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2003-04 UW-Stevens
Point Men�s Hockey Preview
If there�s success in work ethic and attitude, the
UW-Stevens Point men�s hockey team could see some big dividends during the
2003-04 season.
The Pointers will feature a slightly different
approach this season with a big, physical squad that head coach Joe
Baldarotta believes will bring a new focus to the ice this season.
�We look a little different this year,� he said.
�We�ve got a good nucleus in place and along with the character and work
ethic of our new kids, I like where we�re headed.�
The Pointers return 14 letterwinners, including
most of their key players starting with senior goalie Ryan Scott and junior
forwards Adam Kostichka and Mike Brolsma, who shared the team lead with 27
points apiece. Senior Justin Micek added 21 points a year ago and junior
Ryan Kirchhoff scored 18 points last season. Juniors Nick Molski, Ryan Feil
and David Lee bolster the depth at forward.
Defensively, Scott started all but three games in
goal last season and has a solid defensive core in front, led by sophomore
James Jernberg and junior Sean Leahy. Also back are juniors David Scott and
Derrick Johnson along with sophomore Jordan Blair.
Baldarotta is also excited about an incoming class
that will lead to a more physical system this season.
�We replaced our losses at every key position from
last year,� he said. �We�ve got a great work ethic and we�ve increased our
skill level, size and toughness. I�m confident our club has the tools in
place to be a contender in this league.�
Scott will be pushed by a pair of incoming
goaltenders in Ted Eastman and Nick Niedert, who will contend for playing
time.
�Ryan�s a very good goalie, but the problem he�s
had is that there�s been nobody back there to push him,� Baldarotta said.
�He knew he was going to play and there was no competition forcing him to
get better.
�This year we have two goalies that will push him
and can step in and play. Each goalie gives our team a different look.�
Baldarotta is looking to create a style with power
forwards going hard to the net and defensemen that can carry the puck and be
a part of the offense.
�Our plan is to build a style and create a system
for our players,� Baldarotta said. �We�re giving them a system they can play
to showcase their talents. We�ve got good speed, size, grit and tenacity
that will be worked in to be part of our style.� |
