The Owatonna Boys Hockey team has started their season with many goals. They have played and won four games so far making their record 4-0. They hope to continue having a successful year and connect as a team.
The Huskies home opener was on Monday Dec. 11. They played this game in remembrance of their Coach Fromm who passed away. Before the game there was a speech given for David Fromm and a ceremonial puck drop done by his wife with his daughters on the ice as well. The Huskies won 3-2 in a tough battle against the Dodge County Wildcats. Jackson Kath scored the first goal of the game followed by a quick goal by the Wildcats. In the second period Joe Webster and Owen Beyer both scored making it 3-1. The Wildcats scored one last goal in the third period making the end score 3-2.
After Coach Fromm passed in August, OHS science teacher Denis Will took over coaching the boys hockey team. With the new coach the Huskies have had to adjust to the different ways he coaches and Coach Will has to adjust to the quicker pace that hockey is now played at. Will hasn’t coached in around 20 years so he has had to adapt to the different gameplay. Coach Will said, “The game is played way quicker with the players being a little bit bigger and a little faster but from a strategic standpoint the game is the same.”
With the new coach, many of the players are looking forward to what they can do this year. Senior captain Beyer said, “Coach Will is a great coach and will definitely help us win many games.” Coach Will continues to learn and coach the team as they grow together.
The team has some high goals for the season. Coach Will said, “We want to compete for the conference title and be a sectional opponent.” With a lot of the seniors on the team they want to do well and make a good run in sections. Beyer said, “My goal for the season is to make it to the state tournament.” The team graduated only five seniors last year so they still have a lot of chemistry and are very close-knit. Although they are close-knit, Coach Will said, “I am trying to get them to pass the puck more and use each other to work as a team.” The whole team looks forward to what they can accomplish this season.
Their next game is on Thursday, Dec. 15 in Osseo at the Dick Vraa Ice Arena.
