Anthony Brereton knew that he wanted to play hockey for Christian Brothers Academy since he was in middle school.

“It all started in eighth grade. I came to watch the games at CBA and I ultimately knew where I wanted to be,” he said. “I didn’t want to go anywhere else. I wanted to come here and play. I came in as a freshman, and I made the team.”

Brereton was a star for the Colts this season, recording 14 goals and 30 assists, totaling 44 points. His strong season earned recognition from the New Jersey Devils, who named him December’s High School Player of the Month in the Gordon Conference. One of those December performances came against Princeton Day on December 17, when he scored a hat trick and added an assist in a 4-1 victory.

Brereton’s strong season didn’t come without challenges, as he had to overcome the adversities of a knee injury. The senior captain reflected on everything that transpired throughout the winter.

“Getting injured in senior year isn’t the best, but it didn’t take away too much because I didn’t miss the playoffs, which is most important. It was definitely upsetting not being able to play some of my final games for CBA.”

Brereton emphasized the importance of his connections with teammates, going all the way back to his freshman year.

He led by example right through this year's state tournament, recording a goal and three assists in a first round win over St. Joseph Metuchen. Despite a tough loss to a talented St. Joseph Montvale squad in the state quarterfinals, Brereton is proud of his team’s effort on and off the ice.

“We didn’t finish the way we wanted to, but we have a great group of guys. Our bond is going to last past this season and into future endeavors,” he stated. “You don’t expect to get that close with them in that short a time, but you really do. I know in my freshman year, I didn’t expect it to be the brotherhood it is now. I still talk to the guys from freshman year, so I hope that’s still going to be the legacy of CBA hockey.”

As his time as a CBA hockey player wraps up, Brereton thinks about the wise advice he has received during his career as a Colt.

“Our coaches always told us to leave it better than you found it. Championships aside, I feel that this year’s senior class did just that, by creating a brotherhood with the young guys to show them the roots,” he explained. “The four years go by quickly and it’s some of the best years of your life. You definitely want to soak it all in while you have it and don’t take it for granted.”