Wellspring ParableKey Players: Zach Zielonko, Tyler Nielsen, Benny Arends, Ted Crites
Goal: Graham Taylor, Will Tornberg
Report: With Valley JV goalie Taylor sharing netminding duties with JV LSM Will Tornberg, Wellspring is relying on the big backline of Dirk Arends, Kurt Sunderman, and varsity starter Jamie Tornberg to keep the crease clean. Both Zielonko and Nielsen have the ability to take over the game and will lead the young team from the midfield. The duo of Benny Arends and Crites up front have already shown that they can score at will when in close; this should provide a nice preview of the 2011 Valley season. Varsity face off man Harrington is expected to take most of the draws and is quite formidable at the X. The team is rounded out by several of the 2010 JV players and new comer Gardener. Despite their youth, this is a very talented team that should adapt to each other and function as a cohesive unit in no time.
Prediction: 4-5
Clark Physical TherapyKey Players: Luc Jacobs, Ben Shoff
Goal: Brandon Fitch
Report: Other than Jacobs, Elliot, Lozada, and Shoff, I know very little about the players on this team. Quite a few are Drake players, but I honestly do not know enough about them to make an accurate call. Shoff and Lozada are hard nosed d-poles that know how to keep a crease clear and call out slides. Fitch might be rusty in net; he had to order new pads to play. Jacobs is a leader from X and racked up more assists last year than anyone on the Valley roster in 2010. Elliot has strong stick skills and can find the back of the net when needed. After breathing the thin Colorado air for the last year, he should be able to outlast many others.
Prediction: 3-6
Mi Casa Rustic FurnitureKey Players: Bryan Johnston, Paul Miska, Taylor Aukes, Jake Van Dyke
Goal: Jim Burk
Report: Johnston, Edgington, Kayser, Von Ahsen, and Burk were all members of the 2009 Demons box team. Johnston is an at-will scorer at attack and Burk is a solid net minder. Miska, Aukes, and Van Dyke all come with MCLA experience - Utah, Mankato, and ISU, respectively. Van Dyke also played for Valley in 2009. The back line consists of JV poles Cafferata and Cook and is anchored by Stewart. Newcomers Steele, Strachan, and Thompson have varying experience levels, but all are relative unknowns.
Prediction: 5-4
Lightning WearKey Players: Ben Couch, Dylan Griess, Cam Bostwick, Tanner McDougal
Goal: Hunter Couch
Report: With a roster comprised mainly of Valley players past and present, Lightning Wear knows how to play together. McDougal is an extremely tough LSM, Dylan Griess and Bostwick lead the Nebraska League in scoring this year, Ben Couch is a consistent threat, and Hunter Couch is arguably the best returning goalie next season. With the athleticism of Boyd and Mundus and the experience of Blay and Shelton, this back line could be the stingiest of the league. The roster is rounded out by players with varsity experience, although Alec Sundermann opted to play with a short stick rather than his usual d-pole. No doubt this will be the team to beat.
Prediction: 6-3
