December 27 through February 11 established the Grizzlies as one of the hottest teams in Division II, demonstrating the fruits of their labor and faith, in the old and the new.
3. Community Engagement (February): The Charity of Choice Game benefiting Best Buddies International exemplified the program’s commitment to values beyond the scoreboard, living out the call to “use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.”
4. Playoff Push (Late February): The team secured home-ice advantage with strong performances in the final two regular season games, showing perseverance through the final stretch.
5. Quarterfinal Heartbreak (March): A 5-1 loss to Spaulding extended the program’s quarterfinal drought but couldn’t diminish the season’s accomplishments or the faith-in-each-other growth of the team. Truly, a season of faith and hockey. 

Individual Milestones and Career Firsts: Using God-Given Talents

Historic Achievements

The season was highlighted by several players reaching significant milestones, each a testament to using their God-given abilities to their fullest:

Zack Tarrier (Senior Forward) 

• Tied Griffin Cook (2019) for the all-time program assists record with 74 career assists
• Tied Dan Mercier (2002) for 7th all-time in program history with 109 career points
• Recorded his 100th career point on February 11 against Spaulding
• Scored his first career hat trick in the same game
• Named to the All-State Hockey Team – 2nd Team

Kyle Bennett (Junior Goaltender)

• Broke Madeline Sage’s all-time program record for goaltender wins with his 23rd career victory on February 4
• Recorded four shutouts during the season
• Posted a .914 save percentage for the season
• Named to the All-State Hockey Team – 2nd Team

Jackson Horne (Junior Defenseman)

• Emerged as a two-way threat from the blue line
• Recorded six points (3g-3a) in the final two regular season games
• Named to the All-State Hockey Team – 1st Team

The Team: 2025-2026 Roster

Career Firsts: The Next Generation Answering the Call

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Goals – First of Career:

• Jackson Horne (at Somersworth, December 20, 2025) – The first of the season, marking the progress of growth
• Corey Beland (vs. Nashua, December 22, 2025) – Stole a pass and scored on a perfect shot in the top corner
• Cam Desruisseaux (Christmas, vs. Exeter, December 27, 2025) – A pair of goals on the same shift
• Van Eames (Christmas, vs. Exeter, December 27, 2025) – A shootout game-winning goal on a filthy backhand
• Zach Lessard (vs. Oyster River, January 3) – A slapper pounded on net for his first goal
• Jaden Booth (vs. Brady-Valley, January 15) – Scored after being tripped while drawing a penalty on the play
• Teddy Beal (vs. Brady-Valley, January 15) – A Beal trademark – goal scored from less than a foot away from the net
• Tyler Belanger (at Timberlane-Pelham, February 7) – He had not one, but two goals in this memorable road game
• Giovanni Fucile (at Timberlane-Pelham, February 7) – A shot that seemed to be in the air for an hour found the net
• Griffin Wilkinson (at Timberlane-Pelham, February 7) – Great shot from the slot on the power play
• Chase Giampa (at Timberlane-Pelham, February 7) – A nice one-timer for the first of his career
• Gavin Matatall (at MHBDS Warhawks, February 21, OT winner) – The most dramatic of firsts, a sudden-death hero
• Jason Matatall (vs. Kearsarge-Plymouth JV, February 22) – Following in his brother’s footsteps

Points – First of Career:

• Corey Beland (at Somersworth, December 20, 2025) – First point on an assist, the beginning of a statistical journey
• Jaden Booth (Christmas, vs. Exeter, December 27, 2025) – His First career point, an assist in the Christmas Tournament
• Chase Giampa (vs. Brady-Valley, January 15) – First career point, assist on Booth’s career goal
• Tyler Belanger (vs. Brady-Valley, January 15) – First career point, assist on Booth’s career goal
• Liam McGrail (at Timberlane-Pelham, February 7) – First career point, assist on Zack Tarrier’s 99th career point
• Noah Paris (vs. Brady-Valley, February 27) – A freshman contributing to a senior’s milestone
• Jason Matatall (vs. Brady-Valley, February 27) – The first taste of varsity points

First Career Shutout:

• Jake O’Neil (vs. Winnacunnet, January 24) – Made 19 saves at home en route to his first career shutout

These achievements exemplified the program’s philosophy of developing talent across all classes. As noted in one recap: “That’s how it’s supposed to go. 1st career point is forever paired with another’s 99th career point. As it should be in high school sports. As long as the kids keep showing up to play, there is a flow, an overlap from class to class, player to player. Each era becomes a bigger thing, a bigger word, and that word is history. Or more intentionally, legacy.”

Team Records and Notable Streaks: Blessed Achievements

Season Highlights

The Grizzlies achieved several notable team accomplishments during the 2025-2026 season, each a blessing to be shared with others:

• Back-to-back shutouts to end the regular season (8-0 vs. Brady-Valley, 3-0 vs. Winnacunnet)
• 10-1 stretch from December 27 through February 11, establishing the team as a Division II contender
• Third time in program history with consecutive 13-win seasons
• Eight different goal scorers in the victory over Brady-Valley
• Fifteen different players registered points in the same game
• 33 total Grizzlies have now earned All-State honors in hockey program history
• TWENTY-ONE different Grizzlies scored at least one point during the varsity season

Statistical Achievements

• Kyle Bennett (4) and Jake O’Neil (1) combine on 5 shutouts in net
• Grizzlies were 4-0 in OT twice in the regular season and two shootout wins in Brian C. Stone Christmas Tourney
• 10-0 victory over Timberlane-Pelham with 41 shots on goal
• 51-save performance by Kearsarge-Plymouth goaltender Eli Van Vugt in JV game

 

Community Engagement: Living Out Faith Through Service

The Best Buddies Charity Game

Undoubtedly one of the season’s most meaningful events was the February 4th Charity of Choice Game benefiting Best Buddies International. This initiative exemplified the program’s commitment to living out their faith through service, creating “one-to-one friendships and inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

The event featured:

• Members from the Goffstown High School chapter of Best Buddies participating in a ceremonial puck drop
• Grizzlies alternate captains Jackson Horne and Owen St. Onge, both Best Buddies members, representing the team
• Over $2,500 raised for Best Buddies through donations and QR code contributions
• Custom hockey jerseys for participating children

The game undeniably demonstrated how high school athletics can serve as a platform for community building and charitable giving. As noted in the recap: “Wednesday night wasn’t just about hockey. It was about community.”

Biblical Foundation

Throughout the season, the recaps referenced scripture that provided spiritual foundation for the program’s activities:

1 Peter 4:10 (Living Bible): “God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.”

This verse encapsulated the program’s philosophy of using hockey as a vehicle for service and community building. The recaps elaborated on this principle: “We are blessed. May we bless still others in the sharing of our blessings. The grand picture is unquestionably bigger than anything we can see for ourselves. So give of yourselves while you are able. There is nothing here more rewarding.”

Key Games and Turning Points: Divine Timing

Early Season Foundation

The season of faith and hockey began with the team finding its identity through early challenges and lineup experimentation. The decision to utilize three lines rather than relying heavily on top players proved crucial as the season progressed.

Mid-Season Surge

The Grizzlies’ 10-1 stretch from December 27 through February 11 established them as legitimate contenders. Key victories during this period included:

• Dramatic 6-2 victory over Spaulding (February 11): Featured Zack Tarrier’s 100th career point and first career hat trick
• Dominant 10-0 win over Timberlane-Pelham (February 7): Showcased offensive depth with multiple first career goals
• Comeback 2-1 OT victory over MHBDS Warhawks (February 21): Highlighted resilience with Gavin Matatall’s first career goal as the OT winner

Season-Ending Momentum

The Grizzlies secured home-ice advantage with consecutive shutouts:

• 8-0 victory at Brady-Valley (February 27): Featured eight different goal scorers
• 3-0 win at Winnacunnet (February 28): Jackson Horne’s three-point performance secured the #4 seed

Playoff Performance and Quarterfinal Analysis: Testing Faith

The season ended with a 5-1 quarterfinal loss to Spaulding on March 7 at Sullivan Arena. Despite the disappointing result, the game revealed both the progress made and challenges remaining for the program.

Game Analysis

Spaulding set a pace that Goffstown couldn’t match from the opening face-off, outskating the Grizzlies in all three zones. The Red Raiders outshot Goffstown 36-28 and capitalized on their opportunities while the Grizzlies struggled to match their intensity.

Cole Enman led Spaulding with a hat trick, including a shorthanded empty-net goal that sealed the victory. Owen St. Onge scored the lone goal for Goffstown, with Zack Tarrier recording his record-tying 74th assist on the play.

Historical Context

The loss extended the program’s quarterfinal drought to 15 consecutive trips to the QF (15 losses in 16 quarterfinal appearances since 2010, with two losses in overtime). This recurring challenge represents the final hurdle for a program that has consistently competed but struggled to break through in the postseason.

Faith in Adversity

Even in defeat, the program maintained its spiritual perspective. The recap noted: “To be ‘fortunate’ in a biblical sense is to be blessed. In other words, a state of deep spiritual prosperity and divine favor, for He is God and we are not. This fortune unlocks true freedom, which is not the license to do whatever you want, but the liberty to fulfill your purpose.” There is absolutely no way that this team wins 15 games overall without faith in one another. Faith in the process and the leadership.

Program Philosophy: Playing for School, Community, and Faith

Throughout the season, the recaps emphasized the value of “playing in school” rather than pursuing exclusive club hockey opportunities. This philosophy centers on the unique benefits of high school athletics:

• Developing friendships with classmates and teammates
• Creating shared memories that extend beyond athletic achievement
• The times of our lives are best remembered because we were together to create them
• Building community connections through school representation
• Learning to balance academics with athletics
• Using one’s talents to glorify God and serve others

As one recap noted: “The team wins and loses, as a team. They are mates, schoolmates, classmates, and teammates. After they game they skate on a rink in a backyard, or hang out with teammates around the dinner table and play games.”

This holistic approach to player development sets the Goffstown program apart and explains its ability to consistently compete while developing young people of character through a season of faith and hockey.

Senior Leadership and Legacy: Passing the Torch

The season was defined in many ways by the contributions of seniors who embraced their leadership roles:

Zack Tarrier

His decision to return for his senior season proved pivotal, as he finished with 109 career points and tied the program’s all-time assists record. His leadership extended beyond statistics, as he demonstrated the value of commitment to one’s school and teammates. I still encourage anyone to listen to his broadcast on the FOGH YouTube Channel during the JV game against John Stark (that was just the 1st period). That was your captain. 

Connor Bernard

The son of head coach Kevin Bernard, Connor provided thoughtful perspective on the unique experience of playing for his father: “Thank you for being by my side every step of the way and spending countless hours at the rink. Thank you for teaching me how to play hockey but most importantly for always reminding me to keep playing my game because eventually it will pay off.” Connor, your words on Senior Night that I was so privileged to read, should be a standard among boys and their Dads. Thank you for sharing them.

Griffin Wilkinson

As an alternate captain, Wilkinson embodied the program’s values of gratitude and appreciation: “I’d like to thank all the people that have helped me grow as a player over the years… Most of all I’d like to thank my mom and dad for always supporting me in my hockey career and pushing me to become the best person I can be on and off the ice.” Griffin, I am so glad you ripped that power play goal into the net. Thank you for working so hard as a Grizzlie.

Unsung Heroes: The Heartbeat of the Team

Beyond the statistics and milestones, the season was defined by players who may not have garnered headlines but whose contributions were invaluable to the team’s success. These unsung heroes embodied the program’s philosophy of collective effort and selfless play:

• The Fourth Line Energy: Players who may not have scored regularly but brought intensity every shift, wearing down opponents and creating opportunities for teammates.
• Practice Warriors: Those who pushed the starters in practice every day, making the team better through their competitive spirit.
• Locker Room Leaders: Players who maintained team morale during challenging stretches and kept everyone focused on the collective goal.

These players remind us that hockey, like life, is not just about individual glory but about how we lift up those around us. As the season progressed, it became clear that the Grizzlies’ success was truly a team effort, with every player contributing in their own unique way. The Room, was a core of strength for this team.

The Transformation Journey: From Wide-Eyed Freshmen to Leaders

A recurring theme throughout the season was the visible growth of players from the beginning of the year to its conclusion. Several freshmen who started the season “holding on for dear life” finished as key contributors who could be trusted in critical situations.

This transformation is at the heart of what makes high school sports so special. It’s not just about wins and losses but about watching young men & women develop confidence, skill, and character over the course of a season. The coaching staff’s commitment to playing three (or more) lines rather than relying heavily on top players accelerated this development, giving more players the opportunity to grow through game experience. Breaking the mold of “we must win now, at the cost of our future players” has been a hard one to break. It’s like trying to be better next season, but starting from scratch every season.

By season’s end, the Grizzlies were not just a team of talented individuals but a cohesive unit that had grown together, faced adversity together, and succeeded together. This journey of transformation is what creates lasting memories and builds character that extends far beyond the hockey rink. A season of faith and hockey.

Conclusion: Building on Blessed Success

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV): “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The 2025-2026 Goffstown Grizzlies hockey season will be remembered as a significant step forward for a program consistently striving to reach the next level while maintaining its spiritual foundation. While the quarterfinal loss was disappointing, the season’s accomplishments which included 13 regular season wins, multiple program records, and the development of young talent provide a strong foundation for future success.

The emergence of new leaders, the breaking of long-standing records, and the continued emphasis on community engagement and faith suggest that the program is positioned to build on this season’s achievements. With another strong group of returning players and the lessons learned from both the highs and lows of the 2025-2026 season, the Grizzlies will once again aim to break through the quarterfinal barrier and make a deep playoff run.

We Are So Blessed

As one recap reflected: “We are blessed. May we bless still others in the sharing of our blessings. The grand picture is unquestionably bigger than anything we can see for ourselves. So give of yourselves while you are able. There is nothing here more rewarding.” While high school careers are short in the context of a full life, they are integral to a ‘full life’. The picture is so much bigger than we realize and the sky is literally the limit, if not the goal.

Consequently this philosophy of combining competitive excellence with character development, community service, and faith in many forms continues to define the Goffstown Grizzlies hockey program. It ensures its relevance extends far beyond wins and losses. The program remains committed to developing young men & women who will use their God-given abilities to make a positive impact on their teams, schools, and communities, living out the words of James 1:25: “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

In the end, the 2025-2026 season was about more than hockey. It was about growth, faith, community, and the quiet miracles that occur when young men come together in pursuit of something greater than themselves. It was about finding God’s fingerprints in the roar of the arena and recognizing that the true measure of success lies not in the final score but in the character developed along the way.