Moeller High School 2008-09 Hockey Articles

PLAYER OF THE YEAR Nate Han, Moeller The senior defenseman had 17 goals and 37 assists for the Crusaders.

COACH ·oF THE. YEAR John Neeb, Talawanda He led the Braves to their third consecutive season with 20-plus wins. Talawanda (24-4-2) was the Southwest Ohio High School Hockey League champion for the third consecutive season.

FIRST TEAM Drew Hoover, Talawanda · The senior forward had 47 goals and 32 assiSts for the Braves.

Eric Smith, Moeller· The senior forward had 48 goals and 32 assists for the Crusaders.

Drew Grombala, St. Xavier The senior forward had 20 goals and 15 assists for the Bombers.

Dan Ashton, Sy,camore

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The junior defenseman had 16 goals and 4,0 assists for the Aviators. /

Allan Dowler, Talawanda The senor goaltender had a 1.441goalsagainst average. He had· 21 wins, four \ losses and two ties. He had a .944 save percentage and six shutouts.

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HONORABLE MENTION Sycamore- Drew T~ppan, Sam Wocks, Dan Krzyminski, Anders Miller, Scott Owens, Jeff Wolkoff, Brandon Nazek; Talawanda - Braden Park, Ben Eckhoff, Willy Davidge, Erik Humfleet, Jake Jackson; St. Xavier- Josh ·Miller, Joe Gieringer, Mike Rinaldi, Ken Doud, Phil Krzeski; Moeller - Ryan Boyd; Collin Kelleher, .Matt Karst, Alex Stagge, Kyle Bobay, Paul Ward, · ljaul Guhza, Drew Rosselot ·

Sports & recreation

December 31,2008

Suburban Life

A9

Moeller goalie gaining confidence

By Mark Chalifoux mchalifoux@communitypress.com

The Moeller hockey team has started the season winning eight of its first 10 games and part of the reason the team has been successful is the development of junior Alec Mathias, one of two goaltenders on the team.

"He's doihg well," Moeller head ice hockey coach Mike Reeder said.

"He's building his blocks, he's working on a lot of stuff, he's managing the game better.

"I would hope his confidence is improving, especially after last weekend."

Mathias recently earned a Most Valuable Goaltender award during a tournament in Cleveland Dec. 13-14.

The Crusaders lost in the championship game of the tournament in overtime.

"Our challenges come from Toledo and Cleveland and places like that," Mathias said.

"The harder teams we play, the more ready we will be for the state tournament."

One key for Moeller will be having goaltenders Mathias, a Loveland resident, and John

ALE PHOTO

Junior Alec Mathias said one of his personal goals is to record 10 shutouts this season. He currently stands at three and said he's aquicker in the net this year.

Manibusan ready for the postseason.

The two split time on tne varsity team last year backing up starter Stephen Kelczewski.

Mathias already has three shutouts this season.

"He's learning how to prepare himself for the game," Reeder said of Mathias.

Moeller coach gets 1OOth win Community Press Staff Reports Moeller head ice hockey coach Mike Reeder celebrated his 1OOth victory in the program Dec. 14 with a 6-2 win over Benedictine.

Reeder has elevated the Moeller program after taking it to its .fust final four in 2005 ¡ duiingjlis first season as head coach:.. ¡ "It's' a journey, and it's been fun," he said.

"It's been tough, but it's been fun. Selfishly it's great to get win 100. but ~t d~s~'t mean anything at thts pomt m the year. It's just another game."

The Crusaders have started the season 8-3-1.

Moeller recently dropped a pair of overtime games in a difficult tournament up north,

including losing the championship game in overtime.

Reeder said he's been pleased with how the team has started the season.

"We're scoring goals and we aren't giving many up," he said.

Moeller recently outscored its competition 35-1 at a tournament in Columbus.

"It's one thing to come and put your stuff on and play, it's another to be prepared before you get here. The game starts hours before you step on the ice and whole team is starting to realize how important that is."

The Crusaders have been a much-improved team offen-

sively and ¡recently outscored the competition 35-1 in a tournament in Columbus.

While offense may be the strength for Moeller, if history is any indicator goaltending is the key to advancing in the state tournament.

St. Xavier relied on strong goaltending when the Bombers advanced to the final four last season and superb goaltending helped Moeller reach the final four in 2005.

"I think we can go far this year if we just keep playing as a team and playing defense," Mathias said.

"I think our strong point is we play really well together and we all get along."

Reeder said he was happy with where his team is at this point in the season and said that continued improvement is the goal for Moeller.

"With a guy like Mathias, he's starting to see some shots he hasn't seen before, shots that are a little quicker and a little harder," he said.

"His potential hasn't even been tapped into yet. We're just scratching the surface and he's starting to get more confidence."

Tougher, taster Crusaders take to the ice

By Mark Chalifoux

/a/.1..0/o 8

mchalifoux@community!resslo~

The Moeller hockey team will look a little different from last year's squad when the Crusaders take the ice this year.

The biggest difference between the two teams is physical.

"We are going to be a fast team but also an extremely tough team," said Moeller head coach Mike Reeder.

"We are tougher than ever and have some physical kids. This is also a tough group mentally."

Moeller will be led by four-year varsicy player Nate Han, who will anchor the Crusader defense.

Moeller was able to limit opponents to 2.28 goals last season, one of the highest defensive outputs in the past decade for the Crusaders.

Forward Eric Smith, of Loveland, will be another key player for the Crusaders.

Han, Smith, Mason's Ryan Boyd, and Loveland's Collin Kelleher will be counted on for senior leadership, Reeder said.

Moeller has a typically difficult

REED BECKJORD/CONTRIBUTOR

Moeller senior Nate Han will be one of the key players for the Crusaders this season.

schedule this season, which includes a trip to Bowling Green and a trip to Toledo St. John's.

Reeder said he's trying to schedule more develand and lbledo teams to prepare the Crusaders for the postseason.

The Southwest District will have some stiff competition for the Crusaders, mainly from Talawanda and St. Xavier, which made the final four last year.

Reeder said the forwards for this year's team should be much improved and will be the strength of the team.

He also said this year's squad has

"more hockey sense."

The key for Moeller will be to maintain the strong defensive effort last year's team produced.

Moeller graduated its goalie and its top defenseman from a year ago.

John Manibusan, of Maineville, and Alec Mathias, of Loveland, will provide the goaltending for Moeller this year and Reeder is confident the duo can match the performance by Stephen Kelczewski last season.

Reeder said the team is already displaying good chemistry and that he has several team building events planned throughout the year, including a team trip to the Free Store Foodbank in January to sort food.

"It's great for the kids because sometimes we take things for granted and when they leave they appreciate the gifts and opportunities they have been given by their God and their parents," he said.

Reeder said the team has been working hard since June and that Moeller could be poised for a special season.

"We will be more physical, better offensively and have more hockey sense and passion this season," he said.

A10

Suburban Life

December 17, 2008

Sports & recreation

Tougher, faster Crusaders take to the ice

By Mark Chalifoux mchalifoux@communitypress.com

The Moeller hockey team will look a little different from last year's squad when the Crusaders take the ice this year.

The biggest difference between the two teams is phystcal.

"We are going to be a fast team but also an extremely tough team," said Moeller head coach Mike Reeder.

"We are tougher than ever and have some physical kids.

This is also a tough group mentally."

Moeller will be led by fouryear varsity player Nate Han, · who will anchor the Crusader defense.

Moeller was able to limit opponents to 2.28 goals last season, one of the highest defensive outputs in the past REED BECKJCRD/CONTRIBVTCR decade for the Crusaders.

Forward Eric Smith, of Junior Alec Ma111ias is one of two goalies Moeller will be counting on 111is season.

Loveland, will be another key player for the Crusaders.

Han, Smith, Mason's Ryan Boyd, and Loveland's Collin Kelleher will be counted on for senior leadership, Reeder said.

Moeller has a typically difficult schedule this season, which includes a trip to Bowling Green and a trip to Toledo St. John's.

Reeder said he's trying to schedule more Cleveland and Toledo teams to prepare the Crusaders for the postseason.

The Southwest District will REED BECKJORD/CONTRIBUTOR have some stiff competition for Moeller sophomore Kyle Bobay (Mason), left, is expected to be a play a bigger role this season for the Crusaders. the Crusaders, mainly from Talawanda and St. Xavier, Reeder said the forwards for strength of the team. sense." which made the final four last this year's team should be He also said this year's The key for Moeller will be · -· year. much improved and will be the squad has "more hockey to maintain the strong defen-

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aturday 12 2 pm at Cincinnati Gardens (home game for St. X)

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Moeller vs Dublin Jerome Sunday 12/21 1:30pm @ Cincinnati Gardens

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Yvon G. Desfosses coached hockey Tough on the ice and easy off of it t . ~-.o.,

By Rebecca Goodman rgoodman@enquirer.com 路

MASON - Yvon G. Destosses, founder of the hockey 路 路 program at Moeller High School, died Jan. 23 of pancreatic cancer at his home in Mason.

He was 75.

The Quebec, Canada, native was called "Frenchy" by the kids he coached.

He used to bark out commands in broken English, but his charges got the gist of it, according to his friend, former WKRC-TV (Channel 12) sports anchor Walt Maher.

Mr. Destosses helped launch Moeller's program Mr. Desfosses in 1983 and was the team's first head coach.

He considered it his job to teach the players about hockey and life.

He coached several local teams with Mike Reeder, current head coach at Moeller, whom Mr. Desfosses had coached beginning when he was 12.

"Frenchy was like a father to me," Reeder said.

"He was always a giver."

Mr. Desfosses coached at the University of Cincinnati for two years and also coached the Cobras, a junior team of 16- to 20year-olds.

He returned to Moeller as an assistant coach when Reeder became head coach in 2004.

He fell on the ice three years ago while demonstrating a inove at Moeller and suffered a serious head injury. He was unable to continue coaching.

"Leaving his kids was a heartwrenching blow," Maher said.

Mr. Desfosses played semipro hockey in Canada and spent two years with the now-defunct Cincinnati Mohawks of the Midwest Amateur Hockey League.

Relentless on the ice as a defenseman, he lost plenty of teeth back in the era of no face masks, Maher said.

He came to the United States in 1966 and became a naturalized citizen 10 years later.

He worked as a pipe fitter for the Anchor Steel Co. in Middletown before becoming an employee of General Electric. He retired in 1997.

"As tough as he was on the ice, he was just as soft off it," Maher said.

"He was a happy, fun-loving and extremely generous family man.

"For some 15 years, he and his wife, Colombe, would entertain neighborhood kids and their families with a New Year's Eve party. ''Guests were crammed into the home like sardines. They had to shut the partying down when total strangers tried to walk in off the street."

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Suzie Desfosses Thompson.

Survivors include his wife, Colombe Maltais Desfosses; four sons, Theo, Jean-Jacques and Rene Desfosses, all of Mason, and Piere Desfosses of Canada; two daughters, Julie Schmitz and France Sowders, both of Mason; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Services have been held. Mr. Desfosses' remains were cremated. 路Memorials can be made to the First Church of God, 204 Williams St.., Mason, OH 45040.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR Nate Han, Moeller The senior defenseman had 17 goals and 3 7 assists for the Crusaders.

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COACH OF THE YEAR John Neeb, Talawanda He led the Braves to their third consecutive season with 20-plus wins. Talawanda (24-4-2) was the Southwest Ohio High School Hockey League champion for the third consecutive season.

FIRST TEAM Drew Hoover, Talawanda The senior forward had 47 goals and 32 assists for the Braves.

Eric Smith, Moeller The senior forward had 48 goals and 32 assists for the Crusaders.

Drew Grombala, St. Xavier The senior forward had 20 goals and 15 assists for the Bombers.

Dan Ashton, Sycamore The junior defenseman had 16 goals and 40 assists for the Aviators.

Allan Dowler, Talawanda The senor goaltender had a 1.44 goalsagainst average. He had 21 wins, four losses and two ties. He had a .944 save percentage and six shutouts.

HONORABLE MENTION Sycamore- Drew Tappan, Sam Wocks, Dan Krzyminski, Anders Miller, Scott Owens, Jeff Wolkoff, Brandon Nazek; Talawanda - Braden Park, Ben Eckhoff, Willy Davidge, Erik Humfleet, Jake Jackson; Sl Xavier - Josh Miller, Joe Gieringer, Mike Rinaldi, Ken Doud, Phil Krzeski; Moeller - Ryan Boyd, Collin Kelleher, Matt Karst, Alex Stagge, Kyle Bobay, Paul Ward, Paul Gunza, Drew Rosselot

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Enquirer

tt1e Crusaders hope will propel them lnr~l'll111':11rMikl" RP.~il1~r

worries that ott-er teams will be gunning for Moeller.

Strong Moeller team everybody's favorite St. X ambitions lean on strong defense

By Jeff Wallner Enquirer rontributur

Moeller and St. Xavier share the Cincinnati Gardens as both a practice facility and home ice. Bombers coach Adam Tramonte takes advantage of that situation, often looking in on Crusaders practices.

Tramonte is impressed with what he's observed so far.

"I watched the]Vontheice, and I couldn't tell if it was varsity," he said. "Moeller is the class of the league. They usually are."

The Crusaders, who reached the state final four in 2005, are prohibitive favorites to win the Southwest Ohio High School Hockey League South Division title.

"That's the kiss of death," said Moeller coach Mike Reeder. "We have some talented kids. But it's up to us to put it together. We're solid top to bottom. We have to overcome the fact that there are some teams who'll lay in front of the net to beat us."

Moeller, which lost to Kettering Alter in the Columbus District tournament last year, returns forward Nate Han, who ranked third on the team with 15 goals, and junior goaltenders John Manibusan and Alec Mathias, who helped the Crusaders post a league-leading 2.23 goals-against average.

Manibusan, who had a 1.22 goals-against average, is the favorite to start. But Reeder said both goaltenders could play significant minutes.

The Crusaders have a formidable line in Han, junior Paul Gunza, and seniors Eric Smith and Ryan Boyd, who had 13 goals and 13 assists last year.

"We had 88 fewer penalty minutes than the year before," said Reeder. "We're playing fair. We're playing hockey with bravery and

Among Moeller's deep strengths: forward Nate Han (from left). who had 15 goals last season, junior goaltender John Manibusan, with a 1.22 goals-against average, and senior Eric Smith.

St. Xavier, which lost to runnerup Gates Mills Gilmour Academy in last year's state semifinals, returns 10 players, including five regular contributors.

Among the Bombers' strengths is senior goaltender Joe Giering?r, who was in goal for 26 games last year.

"Our goaltender is strong," T~a­ monte said. "We wouldn't have gotten where we did last year without him."

The Bombers are led by senior co-captains Drew Grombala, a forward, and defenseman Kenny Doud. Each scored nine goals last season.

Doud "could be the best defenseman in the league." said Tramonte. "He's a heck of a hockey player."

Talawanda, which reached the state semifinals in 2004, is the dt>-

Neeb must overcome graduating 60 percent of the Braves' scoring.

Talawanda brings back a strong core. including forwards Jimmy Alexander, Ryan Gann and Braden Park. They will be supported defensively by Ben Eckhoff. Drew Hoover and senior goaltender Allan Dowler.

Sycamore, which reached the Elite Eight in the state before losing to St X, also will factor into the South Division race.

The Aviators return senior center Drew Tappen, junior defenseman Dan A~hton, junior center Curtis Robrrtson, sophomore winger Jeff Wolkoff and top goaltender James Graves, a junior.

"We play in one of the strongest divisions in the state," said Sycamore coach Nate Price. "All the teams are competitive. Tht games will be very close. We plan on be~

Greene's double-double paces Taylor '

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Enquirerstattreporl/;

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Junior forward John Greene · scored 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to help Taylor to a 5923 boys' basketball victory over ,. Oyler Monday night.

Taylor's Cameron Youngblood · . · contributed 10 points and six re. bounds.

Giris' basketbal Cincinnati Counby Day 65, St. · _Bernard 29: Junior forward Mariah

· . Reed and freshman guard Ricci • 1 ·Snell combined for 34 points. · . , Senior guard Kari Cadle led St. , Bernard with 12 points. . · Monroe43,WestCarrollton32:Ju-

nior forward Rachel Williams led Monroe with 15 points. West Carrollton's Ashley McNupp matched

High school roundup

Middletownseniorfor:vardTlff~y total of eight goals in the final two Parks scored a team-h1gh 15 pomts games of the tournament. and grabbed 12 rebounds. Senior Williams' 15 points. point guard, Jannell Banks had 15 Boys' bowling Chamlnade-Jullenne 70, Roger points with six assists.

Colerain 2, 799, St. Xavier 2,566: Bacon 33: Roger Bacon couldn't Winton Woods 69, Trotwood Senior Brandon Schaiper had a 466 slow down Chaminade-Julienne's Madison 45: Winton Woods im- series to lead the Cardinals (2-1) at offense, as they jumped out to a proved to 3-0.

Colerain Bowl.

28-4 first quarter lead and Roger Schaiper had a high game of Winton Woods senior guard Bacon couldn't recover.

Dayeesha Hollins scored 14 points 248.

Roger Bacon senior center Ash- with seven rebounds and six steals.

St. Xwas led by junior Chris Weley Ivory scored 10 points and ber who had a 441 series. grabbed five rebounds.

Colerain is ranked No. 2 in the Fayetteville 78, Manchester 48: Moeller won the Kilbourne Invi- Enquirer area coaches' poll, while Fayetteville scored early and often tational Hockey Tournament in Co- St. X is No.1. to beat visiting Manchester for its lumbus over the weekend at the CORRECTION: Milford boys' bassecond win of the season (2-1).

Chiller North Arena. ketball coach Joe Cambron's Fayetteville was led by sophoThey defeated Thomas Wor- coaching record was incorrectly more guard Shelby Sheets with a thington 9-0 in the semifinals and reported in the Dec. 4 preview secgame-high 28 points, eight re- Worthington Kilbourne 7-0 in the tion. bounds and five assists. finals. Moeller's Collin Kelleher Cambron was 50.77 to start the Middletown 55, Talawanda 45: and Paul Gunza scored a combined season.

lfteley ·.