Bonitatibus Ready for Playoff Pursuit

By Jill Bradford

The glory of Division I Hockey in Hockey East requires the commitment of players to prove themselves day in and day out. Senior Justin Bonitatibus from Arlington, Massachusetts understands this commitment well, and such dedication has allowed him to create his own success at Merrimack.

Bonitatibus’ dedication to show up every day and give everything he has whether in practice or in games sets a standard of unyielding work ethic for the rest of his team. “My hockey career at Merrimack has been a very competitive one,” Bonitatibus commented. “Having so many good players on the team, you are constantly battling for lineup positions and ice time.”

Furthermore, Bonitatibus’ willingness to be flexible with his position on the ice makes him a valuable component to the team. Primarily, Bonitatibus played center throughout his life; however, he has also spent time at left wing for Merrimack. He proved his versatility by playing eight games on defense last year, as well as two games this season.

Along with seniors Pat Bowen, Brandon Sadlowski, Pat Kimball, J.C. Robitaille, and Andrew Braithwaite, Bonitatibus and his team set out to accomplish one mission this year: make the Hockey East playoffs and win a championship. “We have been building this team for the past four years and we know we have all of the pieces in place to accomplish something great this season,” he commented.

Bonitatibus’ career at Merrimack has required him to keep an open mind and try new things. Head Coach Mark Dennehy commented, “Justin can really handle and shoot a puck. We have worked with him over the last three years to challenge himself to do this while moving his feet. Secondly, Justin is a nice person. Hockey can be a tough, physical game. However, Justin has worked on bringing himself to a place which allows him to compete on this extent.”

This year, Bonitatibus’ hard work has paid off. He opened up Merrimack’s season by scoring the first goal of the year at North Dakota against the Fighting Sioux. Bonitatibus then went on a three-game goal-scoring streak against UMASS Lowell, UNH, and Northeastern. Since then, he has added a goal against Wisconsin at the Badger Classic, and another against Maine.

“No one succeeds in life without dedicating themselves to hard work. This has been Justin’s best year statistically, and I am happy for him,” Dennehy said.

Although unsure about what exactly he would like to do upon graduation, Bonitatibus is confident that his Business Management major and the life skills hockey has instilled in him will grant him professional success.

“Regardless of where my professional life takes me, whether it is a few more years of hockey or establishing myself in the working world, I thoroughly believe that my time at Merrimack will have been the foundation to my success,” Bonitatibus concluded.