Milford Boys Hockey off to a great start

The Milford Boys hockey team hosted its home opener at Hartland Ice Arena at 8p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20. They were matched up against Foley United, who they mercied in the third period, 9-1.

“The coaching staff really liked our competitive level and unselfish play Wednesday night. Our players shared the puck and played well off of each other,” said Head Coach Dennis Gagnon, who the team calls Coach Gags, “We pressed on the forecheck and hustled on the backcheck, pretty much shutting Foley United down and limiting their quality scoring chances.” The coaches and players were both were proud of the performance during that game. “The game was a great start to our season,” said Junior Kaz Bowring, “Everyone was unselfish in our win, which helped us grow as a team and learn to use and trust each other.” This being one of the first games this season set a good tone for the future.

The points were spread across multiple players that each had their time to shine. Senior Ben Kozar, Senior Tyler Tori, and Junior Austin Combs scored twice, (find out age) Brendan Mazatics and Pierce Ashcroft scored once. “It’s a huge first win and it gives us momentum,” said Senior Tyler Kerr. “I didn’t really have to do much for us to win that game; I’m sure the crowd thinks that’s obvious too. That game was influenced by how well our guys were connecting and moving the puck. That puck movement is going to bring us a lot of success this year. As will our great core of leaders.”

“The crowd was amazing it really pushed us to do the best we could and I wouldn’t rather have anyone cheering us on than that huge Milford student section we had opening night.”

Milford’s competitive level of play contributed to the win, but so did the energy coming from the Milford student section. “Our guys were fired up on the bench and celebrating our successes and our Student Section, ‘The MavManiacs’, brought the Mayhem and helped create an awesome atmosphere for everyone in attendance,” said Coach Gags, “Our team fed off of their energy, which we’ll need even more as the competition increases.” The student section was completely filled and is always cheering the boys onGags explained how it was the biggest student section he has seen in the past four years; and he gave them the name “The MavManiacs.” Team captains Seniors Ben Kozar, Tyler Tori and Tristan Ingram-Reeve are ready to lead their team to continue winning games, while at the same time helping teammates through tougher times in times where the performance is not on the spot. They started to show their strong leadership during the ice workouts that started in June. “I think that the season is going to be exceptionally good. All of my teammates show grit and hard work all the time, no matter what,” said Kozar. “We all work hard and we all love putting in the grind. Between all of the new players, there is competition for ice time and they will do anything they can to achieve it which is what I love. ” Not only are the captains showing lots of hard work but so is the rest of the team,” explained Coach Gags “,we’re expecting big seasons from Junior Austin Combs, last year’s leading scorer and All-State Honorable Mention, Junior Kaz Bowring who also was recognized as an All-State Honorable Mention.”