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2014/15 North Royalton Hockey Preview

Posted by Jeff McCarthy on Nov 18 2014 at 04:00PM PST

North Royalton Bears- 2014-15 

Recap of 2013-14:
 The North Royalton Bears finished the 2013-14 season with an impressive 37-19-1 overall record, placed 2nd (lost 1-0 to the Jackson Polar Bears) in the USA Hockey, Ohio HS State Championships and a top 8 finisher at USA Hockey HS National Championships.

Outlook for 2014-15:
The 2014-15 North Royalton Bears believe they have what it takes to make another run at a USA Hockey, Ohio HS State Championship and will attempt to do so with a number of new players. The Bears lost 16 players from last season’s 37 win team, however, feel they have added the right pieces to contend. There are 12 players that will wear a North Royalton jersey for the first time this season joining a solid core of 10 returners. This season’s team is making defense a priority and will focus heavily on their defensive zone play. The team recognizes that in a league as strong as thiers puck management and strong defense are integral to a team’s success.

Forwards:
The Bears will look to their new additions to replace the offense lost from last season’s team as the Bears said goodbye to 84% (208/248) of their goals scored from a year earlier.

Returners: Timmy Orlosky (Junior/Strongsville HS) Harrison Zeller (Junior/Revere HS) Eric Golla (Sophomore/North Royalton HS) Matt Brewer (Sophomore/ North Royalton HS) Christian Fernandez (Sophomore/ North Royalton HS) Additions: Paul Jablonski (Senior/Mayfield HS) Nicolai Kolasinski (Senior/Walsh Jesuit HS) Mike Ambrose
(Senior/Aurora HS) Jacob Krosky (Junior/Strongsville HS) Anthony Picciano (Junior/Strongsville HS) Brian Fielding (Junior/Avon HS) Tyler Cimperman (Freshman/Garfield Heights HS)

Defenseman:
The Bears return 5 of their top 6 defenseman from last season’s team, a team that surrendered less than 2.5 goals per game.

Returners: Preston Vinyard (Senior/Normandy HS) Jeremy Gripp (Junior/North Royalton HS) Michael Schlegel (Junior/St. Ignatius HS) Logan Kieklak (Sophomore/ North Royalton HS) Christian Fernandez (Sophomore/ North Royalton HS) Additions: Nick Magro (Junior/St. Joe’s, Fremont) Cam Cook (Junior/St. Ignatius)

Promising Newcomers:
North Royalton will introduce a trio of goaltenders this season, all in their first year with the Bears and all capable of playing meaningful minutes.  Joey Fratantonio (Junior/Revere HS) Danny Fielding (Freshman/Avon HS)  and Collin Mischak (Freshman/Cuyahoga Heights HS) will all see time between the pipes for the Bears. 

Source of optimism:
The Bears seem to have a renewed hunger and a balanced roster with 12 new players and 10 returners. The team has come together quickly and their chemistry is solid.

Cause for concern:
The Bears graduated both of their goaltenders and 84% of their total goals scored from last season’s team.

Did you know?:
The North Royalton Bears have won an astounding 105 games over the last four seasons including a team record, 37 wins, last season. During that four year period, the Bears have won approximately 60% of their games compiling a 105-64-12 record along the way.

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