Improved Depth a Key to Dodger Hockey Fortunes

Entering last season, boys ice hockey head coach Dave Hanson had concerns with the depth of his roster. Those concerns led Hanson to rely heavily on his No. 1 line, regularly leaving them out on the ice for extended periods of time.

But after ending the season with a first-round exit in the Public B state tournament, the eighth-year head coach headed into the 2011 campaign with a different approach.

The 2011-12 Dodger club flaunts a level of depth which allows Hanson the versatility of rotating three lines on a consistent basis. It's that approach that has the Madison locker room confident and reinvigorated.

“In the previous two years we’ve had a lot of skilled play, but this year it's more about depth," junior captain Erik Andersson said. "Especially late in the season, being able to run 12 to 15 guys when we used to [play] eight or nine is really going to help.”

Through five games this season, Hanson's three-line system has seen Madison off to a 3-2 start.

“Our confidence is very high,” junior goalie Grant Perry said. “We had lower expectations when we started [the season], but now that we see what our true potential is, we think we have a good season ahead of us.”

But relying on more than one line doesn’t ensure success, as the depth that Hanson is counting on is littered with youth and inexperience. With only one senior (captain Bowen Van Ryzin) on his roster, Hanson & Co. will be counting on those younger players to play a more important role.

“Last year it was just that one line and if that one line got shut down, then we got shut down,” Perry said. “But now that we can rely on other lines to step up, it really helps out. It saves guys like Erik [Andersson] and Bowen from not having to be out all the time so they have more energy for the third period. That’s how we’ve gotten some big wins so far.”

Along with Van Ryzin, Hanson will hitch his wagon to two other Madison all-stars this season, as junior captains Perry and Andersson both head into this season following tremendous 2010 campaigns.

For Andersson, it's just business as usual.

“I just try to lead by example,” explained Andersson, who has been Madison’s leading goal scorer in each of the past two seasons. “Just kind of stick to my game, getting shots on goal and scoring goals. Just helping the team win."

Dodger expectations to grab the Haas Cup are quickly rising.

“We don’t have the most talented players, besides Erik [Andersson], but I think if we can bring it all together we have a good shot at making a good run at the Haas Cup," Van Ryzin said. "The other players are going to have to step it up and play solid games and good defense.”

WHO TO LOOK FOR:

Eric Andersson, forward (Jr.)- A junior captain, Andersson's impact on the ice has been clear since his freshman season. A knack for scoring goals, along with top notch speed and agility should lead this junior to another terrific season in 2011.

Bowen Van Ryzin, right wing (Sr.)- Another offensive player who saw a lot of ice time last season, Van Ryzin will play a key role this season. Leadership and an ability to focus his team before and during games are two aspects that Hanson expects to continue seeing from his lone senior.

Grant Perry, goalie (Jr.)- Also a captain, Perry enters his third season starting in net for Madison. The junior goalie has many, including his head coach, believing that he is the most talented goalie in the division and will play a key role this season.

WHO'S GONE:

Spencer Waresk, center- A team captain in 2010, Waresk was a main cog in the Dodgers offensive success.

Louie Cecala, forward- An offensive force, this Madison captain was one of the top goal scorers.

Bobby Yutko, defense- Another captain, Yutko’s defensive presence will be missed by the Dodgers in 2011.

THEY SAID IT

“We have a lot of young guys that are stepping up,” Hanson explained. “They’re really adding a lot of chemistry to the team. We lost a lot of seniors last year, but we also brought back a lot of players that are real team leaders.”- Hanson