2018-2019 Season Preview

The 2018-2019 Troy Trojans open their season this weekend with two games: Saturday at Centerville and Sunday at home against Sycamore. There are several interesting storylines to follow as the Trojans take the ice.

The offseason saw the coaching staff go through some changes with the departure of Coach Aaron Cozatt. With such large skates to fill, Troy brought in Troy alumni David Force and Prestyn Hoefler to serve as assistant coaches, along with Karl Mick, to head coach Phill Noll. Coach Force was a player and teammate of Coach Mick on the very first Troy High School varsity hockey team. Coach Hoefler also played for the Trojans as recently as a few years ago. While there, he set a team record for most goals in a season. These new additions to the coaching staff bring a wealth of experience and hockey knowledge to the team.

The team features 5 seniors this year: Grant Gariety, Austin Strong, Ian Kuntz, Jack McGuirk, and goaltender Scott Reidel. Kuntz joins the team after playing several seasons in the Columbus area. Reidel takes the reigns as starting goaltender after Enrique Allejandre departed for Wright State University. Jack McGuirk takes the ice this season with a "C" on his jersey having been selected to serve as one of the team captains.

Joining McGuirk as a captain is junior forward Zach Uhlenbrock. Uhlenbrock will be playing his first season without his brother Nate who graduated in the spring. As one of the team's leading scorers as a sophomore, Uhlenbrock will no doubt be looked to to supply a consistent spark on offense. Also returning to the ice as a junior is Carson Waite. Waite, regarded as one of the team's fastest skaters, is a versatile player who can play any forward or defensive position.

Sophomores returning to the team this year are Caden Lombardo, Garrett Paff, and Connor Sexton. These three young men have been playing together since their early Troy Bruins youth hockey years. Their chemistry together will no doubt be an asset to the young Troy team.

Finally, joining the team as freshmen are Kaden Mathes and Mike McGuirk. Mike is the younger brother of captain Jack. With such a small roster, Mathes and McGuirk are expected to make an impact right away.

Come on out to Hobart Arena this season and support your 2018-2019 Troy Trojans varsity hockey team!

-A.L.