North Olmsted’s Kyle Swanseger passes the puck to Chad Murphy. (West Life photos by Larry Bennet)

Eagles look to be best in hockey this season
By Matt Pawlikowski
Sports
Published Dec. 19, 2007

Ah yes, it’s that time of year again. The snow is falling, and, well, it’s a hockey night in Cleveland.

So who has the best local team? Once again, that distinction goes to North Olmsted, who, under the guidance of Tim Murphy won the SWC last year, racking up a 26-6 record including 7-3 in the division.

Leading the way will be his son Chad, who not only looked like Sydney Crosby, but also was the best scorer in the state last year putting up an astronomical 95 points. He will also get plenty of help, as Sam DeJoy, who ranked fifth in the area in points, also returns for another year.

In addition to those two, the team returns nine other letter winners from last year, including Tyler Arencec, Logan Beach, Stephan Bond, Matt Konyesni, Ron Soltesz, Chad Cullinan, and brothers Dan and Chad McBride.

The Eagles had a great tandem in goal last year as Terry Legg and Dan Patterson held down the fort, but both have graduated, not to mention a few of their top defensemen. But, in newcomer Zach Laughbaum, a transfer from the state of Montana, the goal position seems to be in good hands.

Last year, in what was somewhat of a surprise, Olmsted Falls won the White Division. Olmsted Falls should be tough again this year. Last year the team went 18-11-1, and return one of the areas top net minders in Pat Butterfield, who stopped over 90 percent of the shots that came at him last year.

The Eagles score a goal against Elyria Catholic Dec. 9

But scoring also should not be a problem, as one of the area’s top scorers last year, (65 points) in Buddy Gerus returns, as does Dave Turner, who had 45 points.

It doesn’t hurt that 13 letterman, including Gerus, Cam Brady, Jason Kolar, Turner, Justen Bement, Butterfield, Mike Sturm, Colin Brady, Eddie Gerus, Hayden Jones, Eric Kolar, Ryan Pettiti, and Nuick Riolo return.

Jason Kolar turned out to be one of the better defenseman around, but in order for the Bulldogs to be successful someone else will need to step up.

Bay, which plays in the White West Division, went 14-17 last year, including 3-10 in the division, but played each game tough. It might be tough though for the Rockets to duplicate last year’s slate, as they lost one of their top players in Cam Skinner, who underwent surgery for his knee after football.

Still, the cupboard is far from bare. The Rockets do return a lot of talent along with experience. Bay has 12 letterman returning including Chris Sedlack, who was the top scorer last season with 44 goals. Also back is Charlie Davis, who netted 36 points, along with Dan Kana, who had 39 points. With Zach Hahn, Chris Osburn, Buddy Martin, Matt MacLaughlin, Matt Noternerdino, Jack Jordan, and Dan Pailes in the mix, Bay will get some scoring.

Another key for the Rockets will be the play of Kevin Figuira in goal. If the Rockets have a weakness, again with the loss of Skinner, who was a good defenseman, that would be the slot.