The Northland Pines High School boys hockey team can hardly wait for the new season to start. After welcoming 13 returning lettermen and a talented group of underclassmen to the opening of practice last week, the Eagles are raring to go.
The Eagles finished in fifth place in a strong Great Northern Conference (GNC) last season, behind state champion Tomahawk and strong Mosinee, Antigo and Lakeland teams.
“It was exciting to see the first couple of nights of practice,” stated second-year Head Coach Zach Otto. “There’s been great intensity right away, and I feel we should be right at the top of the conference.”
Coach Otto noted that he expects a real team strength this season to be the ability of the Eagles’ backline players to secure the puck in the defensive end and rush it up the ice to create quick scoring chances.
Senior Josh Graves can be “instant offense” for Pines, having scored 20 goals in each of the past two seasons.
Fellow senior Michael Schmidt talked about some talented underclassmen who could be difference makers.
“The freshmen won state two years ago and went to state last year,” he noted. “They should have a great season.”
Junior Everett Leslie was a real find for the Eagles when injuries left them shorthanded in goal. He made several great saves in almost every game.
Last season, he stopped 91 percent of the opponents’ shots on goal. Leslie talked about the upcoming season and how he thinks the team will compete in the GNC.
“I think we’ll stack up pretty good,” he said. “We’re really looking for a redemption game against Tomahawk. Pines hockey is more than just a game; it’s one big family.”
The Northland Pines boys hockey team opens its new season by hosting D.C. Everest on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m.
Pines will then open GNC play with a visit to Rhinelander on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m.
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