Findlay Trojans head coach Ben Patey’s pre-season assessment of his team was very positive.

“This is considered one of the best teams Findlay has had in a long time,” he said.

A 3-1 win over Northview early in the season seemed to back up that assessment.

Patey sees goaltending and offence as driving success for the Trojans team this year, with depth on defense being their Achilles heel. That being said, the Trojans have five returning defenseman that have varsity experience in addition to all three goaltenders being back from last year’s roster.

Cody Mlsna (2.38), Timothy Whitehead (2.47) and Seth Russell (2.44) all saw action with seniors Mlsna, and then Whitehead seeing the most action. Russell is now a sophomore, and it will be important for him to get some more experience with the prospects of a bigger role a year from now.

Patey refers to team captain Michael Armstrong as a “little ball of hate” that will hit you hard and then bury the puck. Armstrong led the team with 19 goals a season ago.

Three junior forwards: Ethan Lammers, Ross Trenkamp and Kellen Wetz will also be key players up front for Findlay.

Lammers, senior forward Ryker Featheringham and sophomore defenseman Nate Riegle will be the alternate captains.

Featheringham is big, strong and fast, with an excellent scoring touch. He led last year’s team in assists (24) and points (36). Riegle, meanwhile, is an excellent skater with a heavy shot.

--- Scott Harrington for Ohio Hockey Digest