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Canfield hockey teams to opens season Friday
By Tom Williams
CANFIELD
Last spring when it appeared that The Ice Zone in Boardman was closing permanently, the Canfield High School hockey team was facing its most expensive season ever.
The hockey team is self-funded, with much of the money going to pay for renting ice. The only other rink in the Mahoning Valley is Youngstown’s Covelli Centre, an expensive option.
Then good news arrived for the Cardinals when the Youngstown Phantoms reached an agreement with the Covelli Centre for a fifth USHL season.
Randy Emery, Canfield’s head coach for seven seasons, knew that meant The Ice Zone would reopen in some capacity because the Phantoms would need to be able to practice when the Covelli Centre was booked for other events.
“We just appreciate having The Ice Zone again so we have a [regular] place to play,” Emery said. “It’s been our home for 17 years.”
The Cardinals, the only high school hockey program in the Mahoning Valley, will open their season on Friday at 5:15 p.m. when they play Aurora at The Ice Zone. Canfield is a member of the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League.
Emery has 10 letter-winners. led by seniors captain Nick Crescimanno and alternate captain T.J. Sakkas.
Last season, Crescimanno played forward and defense, and was tops for the Cards in scoring (six goals, seven assists).
“Nick is a leader,” Emery said. “He sets a great example both on and off the ice. He is the epitome of a student-athlete.
“I look forward to seeing him lead this team.”
Sakkas spent most of his summer working to improve his skills by traveling to Cleveland to play in summer leagues.
“I know T.J. has the will to succeed and this comes across in his efforts on the ice,” Emery said. “He shows great dedication to our sport.”
Sakkas scored five goals last season for an inexperienced team that won three games.
The Cardinals already have lost one of their returning defensemen for the season as junior Grant Gullia broke his fibula in a scrimmage.
“Grant worked his tail off improving his skills, and is going to be missed a great deal,” said Emery, who added that the injury happened late in the scrimmage. “It was probably the best game he had ever played.”
The junior class appears to be the Cardinals’ strength, led by J.P. Clendenin on the backline and forwards P.J. Denney, Danny Drotleff and Mitchell Blasko.
Leading the sophomores will be forward Pete Crescimanno and hard-hitting winger, Collin Fishel.
Patrick Byrne will be the starting goaltender.