STREAKS BACK ON ICE
Saratoga Springs has record tryout numbers for varsity ice hockey
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » It’s one thing to anticipate the start of a sports season, the thinking, the off-season workouts, the what ifs of the coaching staff reviewed again and again. Then you have to see your teammates and athletes for two months of school before you can hit the ice.
Saratoga Springs ice hockey Coach Dave Torres couldn’t wait to put the Blue Streaks through tryouts this week and look forward to the 2017-2018 campaign.
“Every morning they are coming in with a big smile on their face and they’re coming into the office and are like ‘Three more days Coach!’” Torres said. “They’re really pumped up and I get pumped up as much as they do. It’s fun to come back to the rink and get out here with these guys.”
This year’s squad will be missing the go-to sticks of 2016-17 captains Jonathan Luse, Eric Jess and Jake Fauler along with fellow graduates Adam Harrison, Sam Frey, Ryan Robens, Sean Sesselman and Drew Rafferty.
Torres was making his final roster decisions Wednesday af-
ternoon at the Saratoga Springs Ice Rink.
“We had a record 42 kids try out and it’s good for the program,” Torres said. “There were a lot of young guys and some good talent here in Saratoga.”
Early on Torres will lean on another Blue Streaks big man.
“I have a defenseman who is coming back in Nick Guzi who’s got some varsity experience,” Torres said. “He’s going to be a leader on and off the ice. He’s a great kid and I’m glad to have him back.”
Guzi will also be one of the keys to Saratoga’s success this year.
“Our strength this year will be our team defense I believe from the goalie out, so I’m looking forward to that,” Torres said. “We’ve got some work to do offensively, but that’s OK and it’s a challenge.”
After a loss in last year’s quarterfinals to Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa, Torres will ask his squad to respond.
“We had a rough year last year, but we’re looking to turn it around this year,” Torres said. “It’s evident by the banner (State Championship banner) and I’m going to show them the banner every day ‘This is what it’s all about. It’s adding to that banner and adding to the legacy that they leave behind.”
For Torres, looking at the banner brings back memories of a Section II title, his latest in 2015-16 and a New York State Championship in 2013 are still fresh. The early playoff loss last year still stings.
“It is different and it will all start tomorrow with a new team, some new guys and the guys who were on the team last year gained some valuable experience,” Torres said. “They’re hungry to get back to the top where we think, they think we belong.”
Torres hasn’t had a chance to scout other Section II squads yet, but believes that everyone will have a shot at the Section II plaque.
“This year it’s as even as it’s ever been,” Torres said. “Bethlehem I think will be very good, I think CBA who was in the sectional semifinals last year, and they’re very good. Shenendehowa always comse back, Burnt Hills will be there.
“There is a lot of parity in the league this year unlike the past. It’s going to be a challenge for all the coaches in the league and they’re looking forward to it as much as I am.”