Give them ice and skates, and watch the puck fly

The area's best players in the NEO Ohio High School Hockey Association.
ANDY DAVIS
School/grade: Canfield, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Two-year team captain, record for most points in a season (41), record for most assists (29), MVP in Thanksgiving tournament, two-time MVP in Massillon Jackson Christmas Tournament, team MVP, first team All-Blue Division, named to the GCHSHA Senior All-Star Team and played for the Blue Division.
Name a person who has been a positive influence in your athletic career: Coach Joe Villano because of his insight and coaching of the game. He has taken the team so far over the past two seasons and has trusted me to lead the team as captain. Coach Villano has always been there for me on and off of the ice. My family and friends have also been a positive influence on me. From my father taking me to Cleveland for games every weekend as a kid to my friends making it to every high school home game to support me, all of them have made a huge impact on my career. Lastly, my brother, Adam, is a big influence because, as an older brother, he has taught me the strong work ethic needed to succeed.
Best memory from this season: Competing in the state tournament. We beat Euclid 6-4 for our first playoff win, and then we went on to play one of the best teams in the state, Shaker Heights. Unfortunately we lost, but it was incredible to play a team with such amazing chemistry and talent.
Something that people would be surprised to learn: I took piano lessons for nine years as well as voice lessons for three years.
SAM CROWE
School/grade: Canfield, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: 28 goals, 12 assists for 40 points. One hat trick and one four-goal game. Named co-offensive MVP along with Michael Vrable. Assistant captain. Earned fourth letter.
Positive influence: Grant Springer (current parks and recreation director in East Palestine and former Canadian junior and minor league player). Grant was my first coach. He taught me about dedicating myself to the game, having a strong work ethic and found the talent and skill inside me that I didn't even know existed. I have become the player that I am because of him.
Best memory: Winning the first OHSAA state playoff game in Canfield hockey history (6-4 over Euclid). Ever since I started with the Canfield Cardinals, I wanted to win a playoff game. For three years, we came up dry, and with this being my senior year, I knew time was running out. When we got the chance this time, however, we came through. I'll never forget that game.
Surprised to learn: I was diagnosed with infantile autism after I was born, and underwent speech therapy through elementary school. Now at 18 years old, people cannot tell that I had any handicap. I am very fortunate and am most definitely blessed.
JIM PASQUINE
School/grade: Poland, sophomore.
Statistics/accomplishments: Awarded Northeast Ohio High School Hockey Player of the Year for the 2003-04 season. Led Poland with 50 goals and totaled 82 points after recording 32 assists. Scored 10 hat tricks. Played amateur hockey for the North Pittsburgh Wildcats U-16 AA team.
Positive influence: My father. He is very supportive of me playing hockey. He has devoted a lot of time getting me to all my games and practices over the past nine years. I would not have been able to play hockey without his support.
Best memory: When Poland beat Harborcreek 3-2. I scored the game-winning goal with less than two minutes remaining.
Surprised to learn: I play high school baseball for Poland High School and summer baseball for Livi Steel Class Little "b".
JAMES PIPOLY
School/grade: Boardman, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: 13 goals, 17 assists for 30 points.
Positive influence: My parents for supporting me and always making me try harder. Also, Steve Walla for all the help with getting better and learning new skills. My younger brother Bob introduced hockey in our home. After watching him practice and in games, his twin brother Chris and I also wanted to play. If not for Bob's interest, I probably never would have started playing at all.
Best memory: Winning a local tournament. Also, the locker room before the game -- the excitement around with my teammates -- and playing at the Ice Zone in a benefit for children with cancer and other severe illnesses.
Surprised to learn: I am someone who will always try to do my best and play as a team member in all sports.
JUSTIN UMBS
School/grade: Mooney/Ursuline, sophomore at Neshannock.
Statistics/accomplishments: Led team in goals and total points.
Positive influence: My brothers, Jon and Danny, have had a big impact on my hockey career. Jon has played high school hockey and P.A.H.L. hockey for years and was a good scorer and helped my offensive game. Danny also played in high school, P.A.H.L. and for YSU. Danny was a very physical player and an excellent checker and helped me on that part of the game. My game is a hybrid of my two brothers.
Best memory: When I scored five goals against Hopewell this year and then later had three goals and four assists against Neshannock.
Surprised to learn: I obtained a varsity letter in three sports as a freshman -- soccer, tennis and cross country. However, I love hockey and hope to play in college.
MIKE VRABEL
School/grade: Canfield, junior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Selected team co-MVP offensively for second year in a row. Scored 28 goals with 17 assists. Currently Canfield's all-time scoring leader, in goals and assists.
Positive influence: My brother, Alex, who has started as a defenseman for Canfield for the past four years. His aggressive play, toughness, unselfishness and overall competitive team spirit has challenged me and not only elevated my game but the entire team's as well.
Best memory: Winning more games this year than any other year at Canfield. Advancing in the state playoffs was also gratifying. Our team is improving year in and year out, which is attributable to the strength of our program.
Surprised to learn: It's fun to score goals and lead the team, but I truly enjoy being able to help my teammates enjoy success as well.
COACH OF THE YEAR
JOE VILLANO
School: Canfield, second year after three years as an assistant.
Statistics/accomplishments: Overall record of 8-14-1 competing in tournaments and in the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League. 4-8 record in the Blue Northeast Division, finishing third. Second-place finish in the Massillon Jackson tournament. Won first state tournament game, 6-4 over Euclid. Team records broken for most goals in a season (87) and most assists (98) and total points (185) in a season.
Positive influence: Head coach of the Wellington Dukes (Canadian Tier II Junior A Hockey), Tod Lavander: Invaluable resource for coaching tools (practice drills and game strategy) and personal support. Also, past and present student-athletes in the Canfield program: Their dedication, tenacity and willingness to overcome difficult odds has been a source of personal inspiration.
Best memory: Getting our first state tournament victory. This was one of our goals for the season. I believe it was a big step in moving the entire program forward. Also, the play of our freshmen and first-year players: Our 15-player roster included six freshmen and 10 players total with no varsity hockey experience. Their play was instrumental to the success we enjoyed.
Surprised to learn: I am so impressed by the athletic department, athletes and parents at Canfield that I continue as coach three years after my son Brandon has graduated and left the program.