Kevin Alexander was a rookie head coach last year, and only the second coach in the history of Olentangy Liberty after he took over for the founder of the Patriot program, Jack Hoogeveen.

Having a year under his belt will no doubt help Alexander as he prepares his team for what should be a wide-open chase for the Red Division title.  He admits to question marks up front and on the blue line, but feels confident the Patriots will be solid between the pipes.

Senior Andrew Vidrick was last year’s First Team All-CHC goaltender, posting a 1.95 goals-against average and .919 save percentage.  He will be joined by junior Andy Keeler who actually posted better ratios (1.40/.928) in eight appearances.

Alexander views CHC Red Division games and the Padua Tournament (December 20-22) as the measuring sticks for his team.

“Our division is tough,” he said.  “Everyone in the Red Division will be really close.”

The Pats tuned up with a pair of wins over White Division opponents Olentangy Berlin (7-1) and Springboro (10-2), giving them some early momentum, then went on to win the Cold Turkey Shootout, defeating Toledo St. John's, 4-3, in the championship game.

Joining Vidrick among the key returning players for Liberty are forwards Korey Raymond (senior), Nik Jozefiak (junior) and Gage Schlotterbeck (sophomore).  They are the top three scorers through the first five games of the season:  Schlotterback 8-8-16, Raymond 5-11-16, Jozefiak (6-7-13).

All-CHC blue liner Craig Lutwen, who led the team in goals, assists and points, has graduated.  That leaves senior Keegan Pullins (nine goals and a team-leading 52 PIM last season) as the #1 defenseman.  Tim Casey is the only other senior on a young-ish blue line that also features juniors Cameron Gresham, Andrew Minardi, Landon Smith and Nolan Pittroff.

“We have lots of individual promise but need to play like a top 10 team,” said Alexander.

Liberty opens CHC play December 14-15 when they visit Cincinnati Moeller and Upper Arlington.

--- Scott Harrington for Ohio Hockey Digest