Ben Patey assumes the reigns of a Findlay Trojans team that was a district semifinalist in 2019.  The new head coach is eager to see how his team fares in the Red Division of the NHC this season.

“We’re a young team that is very passionate, extremely eager to learn, and fun to watch,” said Patey.  “We will be led by senior captain Harry Hall and senior assistant captain Lake LaMaster.”

Hall, a center, led the team in goals (22), assists (26) and points (48) along with a healthy +24 plus/minus rating.

Other players to watch include junior defenseman Ethan Franks and sophomores Michael Armstrong and Ryker Featheringham.  Franks (13-19-32) and Featheringham (10-9-19) were double-digit goal-scorers a year ago.

Starting goaltender Blaize appeared in 27 of 31 games as a junior with an .863 save percentage.  Cody Mlsna and Timothy Whitehead continue to back up Blaize.  Both made their varsity debuts last year, seeing limited action as freshman.

There was a lot of work going on off the ice over the summer to make sure the Trojans are in a championship environment.  Renovations to the locker room were completed just before the start of the season.  The project includes new door wraps, a new stereo, new lockers, new paint and a wall extension to make the room larger.

A to Oxford for a tournament over the long Thanksgiving weekend was an opportunity for team bonding.

“With such a young group, we feel how well we come together as a team will be an important variable in how successful we are,” said Patey.

--- Scott Harrington for Ohio Hockey Digest