The Newtown-New Fairfield co-op hockey team is set to skate into a new season at Danbury Ice Arena with a new identity. The team formerly went by Newtown’s mascot name, the Nighthawk, but will now go by a combination name which recognizes the New Fairfield Rebels and Nighthawks.

“We are looking to take on a new identity, NNF Rebelhawks, and we are going to continue to shift the culture of our team to be in the winning column this year and down the road,” said Head Coach Michael Campbell, who, in his second year with the team, has brought in some new coaches: Woody Kendall, Jack Stanton, and Ronan McCallister. “Their passion for the game goes without question and with a nice balance of old school and new school we have a team that is going to compete and going to compete hard this year.”

As preseason unfolded captains were not yet named. Among the key players is senior Jack Meade, a forward who will be looked to for speed and skating skills to provide offense. “Will need to get into those dirty areas to put up some valuable points,” said Campbell, referring to, for example, the corners and in front of the net where defensemen look to win puck battles with physicality.

Senior defenseman Colby Cheneski returns. “Tall, big defenseman, long reach to get around. Colby being a multi-sport athlete, he knows what it takes to compete and needs to bring a slightly different energy to the hockey rink,” Campbell said.

Senior forward Jackson Molison is a player whom the Rebelhawks will lean on for his speed and communication to produce some goals this year, the coach said. “He wants to lead and knows the tools to do it. Will need to put it all together this year,” Campbell said.

Senior forward Cam Longhi brings back a hard-working mentality. “Physical and willing to get into dirty areas. If he can continue to do the dirty work it will contribute to a lot of plays being made,” Campbell said.

Senior goaltender Carter Bisson returns to keep pucks out of the net. Netminders are always crucial for the success of teams, but Bisson is even more so this winter given lack of depth in this department. “Manning the pipes, we will lean on Carter to play big and play smart. He is the only goalie so will need to be strong physically and mentally,” Campbell said.

Senior defenseman Evan Klicsewski is described by the coach as “strong, hardworking, willing to do whatever needs to be done. Will need to pair that with his hard shot and putting pucks in the right areas to be a key producer this year.”

The Rebelhawks will look for success within conference and state play and finish above .500. "We have a schedule that is competitive and will challenge us but I think this team has the drive to prove some teams wrong," the coach said. "But most important on my to-do list is to establish our co-op and become the NNF Rebelhawks. We have a strong start to this new season. Players are ready, and we are hoping to show our colors representing both schools at a high standard."

“Leadership will be strong this year, with almost half the team being sophomores. I will look to my upperclassman to lead by example with hard work, dedication, and willingness to win,” he added.

The Brookfield, Bethel, Danbury, Immaculate (BBDI) co-op team is the NNF squad’s biggest rival, and they will meet January 28 in Danbury; puck drops at 5:30 pm.

“BBDI will always be an opponent I will be ready for. Being I played for Bethel, and coached there for some years it’s always fun to compete against them. They have a lot of buzz around them on some returning players so we are ready for the challenge,” Campbell said.

The Rebelhawks have some work to do before that matchup. The season begins with a visit to Westhill-Stamford Monday, December 15 at 7:30 pm.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.