An 8-14-4 season might not scream ‘the start of something big,? but Clarkston’s hockey team seems headed for a return to the OAA top tier next season.
‘We have a lot of younger guys coming up. We have a lot of potential. We’ll be fine the next couple of years,? Clarkston coach Bryan Krygier said after the Wolves were eliminated from the playoffs.
After another high turnover this season (Clarkston has lost 20 players over two years), the team half full of new players.
‘We did what we expected. There was a big learning curve with all the players,? Krygier said.
‘We learned throughout the year (and) we were more competitive toward the end of the season.?
Freshman skaters saw more ice time as the season wore on, giving the team’s future a chance to learn from their mistakes.
‘We kept correcting them until they improved,? Krygier said.
Adam Frank, part of the returning frosh foursome with David Cannons, Sean Hancook, and Jack Schlau, found his scoring touch midway through the season, tallying five goals.
‘He’s more of a finesse player. He can see what’s developing in the play,? Krygier said.
Krygier also expects leadership from sophomore Nick Posawatz. Forward Aaron Podbielski, a utility player, should be a big contributor again next season.
‘He controls the puck well and creates opportunities,? Krygier said.
‘He needs to shoot the puck more, but other teams notice when he’s on the ice.?
Seniors Ryan Kenerson, Taylor Turner and Eric Salo led Clarkston. Kenerson led the team with 14 goals and Turner was tops in points, with 21.
‘They stabilized the team and gave us the ability to be competitive,? Krygier said.
Clarkston is expected to have both goaltenders return next season. Zack Lewy and Garrett Knappe split time between the pipes, facing nearly 30 shots on net every game. Knappe compiled a 6-7-3 record and an 89.6 save percentage.
‘They were on their own for a while there,? Krygier said. ‘We definitely have to eliminate the shots next year (and) work on our defensive zone coverage and creating opportunities.?