HARTLAND — As the high school hockey season heads into its home stretch, the stretch of practices and games finishes its third month, with another six weeks to go.
For some teams, the long slog of a season can lead to mental fatigue.
That’s not likeiy to happen tonight, when Howell and Hartland meet at the Hartland Ice House in a game that will be broadcast on The Livingston Post beginning at 7:20 p.m. Click here for the link.
“They always get jacked up when it’s a Livingston County matchup,” said Hartland coach Rick Gadwa, who has played and coached in the rivalry. “So it’s really cool that we get this game right now. They’ve been playing since November. Other years, you really have to dig deep but guys don’t have to dig deep when it’s Howell and Hartland.”
Each team has plenty to play for. Hartland (11-5-1) is ranked No. 2 in Division 1 by the state coaches association, while Howell (13-6-1) is fifth.
“They’ve taken a jump, I think, from from last year to this year just in the way they do things,” Gadwa said. “They like to play fast. I know that’s that’s part of a part of the way they want to play and so we’re gonna have to build a counter to that.”
The Eagles will try to so do with a stingy defense that’s averaging less than two goals allowed per game and an offense that has six players in d0uble figures in points but no one with more than 18 on the season.
In contrast, Howell’s Ben Huotari has 19 assists alone, while Joel Eskola has 16 goals and 18 assists.
“We have a good idea what how wants to do with that said it’s important that we start worrying about like ourselves and getting to play our game,” Gadwa said. “So it’s kind of we have a plan that we have in place, we’ve practice it and it’s putting that plan and exit into play and executing on it.”
Both teams will have a challenge on Saturday, too. The Eagles will be home against Marquette, ranked No. 3 in Division 3, while the Highlanders play host to No. 6 Livonia Stevenson.
