Prep hockey: New Houston coach picking up where the other left off

Nov. 26, 2006

By Jeremiah Bartz/ Frontiersman

HOUSTON - When Mike Styers was hired to replace Jamie Smith, the longtime head coach of the Houston High School hockey program, few changes, if any, were expected.

It makes sense. Styers had coached alongside Smith on the Houston bench for the last six seasons. And now that the puck has dropped on the 2006-07 season, little has changed.

Houston is still blowing through its small-school competition, and playing competitive hockey against its large-school foes.

&#8220Overall, we have big expectations for them,” Styers said. &#8220We think we're going to be a strong contender to return as state champions for the small schools.”

Houston (4-3-0) has cruised to a 3-0-0 in Greatland Conference play, outscoring its opponents a whopping 26-2. The Hawks are 1-3-0 in 4A competition, but have only really been out-matched in one game - an 11-2 loss to East.

The Hawks have 13 small schools and nine big schools on the schedule, and the Hawks expect to do well against most of the teams they see.

Looking at his personnel, Styers expects the Hawks to be a bit stronger on the offensive side, than the defensive end of the ice.

Leading the Hawks at the forward position are senior Aaron Burelson, senior Chad Lipse, junior Dillon Styers, junior Jake Henkel and sophomore Brandon Weimer.

All have already shown their propensity to do damage this year. That's indicative of the well-rounded attack Houston should possess.

&#8220I don't see anyone that's really going to jump out and be way ahead,” Styers said. &#8220We have two lines where the forwards are pretty similar. When we scrimmage one day, one does it. The next day, the other does it.”

Defensivley, the Hawks are led by senior Kaleb Westfall and junior Emily Hundley.

Styers said Westfall is, &#8220always a solid player, a hard worker, a great skater,” and Hundley is, &#8220kind of small, but always tenacious.”

Houston's man in net is freshman Will Rauchenstein.

&#8220He's stepping up and doing just an outstanding job for us,” Styers said.

Styers said his philosophies closely parallel those of Smith.

&#8220I coached with him for six years. I've learned the game under him,” Styers said. &#8220You can't replace a Jamie Smith - his relationship with the guys and that sort of stuff. I'll step in and do what I can.”

Joining Styers on the coaching staff are a pair of former Houston standouts - Jake and Wade Williams. The Williams brothers are the top scorers in the history of the Hawks' programs, and collectively led Houston to a number of state championships.

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