It was definitely something we were concerned about. We didn't have much experience. We knew we had to regroup.

When you jump up a level in hockey, the game is always faster.

Those guys have done a good job. It's difficult to find defensemen who can handle playing properly at this level. It's been a situation that's turned out much better than anticipated.

Our goals are the same as they always are as a successful program -- to win a state championship. We are starting to overachieve and mesh a bit late in the season.

He's a very heady player. He knows the game very well. He's not overly quick, but he knows how to take the proper angles to make up for it. He makes good decisions with his passing and he can join the rush and he's also the quarterback of our power play. He's had a good year.

He has more and more confidence with the puck.