12/15--The Formula

Last season, the Howell Rebels shocked everyone with 19 wins, in just their first year as a hockey team. For every team, there is always a degree of predictability--except for the good teams. Howell plays ten players nightly (6 forwards, 4 defensemen). Here are there roles, and the formula to their success:
Dave Ramos (captain): This hockey team has to run through Ramos. Registering 97 points last season, Dave will draw two or three defenders every game, as he is widely considered the best forward in the state.
Mike Liero: In his second season playing alongside Ramos, Liero needs to adapt to Ramos' doubleteams. Argubaly one of the best stick-handlers on the team, Liero's size and skill make him a tremendous asset to Howell's first line.
Austin Crane: It's never easy for a freshman to jump onto the top line of any high school team, but particularly one with the expectations of Howell. Still, Crane has adjusted nicely, registering his first carrer goal against Monsignor Donovan two weeks ago. Look for him to be key down the stretch, as many teams that are unaware of his skill will leave him open.
Nick Peras: Peras, who focuses mostly on hitting, will be calleed upon heavily in 2009-2010. As one of the captains, he needs to be a leader on and off the ice, a role that fits his personality perfectly. He will also play a major role in Howell's scoring in this, his senior season. With plenty of experience, and a heavy shot, Peras displays the talent that few enforcers have. If he gets the ice time that he's expected to, he could be a huge contributor on the scoreboard this year.
Brandon Hodes: Probably will be the most overlooked player on Howell. an extraordinary penalty killer, no one should be suprised when he turns on his offensive game later in the season. Just a junior, he has the time to improve and the perfect attitude to be the team captain next season.
Billy Acquaviva: This is a forward that opponents are finally zoning in on. With tremendous speed, stick-handling ability and a rock-hard shot, Acquaviva has the ability to be a serious playmaker on any team in the shore. Look for him to be the leader on the second line.
Eddie Pyskaty: Without a doubt, Pyskaty is the most important player to Howell. With a defensemen out, Pyskaty will play well over 40 minutes a night, and with Ramos getting double-teamed the offense must run through Pyskaty. The Howell Rebels will go as far as he takes them.
Matt Schiek: With the loss of defensemen Kevin Gaskill, Sciek has to step up as the most physical defender for the Rebels. Playing alongside Pyskaty, ice time won't be an issue and he will be set up to be a prominent goal scorer.
Matt Kotch: Although undersized, Kotch displays terrific skills on defense, and in his second year starting, he needs to be the leader playing alongside Matt Morelli and provide an offensive spark from the point.
Matt Morelli: Starting for the first time, Morelli has to provide strong defense in front of goaltender Zack Peras. With a lot of skill handling the puck, Morelli has to be an offensive weapon from the blue line.
Zack Peras: As a sophomore, starting for the second consecutive year, Peras will have to perfect the butterfly, and remain as confident as he was last year. Peras showed that ability, as he was 23/23 in a shutout win on opening night against Brick Memorial on opening night.
With this core of players, and if this formula is put to use, it will all equal one thing: a state championship.