Despite bowing out to neighboring Brandon in the Division 3 regional finals, the Goodrich hockey team took another step in the right direction this season.
The Martians suffered an 11-1 defeat at the hands of the Blackhawks March 5 at Perani Sports Arena in Flint. Goodrich wrapped up their season with an overall record of 15-11-1.
‘I don’t know if we were nervous or what, but we came out flat in the first period,? Goodrich coach Doug Van Kuren said. ‘We came back in the second, but it was too little, too late.?
Just the same, Van Kuren said he was pleased with the effort the Martians put into the season. ‘We played all season with heart and hard work and did quite well,? he said.
During the spring and summer, the Martians are expected to stay sharp by playing in a spring league as well as the I-69 Challenge, which Van Kuren said is a tournament involving several schools along the I-69 corridor.
The Martians are expected to return an experienced bunch next season, losing only two seniors: Brian Van Kuren (first on the Martians in scoring as well as assists) and Dennis Berger.
As far as next season is concerned, Doug Van Kuren said key returnees for the Martians will be Max Hawkins, Brad Smith, Reece Geml, Steve Tangney, Eric James, Sean Rollins, and Steve Locke.
Between the Martians? solid showing this season, and the large number of returning players for next season, Van Kuren said he is optimistic the Martians should do well in 2005-06.
‘I see us finishing pretty strong,? he said. ‘With the whole team coming back, we have a good nucleus and should do some damage.?
The Martians were well-represented on the all-Genesee Area Conference team, as voted on by the league’s coaches.
Brian Van Kuren was a unanimous selection for first team all-league, while Hawkins was also selected to the first team.
Smith and Rollins were named second team all-league, while Geml, Tangney, Locke, and Derek Powers made the honorable mention squad.