BROTHERHOOD ON AND OFF THE ICE
Christian Brothers Academy Hockey prepares for the 2018-’19 season
ALBANY >> Christian Brothers Academy Hockey is embracing the brotherhood the school has instilled into its community.
That brotherhood is permeating through the school, and with it, the team — making it stronger on and off the ice.
“There is a sense of brotherhood,” said CBA Head Coach Drescher. “It’s not just on the team. Our fans, and our support, has been unbelievable over the last few years. We want this place to be somewhere everyone wants to come to play hockey. For the CBA the experience.”
That camaraderie and sense of team is important for the Brothers, who’s depth and playing ability will play a big part into the 2018-’19 season.
“It is a battle for each line,” said Drescher. “We will play whoever will be able to contribute and give us our best chance to win. Obviously we have a few guys that are very strong contributors to the boxscore and that’s a good thing, but at this time it is so early, any four lines can step up, and we will figure that out going into things.”
CBA returns a ton of experience, including last season’s
top scorers Hunter Pemrick (27 goals, 19 assists) and Ryan Dollar (17 goals, 19 assists).
“Both of them are electric on the ice and they are going to be a pain for most teams to try and handle,” said Drescher. “What also helps as a coach is when you have the depth that we do. It’s almost like, ‘If there’s too much focus put on them we have other guys that can do some damage on the scoreboard.’”
CBA returns that depth from teams that were highly successful the last two season. CBA moved onto the Section 2 semifinals last season before losing to Bethlehem 3-2. It was a return to the Section 2 semifinals where they lost to Shen 5-1 two seasons ago.
“The first year against Shen, I think we were a year ahead of schedule. We were really young and then last year we got a chance to get back to Union. We gave Bethlehem everything we could give them,” said Drescher.
That experience is going to be valuable for the team this season. Periods have been extended to 17 minutes and penalties being bumped up to two minutes. Teams will now need two special team units as well as being able to run at least three quality lines.
“We’ve been getting a number of kids involved and playing four lines every scrimmage and putting every line in the key spots,” said Drescher. “I think the longer periods can do nothing but help us as a program. At this point I want all these guys to push one another and go as hard as they can and I think if they do that, the results will take care of them.”
The Brothers also return a lot of experience on the back end of the ice. They aren’t just front loaded, they will have talent dispersed throughout the lineup.
“We have some veteran guys at the defensive position and a guy or two who has just come in who will get his chance to get in the lineup immediately,” said Drescher. “Not a drop off, just a few new faces so we are trying to work through what works best for our team.”
With all of the experience already in the lineup, players know what they need to do and what to expect coming into the season. Conditioning is done, and Drescher can begin working his systems in quicker.
“We have had some veteran guys pushing guys all off season to get in shape and in the correct mindset for the season,” said Drescher. “At this point, we are still trying to push them in practice and keep them in shape, but we are full on putting our schemes and special teams in and we can’t wait to open up.”
In goal, the net is wide open. Last season’s mainstay in net, Brandon Mohroff, has graduated, leaving a spot in the net for a new goalie to step up. But, CBA could have the ability to roll two, maybe even three goaltenders.
“Mike [West] and Brandon [Henges] are both battling. Josh Coburn is also a new goalie to our roster. All three have been pushing one another,” said Drescher. “They all have had an open mind and have been pushing one another I can’t be happier with the battle these guys are giving one another and I am hoping it is a battle that goes all the way to the end of the year, making one another better.”
The goalies relationship exhibits the relationship of the team. Everyone is pushing each other. Everyone wants to help the guy next to him get better. Everyone, has bought into the brotherhood.
“The brotherhood truly exists. It doesn’t matter if you live up in Saratoga or Schuylerville, or if you live in Albany, these guys figure out how to be together in and out of season,” said Drescher. “I don’t think theres anything better at the high school level than to play here in front of your friends and family and go through this journey from 9th to 12th grade with these guys.”