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With his dad healthy, Ferrante enjoying big season

Wednesday, January, 16 By Nick Curcuru
Correspondent

Rockport boys hockey captain Chris Ferrante Jr. came off the ice after his team's 1-1 tie against Minuteman last Wednesday in a very positive mood.

He may have been a bit disappointed in the outcome of the game, but the senior has had a very upbeat attitude this season, and for good reason.

Ferrante's father, Chris Sr., who was diagnosed with testicular cancer last year, is now healthy and 100-percent cancer free.

Ferrante Jr. got the news of his dad's illness right around the start of the 2006-2007 season and had to play the entire year with the apprehension of his father's health hanging over his head. However, this year has been a different story, as Ferrante Jr. says having his dad healthy has led him to play ambitious hockey.

"This year having my dad healthy has really inspired me," Ferrante Jr. said. "It really gives me a big boost during games knowing he will be there after instead of in the hospital getting chemotherapy."

The elder Ferrante is very relieved to be healthy and cancer-free, and he also relishes every moment he gets to watch his son play hockey.

"This year has been absolutely phenomenal being out of the house regularly and being able to see Chris play," Ferrante Sr. said. "During the time when I was sick I missed a lot of games, so I really look forward to game night so I can check Chris out."

Not having his dad in the stands was admittedly difficult for the younger Ferrante, as he was playing with his dad's uncertain health hanging over his head every night. Chris Jr., however, tried to stay motivated and play well for his sick father.

"This season is a lot different from last season, which was really rough," Ferrante Jr. said. "But it inspired me to play good. I wanted to show that this couldn't keep me down. Plus I knew that my dad supported me no matter what, and that kept me going too."

Rockport head coach Mike Greel says he has noticed a big difference in his captain's demeanor this year. "It seemed like last season (Chris) was playing mad, and I could definitely understand why," Greel said. "This year he's much more calm but with the same intensity, but it's also more focused intensity."

That focused intensity has led to Ferrante Jr. being one of the top performers on the team. The center is tied with fellow senior Eric Juncker for the team lead in points with 10, and his eight assists leads the squad.

Known for his strong stick-handling and intelligence on the ice, Ferrante Jr. has also emerged as a team leader both on and off the ice and has been a key factor in the Vikings competing for a state tournament berth with a 3-4-3 record.
"I definitely appreciate the game more this year," Ferrante Jr. said. "I appreciate it knowing that (my dad) will be around, it's been more fun."

Ferrante Sr. expressed that this season has been extra special, and that he couldn't be more proud of the way his son has handled himself both on and off the ice.

"Watching Chris as a captain in his senior year is very rewarding," Ferrante Sr. said. "I'm so proud of his achievements both athletically and academically."

Overall, Ferrante Jr. is very pleased with the successful season he is having, but most importantly he is happy to see his father healthy again.

"It's very gratifying knowing that he is healthy again," Ferrante Jr. said. "It's great not having to worry about him all the time and knowing that he will be at all of the games, I couldn't ask for anything more."