Bellingham Boys’ LAX Off to Slow Season Start

By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Sports Writer

Coach Steve Linehan, who led the boys’ squad to a 7-12 record last season and a tourney berth, said of the 2025 campaign thus far, “We’ve gotten off to a disappointing start. Our leading scorer from last season, Ryan Austin, left our opening match because of a potential concussion. We sat Ryan for the next few games. Overall, we just simply haven’t played up to our expectations in the early going.’’  

At the Bulletin deadline, the Blackhawks were 1-4, a record that includes a win over Norton and two losses to a pair of Tri Valley League powerhouses — Dover-Sherborn and Medfield.

Nevertheless, Linehan plans to continue building his program “through skill development and higher competition capabilities.’’  

The boys earned berths in the tournament two of the last three years and hope to earn another invite this season. The squad, which has a strong contingent of senior leaders, is led offensively by Austin, a captain and TVL all-star; captain Brady Carroll, a TVL honorable mention all-star; and second-year sophomore starters Bryson Nicholson and Charlie Baker. 

Carroll had 7 Goals and 2 Assists in five games this season and Austin (in 2 games) had 6 goals and one assist.  

“Last year, we scored 140 goals (most in school history), and we will continue to focus on increased offensive production with this group,’’ Linehan said.  “Also contributing on offense are starting midfielders Kyle Connors (junior), Carter Lelievre (senior) and Charlie Eldridge (senior).  

“On defense, we will be anchored by senior goalie Thiago Oliviera,’’ Linehan said. “He’s been a shining light so far with 80 saves in five games (16 saves per match).’’ 

BHS has an experienced group of defensemen led by seniors Jake Silvestri and Aiden Smith and juniors Max Henchey and Eric Todd.  Also providing stability on the defensive end are midfielders Hayden Davis (sophomore), Andrew Sweet (junior), Tommy Shannon (junior) and senior captain Gabe Egan.’’  

Linehan emphasized that the all-important face-off circle will be a challenge after losing Jack Baker to graduation. That task has gone to sophomore Zach Hughes and Egan.  New varsity players that Linehan hopes will be contributors are juniors Eddie Savje and Tyler Enright and sophomore Will Landrigan.    

Linehan’s staff includes JV coach/varsity assistant Quinton Champagne and volunteer assistant Cade Linehan, a 2019 BHS graduate.