After reaching ice hockey finals, Stark falters in follow-up

Goffstown Editor — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:51:00 GMT

Sandwiched between a Division III title-game run and a promising future, John Stark ice hockey has shown little bite in 2007-’08.

Thus far, the squad has yet to taste victory. Following a 9-2 loss against Hollis-Brookline on Saturday, Feb. 9, the Generals dropped to 0-14-0 on the season, with 10-3- 0 Somersworth scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 13.

But head coach Ed Campbell noted his squad graduated eight seniors last year and currently features 12 freshmen and sophomores.

Campbell skated two lines almost exclusively last season. The third line, he said, has essentially become this year’s top unit.

“There’s no denying this is a rebuilding year, but I honestly thought we would be in contention,” said Campbell, whose squad lost to Souhegan in last year’s D-III finale. “I thought we had a chance to make the playoffs, I really did, but we’ve definitely had some letdowns.”

The Generals lost senior standout forward Evan Stenberg to disqualifying penalties earlier in the season, then lost starting goaltender Liam Tupper, who quit the team.

“As a backup last year, (Tupper ) had seven wins, but didn’t see a lot of pressure,” said Campbell. “This year, he was seeing 30-plus shots a game and struggled with anything near the hash marks.”

In the absence of experienced goaltending, the coach turned to freshman Tyler LaRose, who had no previous time in net prior to this year. Having a negative attitude would be easy, said Campbell, but he’d rather focus on the positives.

Bob Galli is one such bright spot. The junior forward, who last season played JV hockey at Bishop Brady, sought varsity experience by transferring to John Stark. Campbell, so impressed by the player’s talent and leadership ability, has already named Galli next year’s captain.

“What a great kid. He’s been taking the bruises with the rest of us, but we’re getting better every game,” said the coach. “We’ve got a good group of sophomores who will all be juniors next year, and Galli is going to keep all the kids together over the summer.”

Moreover, Campbell said he sees his team progressing and noted increased confidence among his skaters.

“They get to the net, but have trouble getting position and finishing down low, but that comes with development and them getting older and stronger,” he said.

Next season, the Division III tournament expands from six to eight teams, and Campbell said he fully expects his team to be a participant. “We have a young team and a good attitude,” he said.

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After reaching ice hockey finals, Stark falters in follow-up