Gilmour Academy Hockey Team Looks for More Than Final Four

varsity A hockey coach John Malloy recalls the facts of his team’s historic 3-2 four-overtime loss to St. Edward in last season’s state semifinals, but the feelings of disappointment haven’t lingered with him.

Malloy said the players’ recollection and feelings, however, are another matter.

As the Lancers begin their 2011-2012 quest for that elusive state crown, Malloy hopes the team uses the defeat, which set an OHSAA record for the most overtimes in a Final Four game, as inspiration.

"They realize that was an opportunity lost. We didn’t play our best periods in the first and second. Against a good team like St. Eds, you’ve got to bring it the whole game. We’re hoping that lesson gets passed.

"We already feel that kind of environment is encouraging the kids to work harder this year. That’s what’s great about having returners. They can take last year’s experience and hopefully see it and say, 'we want to take it one step further.'"

Gilmour will co-host the Indians Snow Days high school hockey tournament beginning today at Progressive Field and face New Trier of Illinois at 9:30 p.m. today, followed by Bethel Park of Pennsylvania (11:20 a.m. Saturday) and St. Ignatius (3 p.m. Saturday).

The consolation game will be held at 8 a.m. Sunday with the title game at 11:20 a.m.

The Lancers head into Progressive Field with a 2-2 record from playing in the round-robin Cold Turkey Tournament in Toledo over the Thanksgiving holiday. Gilmour defeated Findlay (3-0) and St. Francis (4-1), but lost twice to Sylvania Northview, 5-1, in round-robin play and again in the final, 6-2.

The varsity A team faces not only players graduating, but those who’ve jumped to the school’s higher level prep team. Last year’s team had five graduating seniors and four players who jumped to the prep team, making it nine of 16 players who aren’t returning.

The Lancers won’t have leading scorer Matt Grider, who produced 38 goals after scoring nine the season before. Grider is playing for Eastern Michigan.

Malloy believes another player on the roster might emerge to have the same leap in production as Grider did in his senior season.

"If we have one or two of those guys where that happens like Mason Schmitt, a very talented sophomore, who had eight goals last year, and all the sudden he’s able to produce 20 or 25 (goals) … if we have one other guy like that, then all the sudden, we’re back in the hunt," Malloy said.

Malloy will count on two seniors to help steady the team on the ice and in the locker room. Senior goalie Oliver Flesher finished with a 30-7-2 record in net and a 1.45 goals against average last season. Senior forward John Tobbe had 25 goals and 42 assists in helping lead the Lancers to a 35-9-2 record.

"John Tobbe, our captain, has set a kind of tempo. ... There’s a kid that can go up and play Prep and be a very good Prep player. He’s really interested in staying and helping get the team to the state finals and win it," Malloy said.

Making up the core of the team are senior defenseman Joe Lencewicz, who played forward last season, senior forward Jordan Robinson, senior forward Nick Aleva, sophomore defender James Forsythe, sophomore forward Benny Clark, sophomore forward Ryan Hall, junior defenseman Matt Moore and senior forward Alex Rupp.

Roster changes are a hallmark at Gilmour, and Malloy believes his team will be just fine.

"I’m looking forward to it," Malloy said. "Can we get over the hump? We have the potential to … We do miss those guys (Prep players), but it does provide an opportunity for some of the younger guys to step up and earn more time."