BY WENDI REARDON PRICE
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Wolves are ready for winter action as the Clarkston Varsity Hockey team heads into their first games this week.
“We are starting off against some really good teams,” said Nathan Bryer, head coach.
He added there are a lot of new players this season.
“We are a young team,” Bryer said. “We have a lot of high expectations for our young guys, but at the end of the day you have to see how they are going to perform at this level.”
He added it is a good mix of players new to hockey and veteran hockey players.
“They’re excited. We’re excited,” Bryer said. “We have a lot of new young players. We are anxious to see what they are going to do at this level. Everything has been going good. The kids have been pretty interested and involved. They have a good willingness to compete and get better.”
The team named senior Gino Giannini as captain.
“He is a good leader and a hard working kid,” said Bryer, adding Giannini has been on the team for four years.
Assistant captains include senior Cristian Walk, senior Drew Stewart and junior Devon Collis.
The Wolves open the season at home against Birmingham Unified this Thursday at 8:15 p.m. at Detroit Skating Club.
“Birmingham has a really good program,” said Bryer, adding competition started this week on Monday. “No one has really played yet and we don’t know because there’s so much turnover in high school hockey every year. You never know until the season gets started.”
Clarkston is on the road on Friday as they head to Suburban Ice to play Stoney Creek.
Bryer noted the Cougars’ program is very established.
“They have good veteran coaches,” he added.
The Wolves are back at Detroit Skating Club donning their away jerseys as Bloomfield Hills hosts the game.
“Bruce McAlister has been there for a long time and he alwats puts a good team on the ice,” Bryer said.
The Wolves head to Flint Iceland Arenas on Wednesday, Nov. 24 to play Flint Powers at 6 p.m.
They take a break for Thanksgiving then are back on the ice for Cranbrook’s Thanksgiving Showcase on Friday, Nov. 26 against Detroit Country Day at 2:45 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 27 with opponent and time to be determined.