HOULTON, Maine — Focusing on speed and defense, the Houlton-Hodgdon-Southern Aroostook-Katahdin Blackhawks hockey team could be one of the brighter surprises on the ice this season.
Last year, the Blackhawks finished 1-16 and were not in the Class B North playoff picture. Improving on that record is something fourth-year coach Tony Marino is hoping for this season.
“I think we are going to be a very competitive team, but we will have to work very hard in every game because the league is so competitive,” said Marino. “If we do all the little things right, be disciplined, and stay out of the penalty box, we’ll be fine.”
Now in its second year as a cooperative team with Houlton, Hodgdon, Southern Aroostook and Katahdin high schools, the Blackhawks have a number of returning players, as well as an influx of five new freshmen to the ranks.
Members of the Blackhawk squad include seniors Nate Lilley, Elizabeth Ward, Morgan Grant, Jamie Palmer and Josh Malone; juniors Abe Lorom, Zach Fitzpatrick, Nick Delucca, Garrett Perkins, Drew Marino, A.J. Henderson and Brandon Dunn; sophomores Alex Wilde, Seth Rand, and Ian Neureuther; and freshmen Jason Collett, Maddie Grant, Noah Reynolds, Gavin Vining and Nate Delucca.
Among the key losses to graduation were Billy Phillips and Gunnar Briggs, the coach said.
Playing disciplined hockey, so that the team stays out of the penalty box, is one of the main focuses coach Marino has worked on this pre-season.
“Penalties kill the flow of the game,” he said. “If we can stay out of the penalty box and outwork the other teams, do all the little things better, I think we can have a successful year.”
The Blackhawks should be solid along their front line with Malone, Delucca, Marino and Dunn playing big roles on the offensive side of the puck.
Coach Marino said his team has all-around good skating skills and should be equally adept on defense as it is offensively. The Blackhawks have the luxury of having three goalies on the roster with Neureuther, Lilley and Rand each sharing time in net.
Assisting coach Marino are Dave Wilson and Neil Campbell.
