By Jim Smith

Correspondent

When Kent Roosevelt ice hockey’s Brad Edwards previews the 2024-25 season, his fifth as head coach, he is quick to mention the depth of talent on the roster.

“This is by far the deepest bench I’ve ever had. Probably the deepest bench I have had since I was (coach) at Mentor High School,” declared Edwards.

“We have 21 players — 18 skaters and three goalies. So, not only do we have depth on the forward and defensive side, we also have depth in the pipes. We can run three lines,” Edwards added.

“We have a lot of kids who have come through the Cyclones (youth) hockey program and are already hockey players. In the last couple of years, we have had a couple of project (inexperienced) players, now we have a roster full of 21 hockey players.

“It’s nice to not have to rely on six to seven forwards when we can rely on nine, plus have a fourth line and have five defensemen and two backup goalies. It’s awesome.”

The forwards include Alex Geist, Drew Haney, Ozzy Herbruck, Evan Houk, Josiah Karpinecz, Mateo Morelos, Alex Simms, Cate Simms, Carter Stevenson, Maxim Ucadze, Emmitt White and Aiden Wilson.

A review of the Rough Riders’ defense begins with the goaltenders and the Roosevelt trio of netminders is led by senior Brooke Binder.

“For at least one season it was just her (Brooke),” Edwards explained. “There really wasn’t competition. Having three goalies, there is a little bit of competition, even though Brooke is a three-year starter. I think a little competition can go a long way for everybody.”

Sophomore Lilly Karpinecz and freshman Jake Typpo will provide that competition.

“I think having (Brooke’s) leadership as a senior and being able to teach the younger kids a little bit of what it takes to play multiple games in a season and having the luxury of not having to play her in a lot of tournament games and rest her for league play is a really big advantage,” Edwards said.

All three goaltenders have experienced playing time in the preseason.

Brock Catalucci, Dominic France, Luke Haney and Teddy Maccarone lead the defensive efforts this season.

Freshman Avery Stauffer and Bear Webb will transition between forward and defense.

Leadership from the upper classmen, specifically team captains Alex Simms, Geist and France will be critical as the roster includes eight freshmen.

“I think the one thing with this group of leaders is they maintain composure,” offered Edwards. “I think it’s important to have leaders that don’t panic in adverse situations.”

Prior to their regular season opening game against Elyria Catholic, the Rough Riders completed a four-game preseason schedule.

“There’s no quit,” Edwards observed when discussing Roosevelt’s preseason efforts. There is a lot of intensity, but they’re not letting their emotions get the best of them.

“Our culture has shifted to: ‘There’s no panic.’ We play intense, there’s no panic, and we keep our composure.

“We have two rules. One is to work hard and the other is to support your teammates.

Our message is that if you work hard and support your teammates everything else will fall in line.”

As the team prepares for upcoming tournaments and White South Division play in the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League, Edwards notes opportunities for improvement for the team.

“I’d like to see us taking shorter shifts. We have depth this year, and we have got to break the habit (of long shifts). We have enough guys on the team that are talented, and we need to make sure everybody is getting on the ice and getting their flow.

“Most White Division teams don’t have 21 guys on their roster. We have a huge advantage, and I think if we can clean that up, we can do some really special things this year.”

Assistant coaches Mike Haney, Jr., Tyler Gallagher and David Simms return to the bench this season and are joined by first year assistant and former Roosevelt goaltender Jake Bennett.

“We have such a cohesive staff that we all trust one another. It’s tremendous. You need to put good guys around you that are going to push you to be a better coach,” Edwards said.

BLUE LINE NOTES

• The Rough Riders’ regular-season home opener is Thursday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. against Avon at Kent State Ice Arena.
• After participating in the Normandy Thanksgiving Tournament in Parma, Roosevelt will host the Adam S. Hamilton Tournament Dec. 5-8.
• Follow Jim Smith on X @BlueLineNotes

KENT ROOSEVELT ICE HOCKEY ROSTER

Brooke Binder, goalkeeper, senior

Dominic France, defense, senior

Alex Geist, forward, senior

Josiah Karpinecz, forward, senior

Alex Simms, forward, senior

Ozzy Herbruck, forward, junior

Teddy Maccarone, defense, junior

Carter Stevenson, forward, junior

Maxim Ucadze, forward, junior

Brock Catalucci, defense, sophomore

Luke Haney, defense, sophomore

Lilly Karpinecz, goalkeeper, sophomore

Drew Haney, forward, freshman

Evan Hook, forward, freshman

Cate Simms, forward, freshman

Avery Stauffer, forward/defense, freshman

Jake Typpo, goalkeeper, freshman

Bear Webb, forward/defense, freshman

Emmett White, forward, freshman

Aiden Wilson, forward, freshman

KENT ROOSEVELT ICE HOCKEY SCHEDULE

Nov. 16 — at Elyria Cateholic

Nov. 21 — vs. Avon

Nov. 29 — vs. Elyria Catholic at Normandy Thanksgiving Tournament

Nov. 30 — at Normandy Thanksgiving Tournament

Dec. 1 — at Normandy Thanksgiving Tournament

Dec. 5 — vs. Hudson at Adam S. Hamilton Tournament

Dec. 7 — vs. Amherst at Adam S. Hamilton Tournament

Dec. 8 — Adam S. Hamilton Tournament

Dec. 12 — vs. Normandy

Dec. 14 — vs. Stow

Dec. 19 — vs. Kenston at Karynn Barlow Memorial Tournament

Dec. 21 — vs. Bishop Watterson at Karynn Barlow Memorial Tournament

Dec. 21 — vs. Strongsville at Karynn Barlow Memorial Tournament

Dec. 22 — Karynn Barlow Memorial Tournament

Jan. 2 — vs. Olmsted Falls

Jan. 9 — vs. Nordonia

Jan. 12 — at Avon

Jan. 16 — vs. Elyria Catholic

Jan. 17 — at Chiller Arenas Tournament (Columbus)

Jan. 18 — at Chiller Arenas Tournament (Columbus)

Jan. 19 — at Chiller Arenas Tournament (Columbus)

Jan. 23 — vs. Chagrin Falls

Jan. 25 — at Orange

Jan. 26 — at Solon

Jan. 30 — vs. Stow

Feb. 2 — at Normandy