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Season Preview: York

By Angie O'Brien - @angieobrien2017, 09/29/18, 10:00AM CDT

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York head coach Bruce Turpin offers some perspective on what to expect from the Dukes this year.

Last year's record: 17-24

How many kids did you graduate? 

We graduated 10 seniors, including both varsity goalies from a year ago. Sophomore goalie Thomas Wesolowksi seems poised and ready to make the jump from JV, but has some big shoes to fill. We return four of our top six defensemen which will help.

Who are your key returning players? 

We return our top two players from last season (Seniors Billy Paschen and Chris Lee) and expect them to be huge contributors. Both are two of the more dynamic players in the state. Defensively, we’re led by seniors Anthony Baran, John Temple and Matt Anikiej, and junior Will Ciannella. Other key contributors on offense include seniors Joseph Geurino, Collin Stasica and Tyler Bare. All will be important to our success this year.  

Who are some new up and coming players you are counting on? 

In addition to Wesolowski, our top three JV points leaders (Sophomores Mike Kamienski and Quinn Haller and Junior Tyler Gelsomino) are making the jump to varsity. We have high expectations for all three and need them to be solid contributors to our offense.

What will the style of the team be? What identity will the team have?

We want to play a fast-paced puck possession style of play, but our first focus needs to be establishing an aggressive team defensive system in our own zone and improving our transition game.

What's a storyline or a trend to watch this season?

Early success will depend heavily on how quickly our JV players from last season adapt to the much quicker and more physical game at the varsity level. Our ability to better capitalize on our scoring opportunities, maintaining our discipline in close games, and tightening up our defense in our zone will determine how well we do in the league.

Who in the SHL or around the city is a team or player to watch?

Loyola Gold returns the bulk of their key players from last season's State Championship team and will be very difficult to match up against for anyone in this state.  New Trier Green and GBN are always difficult to play against. I expect GBS to build upon last season's success. Outside of our league, Providence Catholic, St. Viator and St. Ignatius should prove to be formidable opponents again this season.