Lake Orion varsity ice hockey coach Doug Herominski said his goal for the team this year was to finish the season above 500 by three or four games, and the Dragons are plowing towards that goal as they head into playoffs next month.
The team’s record was 5-7-2 on Feb. 2, after a 3-2 victory over Stevenson. The Dragons finished just below 500 last year.
‘We’re working a little better this year,? Herominski said. ‘This year our scoring is all over the team, more than just single players. I’m really happy with that.?
Against Stevenson, Chuck Robuck and Craig Schmehl each had a goal. Herominski is pleased with a lot of the young players on the team.
‘We need some motivation,? he said. ‘We’re playing disciplined and working hard in practice.?
Time in the net for Lake Orion has been split between goalies Anthony Bartolone, with one shutout, and Casey Navarre, with two.
‘They’ve both played very well,? Herominski said. ‘We have a junior, Kip Drewry…he’s come aboard and really been a leader on the team. We really needed that.?
New to the team is Danny Randazzo, who Herominski said has been a good puck handler for the Dragons.
‘He’s provided us with some extra scoring,? he said.
Ken Klooster, a sophomore, has also made contributions.
‘He’s an up and coming kid,? Herominski said. ‘He likes playing rough hockey.?
The Dragons played against Linden on Feb. 2, who they previously defeated, 5-0, earlier this season; and lost 4-1 against Kettering on Feb. 3, after an early season 2-2 tie game.
Joe Sparkman scored the Dragons? only goal.
Playoffs begin and March, and Lake Orion will be playing in Bay City this year.
‘I’m looking forward to finishing strong,? said Herominski. ‘We still have games against Stevenson and Rochester coming up, and they will give us some good competition.
‘We always play tough against them,? he said. ‘Those are two key games to win.?