For the past two seasons, there’s been only one player to start in every single game for the South Windsor High School hockey team. Noah “Jimbo” Sampson has been at the helm of the Bobcats lineup since he was a sophomore.
Sampson has been between the pipes in the net with the simple goal of preventing yours. The goaltender has helped keep the Bobcats in several games throughout his career that would have easily been blowouts.
When he was a freshman, Sampson was one of two Noah’s on the team, which led to the creation of the nickname he’s still referred to on the ice.
During his sophomore year, Sampson split time in the net with a pair of senior goalies, but from his junior year on, Sampson has started every single game in goal for the ‘Cats.
In the 2023-24 season, Sampson had several key games that helped define the Bobcats’ year: only allowing three total goals in two games against 18-win Simsbury Trojans, a tie against undefeated Cheshire, and a 4-2 win over 11-win Hamden.
Sampson’s been playing hockey for the past 15 years of his life.
“My favorite memory of my career was beating Wethersfield in overtime,” Sampson told The Prowl.
As a freshman, Sampson enjoyed the strong team bond.
“I feel as when I joined the team, there was lots of passion and love. Everyone wanted to win and our team’s bond was unbreakable, but leaving the team, I can safely say that I’m leaving behind a team who still has the passion and ambition to win a state championship,” Sampson stated.
Ahead of his senior season, Sampson and fellow senior Mason Trombley were given the honor of being team captains. This came as no real surprise based on the play style of Sampson.
“My play style is very aggressive, and I’m a leader. I’m directing the defense on where to go along with fixing common mistakes found in our defense,” Sampson said.
First-year head coach Nick Gionfriddo has nothing but praise for his goalie.
“Noah is a guy you always want on your team as a coach…His determination, focus, and ability to make crucial saves under pressure brings confidence throughout the team to continue to compete,” Gionfriddo said.
Being in his final year of high school hockey, Sampson is going all out to try and make this season the best of his career.
The Bobcats next contest is this Saturday, January 18, at the ‘Cats home rink where they’ll be looking for revenge on Farmington Valley.
