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Monday, November 7, 2022 | 12:35 PM
Courtesy of Kristi Minnick
A.J. Schaaf and the Deer Lakes hockey team compete against Wilmington on Oct. 3 at Alpha Ice Complex.
Courtesy of Kristi Minnick
Ben Korol and the Deer Lakes hockey team compete against Wilmington on Oct. 3 at Alpha Ice Complex.
Courtesy of Kristi Minnick
A.J. Schaaf and the Deer Lakes hockey team compete against Wilmington on Oct. 3 at Alpha Ice Complex.
Varsity hockey has returned to Deer Lakes High School this season.
The Lancers won their first three games against the likes of Wilmington, 8-1, Central Valley, 8-1, and Carrick, 5-2.
“I am extremely proud of the boys thus far, especially since this is our first varsity team in years to take the ice,” coach Jonathan Merlo said. “They are a mature, talented and wise group of young men who have bought into one another for a common goal. What I love seeing is how much of a team game we are playing at the moment which has contributed to our defensive and offensive power.
“Starting 3-0 is not a surprise to us, but we do understand that the work ethic needs to continue in order to keep the success we have. The coaching staff is excited to see how this group evolves as the year continues.”
There are 24 players listed on the 2022-23 roster, including two seniors, 14 juniors, five sophomores and three freshmen. Deer Lakes is a co-op team with players from Ambridge, Apollo-Ridge, Aquinas Academy, Eden Christian and St. Joseph.
The Lancers are members of the PIHL Varsity D2 Gold Division and were tied for first place with Bishop Canevin with 3-0 records, followed by Neshannock (2-0) and Burrell (2-0). Wilmington (1-3) and Central Valley rounded out the standings.
“We are looking forward to striving for more success as the season goes on,” Merlo said, “and I believe teams should take note of the return of Deer Lakes this year as we plan on making some noise. Our goal is to make the playoffs and contend for a D2 championship.”
An early season highlight for Deer Lakes was its Oct. 24 win against Carrick at Alpha Ice Complex, the Lancers’ home ice.
Sophomore forward Ryan Grunden had a hat trick, and junior forward Shawn McIntyre added two goals to lead Deer Lakes and hand Carrick its first loss of the season.
A.J. Schaaf, a junior forward, contributed four assists.
“I’m extremely happy with our team’s performance and have…
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