Hawks have eye on repeat

The Houston Hawk hockey squad ended its 2003-04 season celebrating at center ice following a 9-5 win over Delta in the 3A state championship game.

Houston wants to end the 2004-05 season just as it ended the last.

Though the squad is not as deep as it has been in the past, according to Hawk head coach Jamie Smith, Houston could have the top two lines in the state, not only at the 3A level -- anywhere in the state.

"They're my best two lines I've had in a long time," Smith said.

Four of the six skaters on Houston's top two lines this season scored 40 or more points last year, and one -- Wade Williams -- posted 64 points.

Williams, a three-year standout with Houston, scored a conference-high 36 goals, posted 28 assists during his junior campaign and skated away with Great Land Conference player of the year honors. Williams scored seven times in the Hawks' win over Delta to lead Houston to the state title.

Williams is just one part of a stellar group of Houston seniors at the forward position. Fellow senior Rick Morlock scored 19 goals and added 30 assists and as a junior. Devin Styers registered 15 goals and 27 assists in his junior season.

Added to that potent trio is incoming junior Larry Kincaid, who scored 21 goals and 20 assists as a sophomore.

In addition to the scoring punch provided by Williams, Morlock, Styers and Kincaid, Smith feels the first two lines have been upgraded from last season with the additions of Jeremy Morlock and Chad Lipse.

Houston also has veteran Henry Orth up front.

"Most people will have a hard time dealing with our first two lines," Smith said. "Physically, they can hang with anyone."

Smith said he expects Houston to be much tougher up front than on the blueline, but the Hawks shouldn't concede defense as a weakness.

Yes, Houston's biggest losses come on the defensive end. All-Great Land Conference selection James Hundley and All-3A state tourney selection Roy Stull have each graduated. But the Hawks do return a pair of steady seniors on the blueline in Emery Boehm and Nathan Englund. Also returning is another Hundley -- Jason -- and Kaleb Westphall.

Smith said Westphall, a sophomore, may step in and be Houston's top defenseman and a blueliner that can contribute on the offensive end. Westphall's skills include a 90 mph slapshot.

Between the pipes for Houston is Paul Sutton-Jones, a 2003-04 All-Great Land Conference selection. In 14 games last season Sutton-Jones registered a 2.46 goals against average and .915 saves percentage. Houston also returns reserve goalie Joe Current.

Just as the team has done in the past, Houston peppered its schedule with large-school opponents. Houston faces West Valley and Bartlett this weekend at the Peninsula Ice Challenge in Soldotna and will see schools such as Service, Chugiak, Dimond, Colony, Palmer and Wasilla later in the year. Houston has 12 4A opponents this season.