Massena High goalie Casey Hooper has been a mentor to younger players

Massena goalie Casey Hooper owns a 10-3 record and 2.59 goals-against average. (Courtesy Photo)

Casey Hooper is a different breed of goalie. He is very confident in his ability, but he never forgets that there is always room to grow, room to improve.

“It just comes down to how I think,” Hooper said. “I don’t want to be too overconfident and I want to be able to work with the team and not just kind of go off on my own. Just try new things out with a younger squad. Just trying to make the most of it.”

Now in his second season of varsity for Section X Massena, Hooper, a senior, is a big reason why the Red Raiders are hoping for a return trip to HarborCenter for the state tournament after falling in the semifinals last year.

Behind three very capable goalies, last season was more of an on-the-job training session for Hooper, who saw limited game minutes. Hooper watched and learned from those around him, especially No. 1 keeper and close friend Nathan Moffit.