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Thomas Konkowski Tendered By P.A.L. Jr. Islanders NCDC Team
Thomas Konkowski is already making plans for next season. The Sachem Captain, who is tied for the league lead in goals scored with twenty-four this season, has been tendered by the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders NCDC team. As Konkowski looks to take the next step with one of Long Island’s most storied Junior programs, what should SCHSHL fans expect? We asked one of his former coaches for insight on what makes Konkowski such a special player.
Thomas Konkowski’s former coach, Bobby Barbera, issued a statement through the NCDC program, “An explosive forward with a dynamic skill set, Konkowski looks to elevate his game to the next level under Coach Marcou. While the Holtsville, NY native has paced his teams offense the last two seasons – including a 104 goal campaign in 2022-23 at the 16U level, it is his work ethic and competitive level that should help his transition as he looks to become an integral part of the Jr Islanders NCDC roster for the 2024-25 season.” It’s no surprise that Barbera highlighted the intensity that Konkowski brings night in and night out. We broke down Konkowski’s recent four goal performance against the Smithtown Hauppauge Bulls to illustrate what Coach Barbera saw in Konkowski that got him to the next level.
The Quick Release
Konkowski, who is listed at 5-7 and 141 lbs, has one of the most compact shooting motions in the entire SCHSHL. On the first goal of the game for Sachem, Gregory Monthie forced a turnover by Bobby Trites, which led to the Captain picking up the loose puck at his own blue line. Konkowski enters Bulls territory, makes a toe drag and fires a shot off his left leg.
The Foot Speed
Konkowski can play all three forward spots, but he’s thrived this past week on the left wing of Colin Kalberer. On his second goal of the game, Konkowski shows great anticipation and patience as he forces a turnover at the 18 second mark of the clip. Konkowski races in on the breakaway before going forehand-backhand to beat Ryan. The goal came just six seconds after forcing the turnover.
Possession Is Nine-Tenths Of The Law
Konkowski predominately slotted in at left wing against the Bulls, but watch what happens when Konkowski lines up at center. After he won the draw, the Sachem Captain races up ice and goes to his backhand as the defender steps to close the gap. Konkowski winds up cutting across the zone where he fires a quick shot that beats the netminder. Konkowski gets that shot off cleanly and quickly through traffic. After showcasing his ability on the draw, Konkowski is able to manipulate defenders in transition as he completes the hat trick.
High Skill Plays At Game Speed
Watch Konkowski on the back check after a defensive zone turnover by Sachem. He takes away a chance to cut to the net or fire a shot on goal. As soon as Sachem forces a turnover, Konkowski races up ice and receives the puck in transition. Konkowski settles the bouncing puck and ends up going backhand-forehand as he fires the shot across his body to tie the game.
Final Thoughts
Konkowski is a high end skater with an elite wrist shot and a motor that never stops running. Konkowski is in a leadership role has embraced his style of play. His versatility and unselfish play speaks to his potential as a player. In a statement issued by the P.A.L. Jr Islanders, Konkowski said “I’m excited and grateful for coach Marcou for giving me the opportunity to play at the next level.” Konkowski will join the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders NCDC team at the start of the 2024-2025 season.
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