Nov 28, 2008 - 04:05:25 CST
At a recent Bismarck High practice, first-year head coach Mike Peluso - formerly of the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers - was skating with the forwards. Assistant Todd Rohloff, who played for the Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets, was working with the defense. Meanwhile former BHS star Layne Sedevie, whose minor league career is on hiatus, stopped by to talk to the goalies.A large and talented senior class led the Demons to a school-record 24 victories last season. As this year's squad tries to carve out its own identity, it will be getting instruction from some pretty accomplished sources.
Senior forward Jared Hochhalter said he's looking forward to playing for Peluso, the best player to ever come out of Bismarck.
"I had him for Elite Twos, and he's just a great coach," Hochhalter said. "I'm just happy to have him again right now.
"He's more of a teacher," Hochhalter added. "He has a lot to bring since he played pros, than most people do. If everybody opens up to what they're trying to say, we're going to learn a lot this year and be good."
Peluso said he has enjoyed working with the Demons, who have not only been open, but a bit too eager to please.
"I think they're trying so hard to impress us that they need to relax," Peluso said. "When I was 16 or 17 years old, if I had a guy who played in the NHL out in the rink with me, I would have been trying to do the same thing.
"Once they realize that we're just like anybody else, that we're here to help them and pass along our experiences, then I think they'll be fine. They'll loosen up a little bit."
Even though Bismarck was hit hard by graduation, losing all-staters Jared LaBere, Andrew Seeberg and Sean Sullivan, the Demons were still picked to finish first in the West Region in the Tribune's coaches' poll.
Bismarck's biggest strength appears to be its defense. Nick Romanick, an all-region pick, returns, along with Tyler Peterson and Ben Peterson. There's some firepower up front with Hochhalter, Tyler Richter and Patrick Anderson. Hochhalter had 31 points last season, Richter 29, and Anderson scored 15 goals.
"We have a really strong defense. We have some good lines of forwards. We have some people who can put some points up," Richter said.
Peluso said for the Demons to reach their potential, new leaders will have to emerge.
"They've stressed to me that they're so used to having somebody help them out last year and pick them up," Peluso said. "I'm like, 'That's you guys now.' It's guys like Tyler Richter, Nick Romanick, Tyler Peterson, guys like that. They're older, better veteran guys. They're going to have to step up and be the leaders and shine and teach the young kids how to play."
Peluso is confident that will happen.
"I'm really proud of the kids," he said. "They're working hard. They're trying to do the right things. It's different for them, but they'll get there."
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