Deer Lakes hockey aims to take next step after reaching PIHL semifinals

By: Jerin Steele
Monday, October 16, 2023 | 11:44 AM

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The excitement in Deer Lakes hockey coach Jonathan Merlo’s voice for the upcoming season was easy to discern.

A former hockey player with the Lancers, Merlo guided his alma mater to the PIHL Division 2 semifinals, and now the goal is to get a couple steps further.

The Lancers lost a couple of key players — center AJ Schaaf and goalie Benjamin Korol — but they are primed to be a factor again.

“Even though we lost AJ and Ben, our top center and goaltender, I feel we did a very good job filling in for those two individuals,” Merlo said. “We have a very strong presence about our team that I think we can make some noise again in the D2 classification.”

The Lancers made a nice opening statement, shutting out defending D2 champ Ringgold, 6-0, on Oct. 5. Ringgold beat Deer Lakes in the semifinals last year.

RJ Norkus scored four goals in the win, and Eliot Belli netted a pair.

Schaaf moved on to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite travel team this year after finishing fourth in D2 in scoring last year with 29 goals and 25 assists for 54 points.

It is a big loss, but the Lancers will count on balance throughout their lineup to supplement Schaaf’s absence.

“Don’t get me wrong: We’re going to miss AJ this year, but I think our depth in our top three or four lines is going to be showcased,” Merlo said. “It’s going to have to be showcased. That being said, I think we’re going to be strong defensively. As long as we can keep the puck out of the net and put in a few goals we should be in good shape.

“I don’t know if we’re going to average seven goals a game like we did last year, but I think we can be close to it.”

Zachary Nacey is the team captain. Hank Szenyeri and Belli are the assistant captains.

Szenyeri and Belli are part of a blue line that Merlo sees as a team strength. Jacob Bradley and Ryan Bogacz return on defense, and Luca Sosso is a new addition.

“We think our defense corps can kick it up another notch this year,” Merlo said. “We’re excited to see how they can help our offensive production while helping out our goalie, Aaron Haney, being a starter for the first time on a varsity team.”

Haney, a senior, takes over for Korol in net. Korol was the top goalie stats-wise in D2 last season, carrying a 15-2 record with a 1.93 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage.

Haney made one start last season, which was a 20-save shutout. He posted another shutout, making 32 save, in the 6-0 win over Ringgold on Thursday. Freshman Keaton Minnick will be the backup.

“Aaron’s going to have a fun year,” Merlo said. “He’s been working towards becoming the starter his entire high school career, and he’s earned the spot.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: Deer Lakes