CALUMET — From 2017 to 2022, the Calumet Copper Kings hockey team was at the height of its run, winning five regional titles, making four finals appearances and reaching the state finals twice. However, after all that success, the Copper Kings experienced a very different 2022-23 season, winning only eight times in the regular season and losing to Hancock in the Region 17 semifinals.
They graduated both goaltenders, including Axel Lukes, and produced many other important players from that group.
“I thought I did a good job.” Copper Kings coach Dan Giacchino said. “I would have liked to have seen us win a couple more games later in the year, but overall, given our situation and the strength of the other teams, I thought we were OK.”
One of the positives of last season was the number of young players who gained valuable experience in terms of playing time.
“I think we had some young guys in the lineup last year…getting those young guys in the lineup is going to pay off for us this year.” He said. “We’ve got to get better. We’ve got to continue to close it (the gap on teams like Calumet and Houghton) and we’d like to give them a chance, hopefully, by the time we get into February. ”
The Copper Kings have a very young roster this season, with just two seniors, six juniors, six sophomores and four freshmen, but Ghiachino is encouraged by what he’s seen in practice. There is.
In goal, the Copper Kings are turning to senior Hunter Tuoriniemi, who joined the varsity team for the first time this season, to fill the big space left by Axel.
“He’ll probably be a big part of our starting lineup.” Giacchino said. “Hunter is also capable of being a very good goaltender. We are looking forward to seeing what he can do and provide quality minutes.
“He’s technically very good and a competitive goaltender. He has that same drive to fight and not give up the puck and just not want to get scored on.”
Behind Tuoliniemi is freshman Bo Jukri, who has not yet fully adapted to the national team, but Giacchino feels he has the ability to become a starter once he gets used to it.
“Bo is doing a pretty good job position-wise.” Giacchino said. “What’s on my mind right now is he needs to improve in terms of pace of play. I think he’s just adjusting to the speed of practice and the pace of things right now. ”
On the goaltending front, the Copper Kings will rely heavily on juniors Matt Franti and Ted Lucas. Ted gained a lot of experience last season, scoring two goals and four points in 25 games.
In addition to them, sophomore Dylan Crouch, who had 2 goals and 3 points in 25 games last season, and junior Nels Lucas, who is transitioning from forward to defense, will have an immediate impact on Coach Giacchino due to his abilities. There’s also freshman Jax Carlson, who feels like he can give. skating ability.
Giacchino really liked what Crouch did during the first half of last season, but feels there is still room for improvement.
“I think Dylan played really well in the first half of the year, and then he kind of fell off a little bit, and it felt like to me maybe a little bit of a lull in the second half of the year.” Giacchino said. “Towards the end of the year, I felt like he jumped again.
“What I’m seeing from him now is he’s gotten a lot bigger, a little bit bigger, stronger. If he can bring that stability aspect, we’re going to be in the second year. I think you’re going to see that as a player, and it gives us a pretty reliable defense.”
Franti trained with the national team last season, and Giacchino believes he will be ready for the next step this year.
“Matt has made great strides.” Giacchino said. “He practiced quite a bit with us last year. He’s a big kid, but he’s in pretty good shape right now. So we’re hoping he’ll be a little bit more physical and on our backside. I hope he brings toughness.”
Up front, the Copper Kings return their top offensive threat in Cam Anderson. After scoring 12 goals and 19 points as a junior, Giacchino feels he can make an even bigger leap this season.
“He can see the ice very well.” Giacchino said. “He makes a lot of little plays. He doesn’t do plays that jump off the page or anything like that. So I think the only thing that really helps him is consistency in all three zones.”
Another player Giacchino has high expectations for is sophomore Nate Rondo. He scored two goals and seven points as a freshman. This fall, he spent time with his 18U team in Windigo, Wisconsin, where he had a strong showing.
“I think that was good for him.” Giacchino said. “He chose not to play football this year and focus more on hockey and he got that opportunity. I think it was good for him. He got coaching from other people and played with other kids. I think it’s always good to be exposed to different things. I really hope this whole experience continues to grow him and I’m certainly seeing that in the first week or so. ”
Junior Brendan Boberg seems ready to take another step this year. He had four goals and six points last season.
“This is his third year, and I think there were some really encouraging things for him later this year and last year.” Giacchino said. “Everything right now is a step beyond that.”
A pair of sophomores Giacchino is excited about are Eric Lucas and Ben Anderson. Eric played in 25 games as a freshman last season, scoring one goal and four points. Giacchino likes the improvement in his skating and speed compared to the same time last year.
Ben, who played football in the fall, has the desire to step into the corner and make plays, which is something the Copper Kings need this season.
“Ben brings a good speed element. I would say he gives us grit up front.” Giacchino said. “Ben is going to get some sandpaper for us and go get the puck and (at the same time) be tough on the puck.”
The Copper Kings open their season this weekend at the Copper Island Classic against Hancock. They welcome Trenton and Howell to Calumet Coliseum after failing to find chemistry with Heartland this season. Liggett University, Novi University, Brighton University, Detroit Jesuit University, Brother Rice University and Northville University will all head north this season. They are also scheduled to play De Pere in late January as part of a tough game to close out the regular season, and will face Hancock, Marquette and Houghton at venues across from the MIHL Showcase in Trenton.