Pine-Richland sends 4 to PIHL All-Star game

By: Jerin Steele
Sunday, January 14, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Zach Howard often picks up Cullen Campbell and drives him to Pine-Richland hockey practices and games.

Now they can take a trip together to the PIHL All-Star game.

Howard and Cullen, along with teammates Douglas Van Meter and Logan Kozak, were named to the PIHL Class 3A All-Star game, which will be held Jan. 28 at RMU Island Sports Center.

Pine-Richland coach Jordan Yoklic will also participate in the All-Star game as an assistant coach.

Howard and Cullen play on a line together and have enjoyed success.

Before they were linemates, Howard, a senior, took Campbell, a sophomore, under his wing last year after Campbell made the varsity team as a freshman.

“We live in the same neighborhood, so when I made the team last season, (Howard) volunteered to take me to practices and games,” Campbell said. “It can be kind of different having a freshman in the locker room, especially with the amount of seniors we had, but he mentored me and showed me around.

“I guess you could say I was a little bit scared as a freshman with all the hitting and playing against older people, but he helped me navigate how I needed to play on the ice and not be afraid. I think that really helped our chemistry. When we’re driving in, we talk a lot about how we can improve our game.”

Howard is making his second appearance in a PIHL All-Star game. He had a dozen goals and led the Rams with 17 points through Jan. 9.

“It’s really just about continuing our mindset of trying to dominate and relying on what we do well as a team and the personal accolades come with that,” Howard said. “I just think keeping in our heads on straight, not being satisfied with it and pushing forward has been a big part of our success.”

Campbell had nine goals and five assists through 11 games.

Kozak and Van Meter have formed a quality defensive pairing for the Rams.

They are similar to Howard and Campbell, as Van Meter is a sophomore and Kozak is a senior.

Van Meter’s journey to being an All-Star has been one of perseverance.

He missed the start of the season due to injury, but returned to the ice in late November.

“I’m grateful to be able to play in the All-Star game and I have to thank coach Yoklic for all the help he’s given me throughout my injury and getting me back to where I was before my injury,” Van Meter said.

Since returning to the lineup, Van Meter has played alongside Kozak and has seen up close why he’ll be joining him at the All-Star game.

“I really enjoy playing with (Kozak), because he’s a bigger guy, so it’s fun to be on the ice to see some of his big hits,” Van Meter said. “He’s really good defensively, so I never have to worry about my partner. He’s always doing his job the right way and I have confidence in him.”

The four Pine-Richland teammates aren’t sure if they’ll be playing with or against each other at the All-Star game. In the past, teammates have been split up. Regardless of how the rosters shake out, they are looking forward to the experience.

“I’ll get to see a lot of people that I know, and I can possibly meet some new people, and it’s just a good time,” Campbell said. “You get to relax and play with some good players in the league and just have a good hockey game. I’m glad I get to do this with my teammates.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: Pine-Richland