Junior A.J. Maio is in his fourth varsity season for Gates Chili.

By James Johnson
Democrat and Chronicle

(Friday, February 1, 2002) -- A.J. stands for: Andrew John.

Age/birthday: 17/July 6.

Sport/position: Ice hockey/center.

Sweater number: 12.

School/class: Gates Chili/junior.

Height/weight: 5-feet-5/165 pounds.

On the ice: Maio, a member of the team since he was an eighth-grader, is Gates Chili's leading scorer with 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists).

''He's playing well at both ends of the ice,'' coach Jim McLean said. ''He's taking pride in killing penalties and things like that, which makes him more of a complete player.

''We've demanded a lot from the team and the players have kind of thrived on it.''

The Spartans (9-2 league, 16-5 overall) have clinched at least a share of the Red Division title and can clinch tonight with a win against Spencerport at 7 p.m. at the ESL Sports Centre.

The last Gates Chili club to win a division title went on to win the 1999 Section V Class A championship.

''This feels good,'' Maio said. ''There were a lot of new kids on the team this year. Our second line is all rookies.

''We struggled a little bit in the beginning getting to know each other.''

Goal this season: ''To go back to the sectionals and win, then finish what we didn't when I was in eighth grade -- win a state title.''

Top individual athletic achievement: ''Making the team as an eighth-grader. I was told that I probably wouldn't but I did and I had ice (playing) time.''

My playing style: ''A fast player who grinds it out in the corners.''

Most difficult aspect about my sport: ''Being prepared and playing with the same intensity in games on back-to-back nights.''

The team I can't wait to play again: Brockport.

Other sport: Travel team soccer.

Plans for college: He hopes to play hockey at either Union College or the University of Vermont.

Personal favorites: Washington Capitals winger Peter Bondra (NHL player); King of the Hill (TV show); WNVE-FM (95.1/95.5); NHL Hits 2002 (PlayStation game)

People would be surprised to know: ''That I made it into the National Honor Society.'' He has an academic average of 93.