Head Coach Ben Barlow brings his energy and positive approach behind the bench for the Rough Riders as they are set to begin play in the 2019-2020 season. This will be Barlow’s 17th season.  Kent Roosevelt finished with a record of 22-11-0 a year ago, finishing atop the White North Division and earning their most wins since 2013.

The Rough Riders quest for the Baron Cup title, last won in 2006-2007, will be marathon not a sprint…Roosevelt was knocked out of the Baron Cup II in the semifinal round by Midview.  They drew Red Division power Hudson in the opening round of district play and their season came to an abrupt halt three days later.

Despite Kent losing six seniors, they bring back some serious firepower with co-captains that combined for 91 goals last year.  Nick Krestan led the team with 50 goals and 86 points. Teams will not be able to focus on just shutting down Krestan, however, as Ethan Steffl returns after popping home 40 as a sophomore.

After graduating two goaltenders, the reigns will now be passed to sophomore Jake Bennett who finished with a 4-3 record and a 3.86 goals-against average.

Playing what looks to be a deep White North division, Kent Roosevelt will be challenged in every league game.  Outside the league, the Rough Riders will also be participating in the tough DiPaolo Memorial Tournament at Miami University over Thanksgiving break, competing against Talawanda, powerful Springboro out of Dayton, and the Miami Jr. RedHawks club hockey team.

The Rough Riders will also compete in the annual Adam S. Hamilton Memorial Tournament in December and host their annual Christmas Tournament which includes a mixture of local and out of town teams.  They hope to bring back the championship trophy as they have not won their own tournament since the 2012-2013 season. They then finish up the tournament play as they compete in the CVCA Holiday Tournament.

--- Thomas Liegl for Ohio Hockey Digest