Stars prepare for hockey season

This article submitted by Chris Jacobson on 11/22/00.

The River Lakes Stars are preparing for another season of boy's high school hockey.

The team consists of players from the school districts of Paynesville, New London-Spicer, Rocori, St. John's Prep, and Albany.

This year, the team is divided into varsity and junior varsity squads. Last year, the team only had a varsity team. The reason for the two teams is simply that there are more players.

Out of a total of 33 players on the team, only three are from Paynesville. The two juniors on the team are goalie Adam Hartfiel and forward Chris Jacobson. The only other member of the team from Paynesville is sophomore goalie Justin Hartfiel, Adam's younger brother.

When asked about his thoughts on the season, Adam replied, "This is a rebuilding year for us. We're going to have to take this one step at a time."

The team's first game will be on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Sartell. This is always a big rivalry for the team.

On Saturday, Nov. 18, the team scrimmaged Columbia Heights. This was kind of an informal scrimmage, with only one referee and the other team's coach out on the ice.

The scrimmage was broken down into two one-hour sessions. The Stars played great during both hours, but the first hour the Stars won, and the second one they lost.

The Stars' overall record last year was three wins and 21 losses. The team lost five seniors, leaving them with only three this year. On the other hand, they gained 15 sophomores and four freshman.

The head coach this year is Kevin Mooney, with assistant coaches Joel Baumgarten and Mark Enquist, all from Richmond.

Captains are Darren Stommes and Brett Theisen, both from Rocori High School.

The season looks bright and promising for the Stars, so come out and cheer for them on at their first home game. Their first game will be on Saturday, Dec. 2, against Worthington, at the Koronis Civic Arena in Paynesville.

The Stars will play five home games in Paynesville this year and four at the River Lakes Arena in Richmond.

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