HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY Davis named captain for Canfield

The Cardinals are the only area team sanctioned by the OHSAA.
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CANFIELD -- Senior forward Andy Davis has been named captain of the Canfield High School ice hockey team, the only Valley squad sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
Classmates Alex Vrable and Sam Crowe are the assistant captains, according to second-year coach Joe Villano.
"All three players bring exceptional skill and leadership qualities to the team," Villano said.
Beginning their third season as a varsity club, the Cardinals will open their 20-game schedule when they host the Cardinal Tournament this weekend at the Ice Zone on McClurg Road in Boardman.
Members of the Cleveland Suburban League, the Cardinals have seven other home games set at the Ice Zone: West Geauga, Dec. 6, 1:15 p.m.; Chagrin Falls, Dec. 13, 4:15 p.m.; North Canton Hoover, Dec. 19, 5:45 p.m.; Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, Jan. 2, 5:45 p.m.; Kenston, Jan. 9, 5:45 p.m.; Aurora, Jan. 17, 5:45 p.m.; and Massillon Jackson, Feb. 1, 3 p.m.
Vrable holds records
Returning players include junior Michael Vrable, who owns Canfield's varsity scoring records (goals, assists and points) and junior Pat Anderson, a two-year letterman.
Newcomers include senior Eric Buente and freshman goalkeeper Mark Takach, who takes over for graduate Ryan DeJoe.
"Takach is very skilled, confident and mature," Villano said. "He will be an all-star in the league."
Villano said the keys to the season will be how quickly the younger players adapt to the speed and physical play of varsity competition, and how much defensive support Takach receives in goal.
"We must allow him to play his game [confidently] by executing our defensive responsibilities, namely clearing rebounds and tight coverage in the slot," Villano said.
Conditioning will be a factor because the short bench has just 12 players.
Villano's assistants are Dr. Alex Vrable (defense) and Mark Takach (forward lines during games).