There are big changes with the Talawanda Brave this season. New head coach Jack Spaulding takes over for the departed Zach Sens and the Brave return to the Southwest Ohio High School Hockey League after playing an independent schedule during the 2020-21 season.

Spaulding does not have the deepest bench to work with. The Brave have just eight forwards and four defensemen on the roster with 10 of those skaters (7 and 3, respectively) boasting varsity experience.

In the crease, newcomer Mason Kolb joins veteran Daniel Emenaker.

Parker Geshan, Andrew Shrider, James Anzano and Zach Goetz will be relied on heavily and will have to deliver if Talawanda is going to have a shot at the SWOHSHL regular season and tournament titles.

“Goaltending and penalty killing will be strengths for the team,” said Spaulding.  “Power play and goal support could be issues with the short roster.”

Spaulding was hesitant to handicap the SWOHSHL race having not been around the league recently. A 4-0 win over Amherst Steele and a one-goal game with Gilmour Academy Varsity B (2-1 loss) were solid early-season results and a game against Archbishop Moeller on Saturday, December 11, will be another good measuring stick for the team.

“I just want us to be competitive in every game and see development in our non-senior players to take over the team moving forward,” said Spaulding.

--- Scott Harrington for Ohio Hockey Digest