Wilton Hockey Star Pat Holland

Senior defenseman Pat Holland, a two-year captain of the Wilton High boys hockey team, combines a powerful slap shot with strong leadership qualities.

The Warriors, who fell to St. Joseph, 5-4, in the FCIAC quarterfinals on Friday, take an 11-9-1 record in the state tournament, which begins next week.

"He is the team's emotional leader," Wilton coach Brett Amero said.  "He tries to bring intensity to the team." 

"There are a lot of young guys on the team," Holland added. "I try and protect our goalie (fellow captain Kevin O'Connell) and bring physical play to my game."

Holland also possesses a rocket of a slap shot that often has opponents ducking. Though not an imposing figure physically, he appears more like a chiseled rock with a aquare jaws and powerful shoulders.

"I depend on my two captains to lead this team," Amero said.

The two captains can often be seen between periods discussing what adjustments, if any, the Warriors need to make.

The 18-year-old Holland  wants to study business in college and is waiting to hear back from a number of schools.