New Wilmington Hockey Team Looking To Make Another Playoff Run This Season

Winter sports are in full swing and that means it’s hockey season. We were able to catch up with new head coach of the Wilmington Varsity hockey team, Matt Miller, and ask a few questions of his team, players, challenges, and what fans can look forward to this season. The co-op program features two Lincoln High School student athletes.

“This is my first year being the head coach for the Wilmington Varsity team. I had previously been the JV and middle school coach. I am excited about our team this year and the opportunity this season presents for us,” said Miller.

The team currently holds a 5-5 record but is working hard to improve everyday and are on a four game winning streak after collecting a 4-1 victory over Connellsville on Tuesday.

Last years team did very well finished with a record of 12-6 and made to the semifinals of the playoffs.

“This years team’s makeup is very different compared to previous seasons,” said Miller. “We lost a lot of our scoring from last year and there needs to be different mindset of how we play this year.”

The coach points to a willingness to battle hard in the corners and in front of the net and get the ugly goals off of rebounds.

“We also lost very good senior defense men and there are opportunities for younger defense men to earn playing time and make key contributions this season,” said Miller. “However, we are very balanced throughout our lineup and are able to put out four solid lines to compete every night against our opponents.”

The Wilmington Varsity team has three captains this year and two of them are seniors at Lincoln High School.

Drake Tomak and Cody Williams are two captains for the team and each bring a lot to ice for the team according to Miller.

“Drake is our team captain and a senior this year. He has consistently been one of the teams top scorers in previous seasons. But now a lot of the scoring responsibility is on his shoulders. He is extremely talented and able to create room and scoring opportunities consistently. He is always a threat to make something happen.”

Tomak leads the team with 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 11 games played while Williams has a team-high 11 goals on the regular season.

Williams is an assistant captain this year and is touted by Miller for his ability to create scoring opportunities and advantages.

“Cody is one of our centers and is very talented at taking face offs. We rely on him heavily in all different game situations to win draws and give ourselves an advantage. He is very quick and has a great ability to make amazing passing plays to create scoring opportunities,” said coach Miller.

Tyler Girman is the other assistant captain for the team. Miller notes Girman is willing to go battle anywhere on the ice and gives optimal effort.

“Tyler does not know how to go less than 100% while he is on the ice,” said Miller.

“He isn’t going to wow you with his amazing stick handling but, he is constantly applying pressure to the opposing team and has an amazing ability of blocking shots.”

A total of five Ellwood City athletes participate on the 2021-22 Wilmington co-op hockey team. Senior Tomak and Williams are joined by junior Gage Miller, and sophomores Mitchel Covert and Blake Mravintz.

The Wilmington Varsity team is a co-op hockey team, meaning that multiple schools from surrounding counties who don’t have a enough players to form their own team team combine to form a team to compete in the PIHL, this gives kids the opportunity to play interscholastic hockey.

The first year coach will look to find a balance and build relationships with his players, but points out his challenges.

“As far as challenges, there aren’t any as a result of being a Co-op, just the challenges of working with teenage players. Each player is different. Each one has their own activities outside of hockey that we try to work with. And each one responds differently to criticism or encouragement. Some respond great when you get on them about a mistake while others will shrink back and not participate. Its trying to find that balance and build a relationship with each player so that we as a coaching staff can lead them throughout the season and know how to get the best out of each player in each circumstance,” said Miller.

This season, fans can expect a very aggressive type of play from the team and will see a team who is always competing according to Miller.

“Every game at this level is so competitive and it is hard to earn wins.”

The coach eyes Neshannock as an opponent to circle on the calendar. Both Wilmington and Neshannock play out of Hess Ice Rink and many of the players know each other.

“Many of the players are teammates with each other on the Lawrence County Lightning and our locker rooms are right across the hallway from each other at the rink.”

Wilmington lost its first game to them this year but is looking forward to getting to play their rivals again on January 3.

“Without a doubt,” concluded Miller.