
This week we have been shining a spotlight on three local hockey teams who are looking to prove that they are the best team in their respective divisions, as they prepare to head off to the State Tournament next month.
We heard from the Squirt B and C teams earlier this week, and today we hear from the Bantams, which include players aged 14 and under.
Coach Jamie Dickrell told Seehafer News that the jump up to the Bantam level is a big step in a hockey career.
“When you move on to Bantams, it’s a more physical game,” he explained. “We’ve been working the past few years on body contact, and this year, there has been an evolution to physical checking.”
Coach Dickrell has been with this group of players for basically their whole career and said he enjoyed adding new elements to their game.
First-line Center, Benson Dickrell said he feels like he as adjusted to the faster gameplay, and the addition of the physical aspect pretty well.
“I’d say I’ve taken it alright,” Benson said. “I have gotten hit a couple of times, and it hurts for about 10 seconds and then it goes away.”
Benson also said the team has had ups and downs, but they have improved their game, and have created more opportunities through their physical gameplay, and are getting more shots on the net.
Goalie Daniel Karlin has the ability to see everything that is happening on the ice and has seen some huge improvements over the years.
“I’ve seen them make less mistakes than they have in years past,” he explained. “One of our players, David, plays both Peewees and Bantams, and I’ve seen him improve a lot in his games in Bantams.”
Coach Dickrell said that the Manitowoc Youth Hockey Association is working on having all the teams work together on a progressive training system, so each year they learn new things and get better together, and learn similar systems.
The Bantam team will be going to the State tournament on March 3rd.