By Ryan O'Connor

When Peter Bedford took over the Goffstown High School ice hockey program four years ago, he put a five-year plan into motion.

On track, Bedford said he expects his best team yet this season.

“We’ve been progressing each year since I got here, and I’d say the biggest reason is consistency and the style of hockey we play,” said Bedford. “I only had to take one freshman this year, where in other years, I’ve had to teach these kids how to play my brand of hockey. So it’s been a big difference this year in that we’ve really hit the ground running. They already know my expectations. Practices, so far, have been really outstanding.”

 It is no coincidence, added Bedford, that the players coming to him are more talented each year; the feeder program the district has at Mountain View Middle School, the contributions from Friends of Goffstown Hockey and the support of athletics director Howard Sobolov and others at GHS have all helped.

“The wonderful thing about Goffstown is we’re able to build from underneath,” he said. “This is a hockey-rich community that has really surprised me. It just tells me we will be consistently in the mix for state titles with that kind of dedication.”

After a 9-8-4 record sent the Grizzlies to the postseason last year, Bedford said the current squad is more than capable of finishing near the top in Division II, which means a first-round home playoff contest.

“This is clearly a playoff team, and I think everybody in the league believes that,” said the coach. “The top four is clearly well within our reach, but it’s still going to take some hard work because there are lot of good teams and a lot of good coaches in Division II. I mean, nothing’s going to be given to us. We have to go out there and earn it.”

Leading the team in net this season will be seniors Steve Case, an assistant captain, and Scott Turgeon.

And while Case received a lot of press for his play last year, Bedford said Turgeon is equally capable.

“They’re both good. I make them compete all year for (ice time),” he said. “We’re not minimized or compromised with either of those guys.”

On offense, junior Liam House-Myers returns from a team-leading 23-point campaign in which he found the net nine times and offered teammates the same luxury on 14 occasions.

“He just has a complete game. He’s a fantastic skater who has a great shot and outstanding passing ability,” said Bedford of the forward, who also contributed 19 points his freshman season. “If he continues the pace he’s on right now, he will be likely become Goffstown’s all-time leading scorer by the time he graduates.”

Matt Gifford, the team’s captain, anchors the defense and offers an above-average shot from the point.

“He’s been with me since his freshman year and has just been a great stabilizing force,” said Bedford, who expects the senior to see more scoring opportunities this season. “He’s a good, quiet leader and just as steady as can be.”

Sophomore forward Riley Palmer, who Bedford said is developing a complete game and is learning to be a leader, is also expected to be a major contributor.

Senior forward Andy Giovagnoli provides headaches for defenders, combining high energy and toughness.

Bedford said he also has high expectations for defenseman Garret Gunski, who should make an immediate impact on the blue line as the team’s lone freshman.

“He’s shown me outstanding skating and great vision on the ice surface,” said the mentor. “He has solid decision-making skills and doesn’t panic.”