Hawk pucksters set to soar

The Houston Hawks are looking for their three-peat.

After winning two consecutive state championships, the Hawk hockey program has begun its quest towards a third.

Fortunately for the Hawk program and head coach Jamie Smith, 16 players return from last year's state championship squad. The team only lost four players after last season.

There are not only a large number of athletes returning from last season, but many of these players have been with Smith throughout their

hockey careers.

"The biggest advantage is I have had these kids since they were in the second grade," Smith said. "Our kids know the system."

In addition to the two state titles at the high school level, many of these players were on the team that won five state crowns at the youth

level.

Leading the list of returners are two of the top scorers in the state last season Wade and Jake Williams. The Williams brothers combined for 104 points last season.

Jake, a senior, scored 25 goals and tallied 28 assists and Wade, a sophomore, scored 30 goals and registered 21 helpers a season ago.

The Williams brothers scored 55 of the team's 111 goals last season. Both players earned all state honors.

Anchoring the blueline for the Hawks will be senior Steve Spidell.

The defensemen scored three goals and seven assists last year.

The Hawks will also have the services of defensemen Jamie Bennett. The senior transferred to Houston this year from Colony High.

"Physically Steve and Bennett are as tough as anybody," Smith said.

The Hawks also return their starting netminder. Junior Matt Dischner had a 3.43 goals against average and a .866 saves percentage in 16 games last year.

Like last year, the Houston schedule will be brimming with 4A opponents in addition to their 3A foes.

Houston will play 10 4A games this season, including games against the three large school programs in the Valley.

Last season Houston knocked off North Pole and Palmer twice each.

The Hawks also lost close decisions to West, 1-0, and West Valley, 2-1, who was at that time the fourth ranked team in the state.

"Our players have a lot of motivation to play at a high level, especially against our Valley opponents," Smith said.