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Although the team lost 6-4 to Lapeer East Dec. 4, Oxford Wildcat Hockey Coach Dave Hague called the first league game a good one.
‘It was a pretty even game,? he said, explaining the young Wildcats were skating against an older team with a lot more ice time. The Wildcats are playing more freshman than any other team in the league, according to Hague. Despite their youth, the team showed tremendous strength and fought hard against Lapeer East
‘These guys are improving every single day,? said Hague, who became the varsity coach this past November.
Assistant Coach Rick Ignagni said team’s strength will only grow thanks to the returning leadership of team captain and senior Kyle Ignagni and senior Rob Cerato, both of whom provide a strong defense.
Senior Jacob Crowell, team co-captain, will be returning to a forward position after playing defense last year. Returning junior and co-captain Joshua Henderson will add power to the forward positions.
Ignani said the team will rely on returning senior Sean Degler to once again be a productive scorer this year, while seniors Michael Stechschulte and Brian Beaupied will defend the net. ‘It’s a 100 percent effort that will work for this team? Ignagni said. ‘Treating each shift like it’s the last will win our games.?
The addition of Coach Hague means the team as a whole is on the right track, according to Ignagni.
‘With his talent, professionalism and dedication to the team, it’s as good as it gets,? he said.
Both coaches say the team’s overall strength and stamina are the keys to winning games.
Under the strength training guidance of Bruce Biebuyck, Coach Hague said the staff plans to build a stronger hockey program by taking full advantage of the new professional workout facilities at the high school field house.
Because Oxford is playing more freshmen than any other team in the league, Hague said the team will work on ‘meshing? with each other early in the season.
‘This program is still growing and we’re building it with a lot of new things, but for now, we’re starting out slow and our Number One goal is to win our league with no injuries,? said Hague.
Hague is confident the team will hold strong against Linden with the home ice advantage tonight (Wednesday, Dec. 15) at the Lapeer Polar Palace.