PPSHL Team Spotlight: Boston Gold Kings

Team Name & History
The Boston Gold Kings’ name comes from original team owner Ven Thangaraj’s family name. “Thangaraj” means King of Gold or Golden King and is a Tamil name originating from South India, symbolizing prosperity, value, and leadership.
The Gold Kings have been around since the APHL launched in 2023–24 and joined the newly formed PPSHL the following season, along with other New England teams from the former league.

Roster Leadership
Captains

• Ryan Drizen (3rd season as captain)

• Matt Baldino (2nd season as captain)

Alternate Captains

• Russ Childers (1st season as alternate)

• Anthony DiCostanzo (1st season as alternate)

While the Gold Kings’ core remains intact, several big names have joined the team for their third season:

• Lauren Hennessey – 2.5 seasons at Lindenwood (NCAA W)

• Evan Morelli – 4 seasons at Plymouth State (NCAA III)

• Nick McNally – 3 seasons NCAA III & 1 season FPHL; former Papermen captain (2023–24)

• Brandon Garneau – Played for North Shore Nighthawks in 2023–24

• Cam Cordio – 2 seasons at Lebanon Valley (NCAA III) & played for North Shore Nighthawks in 2023–24

• Jon Lounsbury – 4 seasons at Southern Maine (NCAA III) & 4 seasons in the SPHL with Huntsville

Players to Watch

• #1 Mike Cowell (2024–25 Team Playoff MVP)

• #15 Christian Baldino

• #19 Matt Baldino (2024–25 Team Points Leader)

• #27 Jon Lounsbury

• #61 CJ Grinnell

• #68 Brandon Garneau

• #71 Mike DeLisio

• #81 Joey O’Leary (2024–25 League Playoff MVP)

• #91 Cam Cordio

Season Goals & Outlook
There’s no mystery about the Gold Kings’ goal this season — go back-to-back.
Their toughest matchups are expected against the Reapers, after several hard-fought battles in Poughkeepsie during their first season. Fans can also circle two must-see home events: Military Appreciation Night vs. the Mallards on November 22nd and Puck Cancer Night vs. the Sasquatch on March 7th.

Depth is the Kings’ defining strength heading into 2025–26. With a full lineup, they believe they can stand toe-to-toe with anyone in the PPSHL.

Message to the League
“We’re not just teammates — we’re a family. Everyone here buys in, shows up, and battles for each other every single day. That chemistry fuels our game, and we embrace being the team everyone’s chasing.”

The Gold Kings are coming in blazing — every team has been warned.