Prep hockey: Feeling of optimism surrounds Palmer hockey program

Nov. 7, 2006

By Jeremiah Bartz/ Frontiersman

PALMER - There is a new sense of optimism surrounding the Palmer High School hockey program this year.

For too long, Palmer has stood at the bottom, looking up. The Moose have often lacked numbers - both those on the roster and in the wins column.

But now, rather than just looking up, the Moose are ready to move up. In the last few years, Palmer has seen an ice arena build and a youth association born. This season the Moose have more players, and more talent, than they have had in years. And on Thursday, Palmer did something it not had done in who knows how long. The Moose opened the season with a win.

&#8220There's a lot different mentality,” Moose captain Tyson Alger said after Palmer's 9-2 win over Nikiski.

In each of the last two seasons, Palmer has been able to boast very strong freshman classes, something the Moose were rarely able to do in the past.

Norm Rousey, a former Palmer player and longtime coach in the program, said after the win on Thursday, the biggest difference between this year and seasons in the past is everyone is at a certain level. Kids in the Palmer program are not just learning to skate at 15 years old. In drills, the Moose don't have anyone slowing them down.

Palmer head coach Dino Pagano said his players also prepare in the offseson. They went to camps. They played in the youth competitive leagues. They hit the weight room.

In his second season as head coach, Pagano feels his players now know what it takes to be competitive. Regardless of what the final record indicates, Pagano feels his program made tremendous strides last season - a year in which the Moose were powered by achieving little victories. While Palmer is still working on the small goals, Pagano said, he sees a different attitude in his players.

&#8220Their intensity and desire to win and be successful really impresses me,” Pagano said.

Palmer graduated only two players from last year's squad and has just four seniors this year - Alger, forward Tyler Virgin, defenseman Bruce Houchen and defenseman Jimmy Isaacs.

Alger, Virgin and Isaacs all have at least two seasons of varsity experience with Palmer. Houchen, who played junior hockey with the Portland Winterhawks last year, is a newcomer, but is making an immediate impact.

&#8220He knows how to play in big games,” Alger said.

Pagano said Houchen, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound blueliner, has raised the bar for his younger players. Houchen is part of a crew of defensemen that Pagano said could be the strength of Palmer's team this year.

&#8220The defense is really going to be the story,” Pagano said.

Pagano said he also expects good things from Jeremy Wright, Andrew Ferguson and Dylan Danielowski on the blueline.

To go with that defense, Palmer also has more depth in goal this year.

Isaacs, who routinely saw as many as 50 shots a game last year, is the starter. Palmer also has junior Sam McQuillian and freshman Jonas Naegele.

Offensively, Palmer is led by a pair of talented sophomores, Zack Richards and Michael Hanson. The linemates combined to record four goals and four assists in the win over the Bulldogs.

Richards led the Moose with 17 goals last season, as a freshman.

Also returning up front is junior Dylan Schindele.

On Wednesday, Palmer faces Chugiak in the first round of the Curtis C. Menard II Memorial at 5 p.m. at the Menard Ice Arena. On Friday, Palmer will play either Wasilla or North Pole.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.