Manitowoc United Hockey Coach, Jeff Gadzinski
A new era of Hockey has arrived in Manitowoc County.
Manitowoc United, a co-op comprised of players from schools all over Manitowoc County, is getting ready for their first varsity game.
Coach Jeff Gadzinski, who was hired over this past off-season, is working with three-year captain Benson Dickrell to lead the team to success.
Gadzinski said that this year the goal is to have solid defense and team play.
“I think defense is going to be the key to competing with these more skilled varsity teams that we’re going to be facing this year,” the new coach said. “And then, obviously, nothing gets done without teamwork.”
Gadzinski is also looking forward to having a JV team as well as the varsity team.
“A lot of our varsity players are going to be playing some JV games throughout the whole season to kind of help the JV players out and make sure they have enough players on their bench,” he explained.
Manitowoc United Captain, Benson Dickrell
Manitowoc United Captain Benson Dickrell said he plans on keeping the team focused and united as a squad.
He told SeehaferNews.com his main goals are “Keeping the locker room as one, not bringing in just a little small group, just including everybody in every aspect of the game on and off the ice and just keeping the policies and the focuses of the team on the ice.”
Benson is happy with the work his teammates are putting in, and is looking forward to seeing how it pays off in their first game.
“We are going to be a defensive minded team this year. I think we’re doing a really great job of that so far, and I’m just keeping it up,” he said. “(We are) putting in the work for the upcoming game against Notre Dame and just seeing what the power is after that game and just leaning in to the varsity play, keeping our defensive mind up and ready to go.”
He also noted that Notre Dame has “a storied history and we’re starting our history right now.”
Manitowoc United Hockey plays their first varsity game and home opener at home November 23rd at 5:30 p.m. against the Notre Dame Tritons.
United will also be honoring a young fan who is battling Leukemia cancer during the game.
Funds will be collected for 7-year-old Silas Keeling in his battle with cancer.
