Twining Tandem Has Kings Park/Commack Eyeing Title

With the playoffs fast approaching, Kyle and Corey Twining have their team in position to contend for the varsity league championship for the first time in the program's long history.

The brothers, along with a strong supporting cast including two of the league's craftiest wingers in Brett Kaiser and Matt Goldberg, have worked a long time for their shot. And they're determined to make sure they don't go down without a fight.

Kyle, the team captain, reflected on what it means to be a captain in his senior year.

"Well, I like to lead by example," said the Kings Park captain who is planning on continuing his hockey career at the collegiate level. "I feel pretty honored to have it. I just try to act like an all-around player out there."

He's developed into just that, racking up ice time numbers that would rival anyone in the league. He's been used by head coach Dave Rysdyk in every situation, most notably on the penalty kill, breaking up passes and getting in front of opposing shots.

His style of play has rubbed off on his brother Corey, who's learned a wealth of intangibles from his older brother.

"Playing with him for the past five or six years on our high school team, I learned what it means to be a captain," said Corey, who plays the game with an edge that often opens up space for his linemates. "He sets a good example."

Though success is hardly new to the Twinings, they are always cognizant of past short-comings, which has fueled their work-ethic and success this season all the more.

After finishing sixth in league scoring in 2010 with 38 points, Kyle and the rest of the team were shut out by East Islip in the opening round of the playoffs, 1-0.

"Last year, all we got was one game," said Corey, a junior who wears number 22 in honor of his dad's favorite player, Islanders great Mike Bossy. "We lost to East Islip in the first round. And that was it."

After shortly holding the top spot in the league this season, Kings Park/Commack has fallen slightly into a three-way tie for second place. But with just one game remaining until the playoffs, there's no mistaking that they're a team to be reckoned with.

"It feels pretty good knowing that other teams are trying to knock us out," said Kyle. "But it also kind of makes us nervous at the same time, because we know that we’re the team to beat. And if we get beat, then we’re done."