Hitting their stride

By Brad D. Bates
C & G Sports Writer

Eisenhower hockey returns veteran senior squad

Utica Eisenhower hockey coach Bob Hall couldn’t ask for a better situation for his third season with the Eagles.

Hall has 16 seniors on his roster, highlighted by last year’s leading scorer, Ryan Maloney, who has already posted eight goals and six assists in the team’s first eight games.

“They have a great work ethic and practices always have a high tempo,” Hall said. “I always leave practices with a smile on my face because I know this group gives it their all in everything they do.”

Hall points to his team’s mix of hard work, skill and commitment to do whatever it takes to win games as the biggest difference between last year’s junior-laden team and this year’s club.

“They pick up new stuff every day, too,” Hall said. “If we give them something new, they’re working on it until they get it.”

Maloney, who led the team with 19 goals and 35 points as a junior, personifies the Eagles’ versatility.

“Ryan is a great player with a lot of potential and a great work ethic,” Hall said. “He’s a great player and a big, strong individual. He can be physical and grind it out or he can dazzle you.”

Maloney centers the Eagles’ top line, which includes seniors Justin Whitson and Nick VanSlembrouck, who combined for eight goals and 20 points through eight games.

Eisenhower boasts plenty of depth at forward, but its strength is on the blue line.

“I really can’t name a top pair, because we play everyone in all situations,” Hall said. “We have speed, size and a lot of good defensemen.”

Seniors Mike Walter, Jeff Morey, James Czarnik, Adam Nimtz and Matt Rodger — who splits time at forward and defenseman — are a few of the defenders who have led the Eagles to the top of the Macomb Area Conference White Division, allowing just 15 goals against through nine games.

Junior goalie Evan Bommarito, who had not been scored on in three games, and sophomore Erik Rodak, who had a 2.78 goals against average in four games, have benefited from the Eagles’ defense.

“It’s been hard to pick a starter, because both goalies have been so strong,” Hall said.

At 7-2 overall, 3-0 in the White, the Eagles are on their way to accomplishing their regular-season goals, but Hall said his squad is primarily focused on the postseason.

“I’m a firm believer that you need discipline,” Hall said of what makes the biggest difference in the playoffs. “You need to execute your game plan and stay out of the penalty box, and that all revolves around discipline.”

And whether it’s league games, like their 5-3 win against defending MAC White champion Macomb L’Anse Creuse North Dec. 18, or drills in practice, Hall sees his team’s discipline daily.

“A lot of times, senior teams lose their focus, but this team is set,” Hall said. “We have our goals in place, and (the seniors) want their championships, and you can see it in the way they are always competing.”

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Brad D. Bates at bbates@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1029.