Prep hockey: Knights look to new leaders

Nov. 19, 2006

By Jeremiah Bartz/ Frontiersman

PALMER - To replace one player who amassed 50 or more points in a season is tough.

So how about trying to replace three?

That's what Dale Mattson, head coach of the Colony Knights, faced going into the 2006-07 season.

Mattson knew he would have to replace two forwards from his top line last year - Ryan Pauling and Austin Manelick. But he didn't think he'd have to replace the third member of that unit, Blake Huppert.

The junior who would have undoubtedly stepped onto the ice as Colony's leader on the offensive end was forced to undergo shoulder surgery three days before the start of the season, Mattson said.

Huppert accounted for 58 points last season. Pauling, who is now skating for the Alaska Avalanche, led the team with 71 points. Manelick added 50.

That's 179 points gone.

Huppert could return as early as January, Mattson said, but in the meantime Colony is looking for some players who can put the puck in the net.

The Knights did lose a ton of scoring in those three players, but it's not like the cupboards are bare. For the most part his team is young, but Mattson said there are certainly a handful of players who have the potential to light the lamp on a regular basis.

Leading that group is senior Andrew Bargelski. The Colony team captain skated on the Knights' second line last season, a unit known more for it's ability to grind, rather than score. But Bargelski is off to a solid start this season with two goals and an assist in his first four games.

Another forward on that second line last season, Ryan Weeks, will also be looked upon in a different role

&#8220The pressure is on them to be on the scoring line,” Mattson said.

Lance Nezaticky had been the third man on that first line, Mattson said, but suffered a broken finger against Wasilla last week. Freshman Chris Sawyer moved into his position, and grabbed an assist in an 8-4 loss to Bartlett on Wednesday.

The Knights return three blueliners with significant varsity experience. Defensmen Chris Breck and Logan Huppert were named assistant captains before the season. Also returning is sophomore Dominick Frank.

&#8220He's stepped it up a lot this season,” Mattson said. &#8220He's playing really well.”

Senior Joe Nyberg is Colony's starter in net. Nyberg is in just his second season of prep hockey. He served as the junior varsity goaltender last season. Mattson said Nyberg's saves percentage has been a bit lower than what you'd see from a standard varsity goaltender, but considering Nyberg is in just his second season, Mattson is pleased with how he has played.

Of the 17 players on Colony's varsity squad, nine are new to the varsity game. The Knights will have to overcome that youth, but Mattson said that transition should be easier when you consider the work ethic of his players.

&#8220I think we've improved each game,” Mattson said. &#8220The team's got a great attitude, and they knew where they want to be by the end of the season. They knew they have some work to do.”

Colony has started the 2006-07 campaign on a four-game losing streak. West Valley dropped Colony 15-2 in the opener. But last week the Knights had their best offensive output, four goals, in the loss to Bartlett.

&#8220We focus on the positives, and the things we're improving on,” Mattson said.

Mattson said as long as his team continues to stay in top physical shape and keep the penalties down, Colony will see some success.

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