By JOSE NEGRON
Ringgold’s 2019-20 hockey season didn’t end the way anyone expected.
The Rams advanced to the PIHL Class B championship game to face Carrick, but never had the opportunity to play for the title due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A March trip to Dallas, Texas, was also canceled as Ringgold was scheduled to play in a national tournament for the first time in team history.
After the disappointment that followed and months away from the rink, the Rams are preparing to return to the ice for meaningful games, beginning tonight when they take on Elizabeth Forward in their season opener at the Rostraver Ice Garden.
“They’re very excited. We played two scrimmage games, but it seemed so odd to play with the guys together again,” Ringgold head coach Rick Kalinowski said.
The Rams, who finished last season with a 17-1-1 record, will have to replace nine seniors, including their top four contributors on offense.
Gone are forwards Bradley Bujdos (32 goals, 29 assists last season), Evan Eberlein (19G, 31A), Justin Day (8G, 34A) and Nathan Todd (24G, 18A), in addition to forward Jeremy Bednar, defensemen Jon DuMond, Clayton Colecchi and Ryan Marek and goaltender Chad DeGroen.
“Losing nine players from last year is definitely a hard hit to any team,” Kalinowski said. “I do have faith in the foundation that we’ve built and have today.”
Ringgold will be led by forward Zach Kalinowski, who will take over as captain following Day’s graduation.
Zach Kalinowski scored 15 goals and added 13 assists for a 28-point campaign in 16 games.
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