Although the National Hockey League season is still on hold, Brandon hockey fans can soon get the fix of action on frozen pond.
A total of 29 Brandon High School students tried out for the 2004-05 BHS team the week of Nov. 1. Coach Brian Moore and his staff narrowed the team down to 20 players ? 18 skaters and two goalies ? by the end of the week.
This year’s team is comprised of seven seniors, seven juniors, and six sophomores, a mix that pleases Moore. ‘I like the team we have,? he said.
The Blackhawks are led this year by two returning all-Flint Metro League players, senior forward Mike Ross and senior defenseman Chris Nuccio. In addition, senior goaltender David Hughes made second team all-league, while senior forward Kyle Jackson was named to the honorable mention squad.
Moore said a couple of newcomers to the team, sophomore forwards Matt Cinader and Blake McLellan, had ‘pretty good tryouts? and should contribute to this year’s Blackhawks.
This year, Moore said he hopes to climb the barrier set before them by Cranbrook-Kingswood, who have eliminated the Blackhawks in the state quarterfinals each of the past two seasons.
In addition, the Blackhawks hope to improve upon last year’s 20 wins (which Moore acknowledged will be a difficult task), and win the league this year after finishing second behind Lapeer West in 2003-04.
Moore said the Blackhawks are eager to undertake that challenge.
‘They’re pretty excited because they haven’t played for a while,? he said. ‘We had a real good first week of practice.?
The Blackhawks open the season Friday, Nov. 19 when they host Flint Kearsley.