This past weekend, the Manitowoc United JV hockey team wrapped up its inaugural season.
The team ended the season with a 3-12-3 record, picking up all three wins over Madison United. While the record tells the story of a poor season, there is more to it than that.
Of their 12 losses, nine of them were by two points or less, and they only lost one game in the last month of the season by more than one
Coach Mark Hinz says this season was nothing short of a success.
Dickrell Ready for opening faceoff against Sheboygan
“Since day one, this team is playing together a lot more,” Hinz said. “They are adapting to the systems we are teaching them, and they are starting to have a better overall sense of the game of hockey as it is played now, and playing at a very high level.”
Freshman Captain Benson Dickrell told us he and his teammates cherished the role in the rebirth of high school hockey in Manitowoc County.
“We are the rebuilders,” he said. “It’s really great being a part of this organization and getting to play with these guys. Knowing I have three years left makes me really happy.”
It is a rarity for a freshman to be named captain, but United was a very young team, only having one senior on the roster, and as Coach Hinz told us, Benson is a born leader.
“He’s very mature, he pushed the kids to do well, and holds them accountable,” Hinz noted. “He’s another kid that gives a great effort every practice, every game. I’ve been very impressed with him.”
United held a joint practice with the Bantam team, which consists of some players that will be making the jump to the high school level next season.
Dickrell and the team congratulating Teddy Dhein on a goal.
Hinz tells us his current players have been working well with them to help the younger players improve.
“[My players] have been very good to them. It’s part of integrating,” he explained. “It’s an entire process from the littlest players up to the high school program. I was very happy to see them come out and skate with us. They are doing a heck of a job.”
As for the future of the program, Hinz estimates that within the next two to three years, there will be enough players at the high school level that they will be able to implement a Varsity/JV program and compete for a state title.
