In the Red
OHD checks in with Hudson’s Mike McNeill
(K.M. klemencic photo)
Mentor (21-1-1; 9-0-0) – The Cardinals picked up two wins over the weekend, defeating Benedictine and Kenston, and again over Benedictine this week. Mentor will spend MLK weekend in Columbus participating in the Pioneer Classic with four games scheduled.
Rocky River (14-5-2; 4-1-0) –Rocky River won their two matchups this past weekend, with wins over Cleveland Heights and Hudson. The Pirates will participate in the Cleveland Jesuit Classic this weekend and defeated Holy Name last night in their first game.
Strongsville (12-8-1; 4-3-1) – Strongsville split their two games last weekend winning against Hudson but falling to Cleveland Heights in overtime. The Mustangs will host the Ehrnfelt Memorial tournament, with a rematch against Cleveland Heights scheduled for Friday (1/17), and games against Anthony Wayne and Beavercreek also lined-up.
Hudson (10-9-1; 3-4-1) –The Explorers went 1-2 over the past weekend with losses to Strongsville and Rocky River, while picking up a win against Shaker Heights. Hudson will be in Columbus for the Pioneer Classic with a full weekend of games on the slate.
Benedictine (8-10-0; 1-5-0) – Benedictine came up short against Mentor in their past two outings, the most recent being last night. The Bengals will be off until next week, when they square off against Kenston (1/24) and Strongsville (1/25).
Kenston (8-12-0; 1-6-0) – The Bombers lost their only game last weekend to Mentor and will have some time to re-group as they will not play again until their game against Rocky River at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (1/22). They will also take on Benedictine and Cleveland Heights next weekend as well.
Cleveland Heights (5-13-0; 1-4-0) – Cleveland Heights ended a five-game losing streak last weekend with an overtime win over Strongsville. The Tigers will again square off against Strongsville this Friday (1/17) as they participate in the Ehrnfelt Memorial tournament, where they will also take on Perrysburg (1/18) and Anthony Wayne (1/19).
Each week we hope to give readers a quick update on how the teams in the division are faring and highlight one team with a deeper dive. This week we decided to showcase Hudson, and Coach Michael McNeill in this spot.
Chris Slocumb: The end goal of the season is to win the division, get to the Baron Cup and make a run in the OHSAA Tournament. But in the short term, what are some goals you have for your team as we approach the home stretch and really get into league play?
Michael McNeill: We are just aiming towards getting better every day – Competing hard and doing the little things right. We are a solid team 5 on 5 so staying disciplined and keeping our penalty count down is really to our advantage.
CS: The team is in the thick of the league race. So far on the season, what has been the biggest surprise to you and your staff? Any players surprising you?
MM: Senior Goalie Nick Tomosula has played pretty well so far this season. Senior Luke Karnofel has really played well but we have really been surprised at the play from Freshmen Ty Koerbel and Mack Clark.
CS: Are there any "measuring stick" games for your team coming up in league play?
MM: We have had some really close games against some awfully good teams this season. A 2-1 loss to Mentor, a 2-1 2OT loss to Shaker, and a 3-2 OT loss to Talawanda. We have big weekend coming up this weekend in Playing Strongsville, Rocky River, and Shaker
CS: Your team is near the top of the division, to ensure that you remain there at the end of the year, what are the main two or three things you believe you'll need to accomplish to see that come to fruition?
MM: We need to continue to compete every day, stay disciplined, and play our game. We are an excellent skating team and need to continue to use that to our advantage.
--- Chris Slocumb for Ohio Hockey Digest
