2012-13 high school hockey previews – boys teams
Shrine Catholic
Senior Hugo Stange and junior Steve Erwin form an impressive duo between the pipes for Shrine this season. Coach AJ Plaskey says forwards Joe Nagle, Dan Tresnak and Michael Mann, along with defensemen Drake Eckert and Troy Button will be his leaders on the ice. For a successful season, they will need more offensive output across the board, including the defense.
Detroit Catholic Central
Todd Johnson says it will be difficult for teams to score on CC this season, thanks to senior goaltenders Derek Moore and Ryan Mulka. Also leading the way for the Shamrocks are forwards Michael Babcock, Charlie Green and Danny Middleton, and defenseman Nick Daigneau. Green is a dual-sport star who has a golf scholarship at MSU.
Detroit Country Day
Coach Frank Novock says that he likes Country Day’s balance and make-up heading into the 2012-13 season. He will be counting on strong performances from Sebastian Stankiewicz, Shane Switzer, Zach Bensinger, Hunter Kosnick, Paul Johnson, Jake Hartje and Jack Bergmann. For them to have success, however, the team must improve on their “compete level” every game.
Oxford
Oxford welcomes back a high number of returning players, despite having a small roster size. “We will be a small team, but we’re hopeful our team speed and veteran leadership will be a differentiator,” said coach Dave Hague. Expect strong seasons from Stephan Friz, Connor Novack, and Brennen Orr.
Dakota
Coach Mike Jakubik says his team’s greatest strengths will be offensive depth and skill, along with experience between the pipes. He will be counting on Dakota’s leadership group of Chad Roskelly, Ronnie O’Connor, Austin Azzopardi, Brad Schornak, Anthony Benvenuti and Justin Dudzinski for 2012-13. A youthful blue-line club will need to gain experience quickly.
Hudsonville
Coach Jason Caster says for his team to succeed, they will have to “stay off the roller coaster” and play consistent hockey. He will be counting on forwards Kollen Bayko, Nick Scott, Ryker Barber, Adam Jorgensen and Mike Vanderveen, defensemen Dan Hoekstra and Jesse Rotman, and goaltender Micah Timmermans. Their depth will be their greatest strength, according to Caster.
Ann Arbor Huron
New coach Ken Westerman had Ann Arbor Huron working hard over the summer, and he expects that it will pay off throughout the season. AA Huron played in a summer league for the first time since 2008, and hit the weight room in May. Senior captain Ryan Silvester will lead, along with Glen Camfield, Ellis Freatman and Ross Evoy.
Utica Stevenson
“We should have strong offensive attack which feature various skilled players as well as some great shots,” said coach Alan Korolewicz, who has returned from De La Salle. Stevenson will be leaning on junior forward Dino Balsamo, sophomore defenseman Nick Paige, and senior goaltender Matt Bognar. Growth on defense throughout the season will be key.
Crestwood Unified
For the first time, Crestwood is comprised of Dearborn Heights Crestwood, Dearborn Heights Annapolis, and Garden City high schools. Coach Steve Popp expects a strong defensive team. He will be counting on senior leaders Matt Kirunchyk, Lucas Johnston, Steve Bennett and goaltender Chris Greco to have strong seasons, both on the ice and in guiding the younger players on the team.
Okemos
Okemos coach Bill Sipola says his team’s goal this season is simple – a league championship. He will be counting on key players Tristan Eggenberger and Matt Luberto to help out a team that Sipola expects to be high-scoring with strong goaltending. If the defense improves rapidly, Okemos will be a problem for their CAAC foes.