NUTLEY/MONTCLAIR, NJ — Senior goalie Daniel Canizares and his brother, sophomore forward Adrian Canizares, both from Nutley, have been a big part of the success for the Montclair Kimberley Academy ice hockey team, which has shown marked improvement this season behind a stellar defensive unit.
MKA, which finished just 1-15-2 overall and 1-11 in the New Jersey Interscholastic Ice Hockey League’s McInnis Division in 2023-2024, is very competitive this season in the Kelly Division with a solid 6-3-2 record through Friday, Jan. 17.
Daniel Canizares, a returning starter between the pipes, has been stellar in front of the net with a .932 save percentage with 190 saves and just nine goals allowed as he shares time in goal with sophomore James Bronson (.961 save percentage).
Daniel recorded 24 saves in one of MKA’s top early-season victories, a 3-2 overtime triumph versus crosstown neighbor Montclair High on Wednesday, Dec. 18, in the annual Montclair Cup Game.
Adrian has proven to be a bright light on the forward line, where he is tied for the team lead with senior defenseman Henry McCann, who each have seven goals and eight assists.
MKA dropped a narrow 2-1 decision to Gordon Conference member St. Peter’s Prep on Jan. 8, while once again displaying its superb brand of defense under veteran coach Tim Cook.
Photos Courtesy of Steve Clayton