Blue Division Preview (12.10.09)
Submitted by nhcadmin on Thu, 12/10/2009 - 21:05
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With eight starters returning, Fremont Ross is seeking a three-peat in the Northwest Hockey Conference Blue Division. Little Giants coach Eric Theller looks to have plenty of team speed and offensive skill to make another run. Junior forward Austin Wilhelm leads a group of four players that posted 13 or more points in 10 league games last season. Wilhelm, Alex Sipsma, Adam Hoffman, and Phred Schumacher were among the top 18 scorers in the division last season. “We have good team speed and we have some skilled offensive players,” Theller said. Fremont Ross split the Blue Division crown with Anthony Wayne for the second straight year last season. But the Generals, who had either shared or won the division championship the last five years, moved up to the higher-tier White Division. The Little Giants' only loss in league play was to AW last year. They outscored league foes 76-16. But Theller said Fremont Ross also is a bit young and already lost in the first action of this season last weekend. The parity in the division was apparent after the first weekend as Ottawa Hills emerged with an undefeated record(2-0). Springfield beat Ross, but lost to the Green Bears and Lake. Ottawa Hills coach Tom McKinch said his entire team is buying into his system. “We are optimistic,” he said. “Everyone is working very hard in practice. This is a committed group.” Here is a look at the Blue Division in predicted order of finish, according to a preseason coaches' poll: Fremont Ross (12-11-2 overall, 9-1-0 Blue) has 16 varsity players and 10 returning letter winners but just three seniors. Theller, who is in his seventh season, said team depth is a concern. But Wilhelm led the team with 30 points. Schumacher, a senior defenseman, finished with 22. Sophomore forwards Hoffman (15 points) and Sipsma (13) also should make significant offensive contributions. Theller also expects sophomore forward Ian Mowry to make an impact. But he also said the Little Giants are breaking in a first-year goalie and that overall team depth is a concern. “It's a young team that will grow together and improve as the season progresses,” Theller said. Ottawa Hills (4-15-0, 3-6-1) has six seniors and 14 letterwinners among 17 varsity players. In his eighth season, McKinch said this team has two strong forward lines with plenty of experience. Senior forward Michael Deckebach was the team's leading scorer in league play with nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points. Senior forward Ryan Burzynski (12 G, 3 A) returns along with junior forward Michael Hartman (4 G, 6 A) and junior defenseman Taylor Zanville (1 G, 5 A). Senior goalie Chris Brue went 2-4-1 with a 4.78 goals-against average last year. But McKinch said scoring goals has been the team's weakness the last several years. “We look to turn that around this year,” he said. McKinch said freshman Rolfe Sandberg should contribute on an improving third line. “Our defense looks strong with three returnees and one strong freshman (Thomas Kropp),” McKinch said. “Both goalies look consistent and should keep us in most games.” Lake (7-4-2, 5-4-1) has only 10 players, but the Flyers are already off to a 6-0-1 start. Coach Craig Horvath, who is in his third season, will rely on four key forwards, a senior defenseman and a third-year goalie. Senior center Gabe Pinciotti, sophomore winger Mitch Mauder, junior winger Ricky Cox and defenseman R.J. Schultz all have experience. Schultz is a third-year captain who brings solid leadership and skill. Pinciotti had eight points (3 G, 5 A) in 10 league games. Forward junior Duncan Vail is physical and senior Brandon Mazeanchors the defense. Junior goalie Tony Horvath, the coach's son, is in his third season as the staring netminder. Horvath earned f all-league first team last season. Three seniors have graduated but the returnees have stepped up their skill level and intensity. “It doesn't matter who is on ice they all step up,” Horvath said. The core of the team has been playing together for three years and it has good chemistry. Lack of depth is an obvious concern especially when special team units have to be used. Springfield (0-17-0, 0-10-0) has one of the largest rosters in the league with 19 players. “We have depth in all positions,” third-year coach Don Dahmer said. Five starters and 12 letterwinnersreturn. Goalie Aiden Cummings, a sophomore, is the Blue Devils' new netminder. The top returning skaters are: junior defenseman Anthony Sosnowicz, sophomore defenseman Josh Eubank, and junior defenseman Tyler Roades. They will be joined by freshman forward Nick Sosnowicz. Dahmer said staying disciplined and remaining cohesive are areas to monitor. “We could surprise a lot of people this year if we stay focused,” he said. “We have some new players with experience that should pay dividends.” Start (3-14-0, 3-7-0) has just 10 players, but nine are returning starters. Coach Matt Oliver, who is in his seventh season, said the majority of his kids have been playing with each other for the last three years. “With only 10 players, the team is a close knit group of kids that never get down on each other,” said Oliver, who was co-coach of the year last season. Forward Christian Wyckhouse and defenseman Jared Clemens are the only seniors. Wyckhouse (7 G, 6 A in 10 NHC games) earned all-league first team last year. Junior defenseman Travis Grimes (4 G, 4 A) was named All-NHL second team. Senior Jared Clemens also returns on defense. Junior forward Connor Kenney is back, while junior Ryan Wayne takes over in goal. Oliver said having just nine skaters and one goalie is very difficult. “We have a chance to finish up at the top,” Oliver said. “We have to play a real physical game and get ahead early. We need to play a good defensive game and keep our penalty minutes low. I believe these guys can have a successful season. I have confidence in them.”
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Article published December 10, 2009
BLUE DIVISION
Sidelines: Ross goes for hat trick
Ottawa Hills top challenger to Little Giants
BLUE DIVISION
Sidelines: Ross goes for hat trick
Ottawa Hills top challenger to Little Giants
By MARK MONROE BLADE SPORTS WRITER
With eight starters returning, Fremont Ross is seeking a three-peat in the Northwest Hockey Conference Blue Division. Little Giants coach Eric Theller looks to have plenty of team speed and offensive skill to make another run. Junior forward Austin Wilhelm leads a group of four players that posted 13 or more points in 10 league games last season. Wilhelm, Alex Sipsma, Adam Hoffman, and Phred Schumacher were among the top 18 scorers in the division last season. “We have good team speed and we have some skilled offensive players,” Theller said. Fremont Ross split the Blue Division crown with Anthony Wayne for the second straight year last season. But the Generals, who had either shared or won the division championship the last five years, moved up to the higher-tier White Division. The Little Giants' only loss in league play was to AW last year. They outscored league foes 76-16. But Theller said Fremont Ross also is a bit young and already lost in the first action of this season last weekend. The parity in the division was apparent after the first weekend as Ottawa Hills emerged with an undefeated record(2-0). Springfield beat Ross, but lost to the Green Bears and Lake. Ottawa Hills coach Tom McKinch said his entire team is buying into his system. “We are optimistic,” he said. “Everyone is working very hard in practice. This is a committed group.” Here is a look at the Blue Division in predicted order of finish, according to a preseason coaches' poll: Fremont Ross (12-11-2 overall, 9-1-0 Blue) has 16 varsity players and 10 returning letter winners but just three seniors. Theller, who is in his seventh season, said team depth is a concern. But Wilhelm led the team with 30 points. Schumacher, a senior defenseman, finished with 22. Sophomore forwards Hoffman (15 points) and Sipsma (13) also should make significant offensive contributions. Theller also expects sophomore forward Ian Mowry to make an impact. But he also said the Little Giants are breaking in a first-year goalie and that overall team depth is a concern. “It's a young team that will grow together and improve as the season progresses,” Theller said. Ottawa Hills (4-15-0, 3-6-1) has six seniors and 14 letterwinners among 17 varsity players. In his eighth season, McKinch said this team has two strong forward lines with plenty of experience. Senior forward Michael Deckebach was the team's leading scorer in league play with nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points. Senior forward Ryan Burzynski (12 G, 3 A) returns along with junior forward Michael Hartman (4 G, 6 A) and junior defenseman Taylor Zanville (1 G, 5 A). Senior goalie Chris Brue went 2-4-1 with a 4.78 goals-against average last year. But McKinch said scoring goals has been the team's weakness the last several years. “We look to turn that around this year,” he said. McKinch said freshman Rolfe Sandberg should contribute on an improving third line. “Our defense looks strong with three returnees and one strong freshman (Thomas Kropp),” McKinch said. “Both goalies look consistent and should keep us in most games.” Lake (7-4-2, 5-4-1) has only 10 players, but the Flyers are already off to a 6-0-1 start. Coach Craig Horvath, who is in his third season, will rely on four key forwards, a senior defenseman and a third-year goalie. Senior center Gabe Pinciotti, sophomore winger Mitch Mauder, junior winger Ricky Cox and defenseman R.J. Schultz all have experience. Schultz is a third-year captain who brings solid leadership and skill. Pinciotti had eight points (3 G, 5 A) in 10 league games. Forward junior Duncan Vail is physical and senior Brandon Mazeanchors the defense. Junior goalie Tony Horvath, the coach's son, is in his third season as the staring netminder. Horvath earned f all-league first team last season. Three seniors have graduated but the returnees have stepped up their skill level and intensity. “It doesn't matter who is on ice they all step up,” Horvath said. The core of the team has been playing together for three years and it has good chemistry. Lack of depth is an obvious concern especially when special team units have to be used. Springfield (0-17-0, 0-10-0) has one of the largest rosters in the league with 19 players. “We have depth in all positions,” third-year coach Don Dahmer said. Five starters and 12 letterwinnersreturn. Goalie Aiden Cummings, a sophomore, is the Blue Devils' new netminder. The top returning skaters are: junior defenseman Anthony Sosnowicz, sophomore defenseman Josh Eubank, and junior defenseman Tyler Roades. They will be joined by freshman forward Nick Sosnowicz. Dahmer said staying disciplined and remaining cohesive are areas to monitor. “We could surprise a lot of people this year if we stay focused,” he said. “We have some new players with experience that should pay dividends.” Start (3-14-0, 3-7-0) has just 10 players, but nine are returning starters. Coach Matt Oliver, who is in his seventh season, said the majority of his kids have been playing with each other for the last three years. “With only 10 players, the team is a close knit group of kids that never get down on each other,” said Oliver, who was co-coach of the year last season. Forward Christian Wyckhouse and defenseman Jared Clemens are the only seniors. Wyckhouse (7 G, 6 A in 10 NHC games) earned all-league first team last year. Junior defenseman Travis Grimes (4 G, 4 A) was named All-NHL second team. Senior Jared Clemens also returns on defense. Junior forward Connor Kenney is back, while junior Ryan Wayne takes over in goal. Oliver said having just nine skaters and one goalie is very difficult. “We have a chance to finish up at the top,” Oliver said. “We have to play a real physical game and get ahead early. We need to play a good defensive game and keep our penalty minutes low. I believe these guys can have a successful season. I have confidence in them.”
