This year’s hockey season is ‘definitely a rebuilding year? for Lake Orion High School, according to Coach Pat Cherry.
Of 21 players, only four are returning to the team, leaving 17 without varsity experience and more open to penalties, says the coach.
‘They get overmatched strength-wise and in speed. And mentally they can get frustrated,? he said. ‘It’s like trying to play against your older brother ? they know all the tricks of how to get you wound up.?
But Cherry notes this year’s players are serious about the game and have a good work ethic.
‘Coaches are very upbeat about the players we have,? he said.
The dressing room is where Cherry says he also notices the team’s youth.
‘The music is a lot louder, it’s a little loosey goosey,? said the coach, adding that it’s an atmosphere where their newest assistant coach can relate to players.
Who’s the assistant coach?
Nolan Howe, grandson of legendary hockey player Gordie Howe and son of Detroit Red Wings Director of Scouting Mark Howe.
‘We really feel like he can relate to the players a little bit better than us older guys because he’s not that far removed,? said Cherry. ‘Nolan’s got a lot of fire.?
He added Howe’s been stealing notes from former Red Wing coach and nine-time Stanley Cup Winner Scotty Bowman’s practice plans and running the same drills with the Dragons.
Don Finn and Craig Pemberton, both of whom have been with the team four years, round out the coaching staff.
Returning varsity player and junior Dan Blascak will lead the team as captain, with senior Corey Hodge and Corbin Rainey as assistants.
In total, the team’s made up of three seniors (all playing forward), nine juniors and nine sophomores. Come next season, Dragons will retain all their defense and both goalies.
Cherry says Dragon’s first order of business this season is ‘figure out the team.?
From now until the first of the year, they’ll face several non-league competitors, like Traverse City Central and Traverse City West.
In the second half of the season, the team aims to ‘play their way in? to the Trenton Showcase. Forty teams are invited and the top 30 get to play.
‘That’s where all the college and NHL scouts go to watch games,? said Cherry.
Overall, the coach says he’d like the team to finish top three in the league. In past years, they’ve finished fourth and fifth.
Dragon’s first game is Nov. 20 at the Metro Invitational in Novi where they’ll face South Lyon and Northville.