Friday, Jun. 20, 2008

Grapevine Defeats Marcus

GCISD Hockey

By John English

Contributing Writer

After dropping its season opener to Marcus Red 7-0, the Grapevine hockey team rebounded to win two of its next three games, and coach Laddy Tresl said his team is starting to play better as a unit.

Grapevine defeated Midlothian 3-2 last Thursday night to pull its season record to 2-2 heading into yesterday’s game against Arlington Martin, and Tresl said the Mustangs had to contend against more than just their opponent last week.

"The kids played against a team and the referee," Tresl said. "The referee made some bad decisions and it seemed like we were playing against six guys instead of five guys. The good thing about it is that our kids stuck with it. They followed the game plan, and in the third period they jumped on them and scored a couple of quick goals."

Alex Rife put Grapevine up 1-0 in the first period, and Shaun and Dalton Foster scored for the Mustangs in the third period to seal the deal.

"They really did a good job," Tresl said. "We had a couple of guys really step up in the game, including Shaun Foster, and you have to give credit to both of our goaltenders [Jake Roessner and Dylan Schwartz]. A lot of guys played well, though."

Tresl said he is not sure that his team has done anything intentionally to step up its game, but said his guys are playing better.

"I really don’t think we’ve done anything different," Tresl said. "I think the kids are just having fun. They’re trying to win and play well. We’re still not a full team, and I am still looking for some players to join the team."

Tresl said he would like to have more players come out to play hockey for Grapevine.

Grapevine will play Carroll at 7:45 p.m. on June 26 at the Euless Green Arena.

At Colleyville Heritage, the Panthers were 1-2-1 through their first four games of the season heading into Tuesday night’s contest against Keller White.

Jake Walton was leading CHHS in goals with three, and Ryan Sundell had two assists.

Goaltender Meagan Brantley had the Panthers’ lone win through the first four games.

Colleyville Heritage will play Plano West at 8 p.m. tonight at the NYTEX West Arena.