For the past month, Fenwick hockey coach Dan Wolff has been looking for his squad to show a little heart.
After a number of frustrating losses at the High School Invitational Tournament in New York and in Catholic League action, the Friars may have turned the corner at Blackhawk Holiday Classic.
Less than 24 hours after being blown out by New Trier Green in opening round play last week, Wolff’s squad bounced back and beat Chaminade (Mo.) and Stevenson to advance to Elite Eight play of the tournament.
“We had a long talk after the (5-0 loss) to New Trier Green,” Wolff said. “I told the kids at this point it’s not about talent-it’s about discipline and heart.
“If you go out and play your butts off, the team that wants it more is going to win. It’s that simple.”
As simple as Wolff makes it sound, he only saw glimpses of the right motivation during a 3-3 tie to Glenbrook South on Dec. 21.
“It was a good game that went back and forth,” said Wolff, whose squad posted a 15-17-2 record in its first 34 games this season. “We got caught in the wrong positions a couple times, and that hurt us.”
Just as the case has been in the past, Wolff has used the first part of the season to experiment with different lines. He thinks, however, that he has finally found the perfect first line with Matt Wilcox, Paul Cook, Max Bonner, Ryan Glazier and Cam Verbeke skating together.
“Some people forget this is basically a new team this year,” said Wolff, whose team fell to Glenbrook North in last season’s state title game. “We have talent, but we’re not playing together as a team yet.
“A lot of that has to do with the fact we have five players this year that played travel last year. And seven players were on the junior varsity last year, so it’s like starting all over again. It takes time getting used to playing with one another and understanding their roles in the system.”
Wolff admitted he wouldn’t know where the Friars would be if it wasn’t for the consistent play of Glazier, Verbeke and goalie Peter Szczepanski.
“When we attack, check and don’t take stupid penalties, I know we can play with anyone,” Wolff said. “The second half of the season is the most important half with the Kennedy Cup playoffs and state playoffs. Hopefully, the kids realize that, too.”
