2012-13 high school hockey previews – boys teams
Jackson United
Coach Eric Morgan says that Jackson United’s scoring depth will be their difference-maker; five or six different players can score on a nightly basis. Key players for Jackson this year include Josh Mathias, Billy Bonser, Matt Stamler up front, Jake Hauter and Grant Denton on defense, and Jake Waggenner in goal. Morgan wants his younger players to push his older ones throughout the season, as well.
Anchor Bay
Anchor Bay will rely on their team’s speed this season, as they try to adjust to losing both their goaltenders and five of six defensemen from last year. Key players include senior captain Matt Kaiser and sophomores Ryan Haag and Austin Koleski. Coach Mel Rettell will be counting on senior leadership from Korey Constantine, Matt Steyer and Josh Guske, as well.
Trenton
Coach Mike Turner says “Trenton tradition will be tested this year,” after his team was hit heavily by graduation. The Trojans will try to replace 10 seniors and two senior goaltenders this season. Junior Andrew Sawyer leads the way on offense, while Vinny DaBrowa is the focal point on defense. Turner says it will be crucial for a new team to gel quickly.
Bishop Foley
Bishop Foley will be leaning on veteran leadership this fall, as they begin play with only 12 on their roster. “In other words, we have to work harder than everyone else and do all the little things in order to be competitive on a nightly basis,” coach Dave Williamson said. They will be counting on strong play from their senior class, led by captain Kaylan Taylor up front, Dominic Doxen on defense, and Alex Day in goal.
Bloomfield United
Coach Bruce McAlister says his team will thrive because of confidence in their goaltenders, most notably senior Nick Dingwall. “We’re strong at the goaltender position, which gives us a good chance to beat anyone on any given night,” McAlister said. Bloomfield United will also be counting on strong play from senior forwards Chase Smith and Kevin Barnett, and sophomore forward Johnny Artemenko.
Gaylord
Gaylord lost the majority of scoring from last year, so finding people who can put the puck in the back of the net has been a focus for coach Mark Long. Luckily, he knows many pucks won’t find his own net, because of goaltender Peter Lawton. They also lost five defensemen, but Long says this year’s squad has a great worth ethic and are willing to listen and learn quickly.
Royal Oak
Coach Craig Ward describes his Royal Oak team as a “blue-collar” team that likes to work hard, grind, and make things happen because of hard work. He pointed to seniors Trey Sobolewski, Seth Schuit and Brice Kinney, along with junior Evan Fall, as the team leaders. Ward also had high praise for his goaltenders, senior Max Benoit and sophomore Danny Harlick.
Auburn Hills Avondale
Over the summer, Avondale lost eight players to graduation, and roughly 90 percent of their scoring along with it. Coach Karl Daiek said the team’s success will come down to how quickly the new players get up to speed. He will be counting on big seasons from Craig Zimmerman, Luke Senkowski, Erik Gadzinski, Emmitt Wagner, Patrick Reidy, Paul Miriani, Max Spurlin and goaltender Nikolas Senkowski.
Monroe St. Mary’s Catholic Central
Coach Brian Hughes says that since his team has a small roster this season, some of the main focuses include trying to stay healthy, keeping penalty minutes to a minimum, and strong goaltending night after night. His strong core of players includes Andre Lewis, Dylan Lewis and Chad Cousino.
Milford
This season, Milford will be led by Connor Welch, Dominic Bates, JJ Munce, Trevor Tierney, RJ Hogg, Tony Bima, Matt Nassar and Evan Wilson. Coach Paul Ogden says team discipline, work ethic, and attitude will be their greatest strengths, while they will work on individual skills and team play as the season progresses.