Barons Season Preview: Position by Position

The Season Ahead…

Wingers:

The Barons return all wingers besides Kristen Sutton from last years team that averaged a whopping 1.4 Jagger bombs per minute, as well as 6.71 goals per game.  One big change this season is the movement of Captain Ryan Schwepfinger to the wing on the first line.  What this means, probably nothing, but we’ll make him feel special.  Erik Yost will cover the other wing of the shift, oh what are we saying, he’ll stumble around the crease and still score more goals than people that can actually skate.  Chris Morando takes a break from being a gigantic nerd to play wing opposite of the seemingly always-intoxicated Drew Sullivan.  Nic Sanders returns for another season, which means that the AARP must be a new official sponsor of the Barons.  He’ll play opposite of Ben Reinke on the fourth line, but no one really cares, cause who the fuck is that guy?  The fifth line features our rookie Zach Wilson, who will provide the blooper reel for the team.  We put him on the same line as Josh Samuels, which really isn’t fair to the ice, it will see far too much man ass.

Centers:

Yeah, the Barons actually attempt to distinguish between centers and wingers, but we all know it’s just who takes the damn faceoff, otherwise it’s a clusterfuck.  Colby MacMillan starts his first game as 1^st line catheter, I mean center.  Can he hold his liquor, I mean own?  Playoff MVP Andrew Bickell centers the second line.  I’d have a joke about that, but the dude kinda dominates.  Brian Williams will be centering the third line, bet he didn’t know that til this was released.  Michael Cozzi will center a line constructed with the only people on the team that can stand to be in one place more than 2 and a half minutes with him.

Defense:

The Barons will rotate seven defenders that are all basically indistinguishable from each other. Rick Leeman will score a goal at some point when the other team mistakes him for a garden gnome and Matthew Ripley will make an impassionate pre game speech that no one will take seriously and will sulk onto the ice like a hurt dog.  Kyle Coates will continue to be, wait, who the fuck is Kyle Coates? Does anyone know?  I have nothing written anywhere about him, besides that he has a massive dick.  Our resident old fart Joey Balla will be pushed onto the ice in his wheelchair by his nurse/mistress and Chris Wilkin will continue to be a ginger.  Ryan Studley will continue to be a thug.  His only goal this season was to “not get kicked out”, a truly honorable goal.  Andrew Schwepfinger will finish up the defensive rotation and will provide the Barons with more sandbagging than during Hurricane Katrina

Goaltending:

Corey Olson is a god.  We are not worthy of being in is awesome presence.  Everyone should bow at his feet and kiss his toes.  Bring him lavish gifts and sing his praises on high.

Overall Outlook:

The Barons look to have a promising season with many hard games leading up to…. Oh fuck it, WE’RE GONNA WIN THE DAMN THING!!!!

Barons Season Preview: The Prospectus

Prospectus

Three division championships and an IHL championship distinguish The Barons as an elite example of program consistency par excellence.  As a result, this season sees the Barons honored to form part of the IHL’s pioneering Tuesday 11:15 Division, pitted home and away against traditional foes the Wanderers and the Silver Seven.  Undaunted by this challenge and motivated by the Barons Winter 2011 championship, the members of this spring’s campaign share a similar resolve and unwavering aspirations: to establish their own deserved legacy within the program’s rich history and to restore its place atop the IHL’s throne.

Like the myth of the Phoenix, each successive season seems to be born from the ashes of its recent past.  The graduation of last year’s two Gentlemen/women-Warriors means that the challenge of reassembling now lies primarily at the feet of the 18 battle-ready players who return to the Barons roster this season, all of whom saw action in all seven games last year. In addition, this season welcomes a maturing prospect to the Barons. All of the new additions are certain to step in and satisfy the team's role-playing and depth needs. This interdependent group is determined to display the traditions of excellence and pride that have become trademarks both within and outside of Barons Nation.

The squad enters the fall devoted, having acquired a wealth of experience from intensive off-season individual training regimens, as well as unique club and camp opportunities..  Consequently, this year's Barons stands atop the platform built by its predecessors, boasting collective mettle, team-first moral fiber, and a proud battle cry. A shrewd understanding of the game's intricacies and an unquenchable competitive thirst make this squad inventive in the attack and tireless on defense. Led by the triumvirate Captain Ryan Schwepfinger, the Spring 2011 Barons is resolute in its desire to leave its own enduring imprint this season.

Barons Nation can expect an electrifying campaign comprised of early exponential growth, followed by some exciting conquests and culminating in the arduous climb to the IHL Championship.

Meet the Barons: Brian Williams

Meet the Barons

Brian Williams

Forward

West Chester, OH

1)   What does it mean to be a Baron?

Champion. Just nice to have a group of guys who enjoy the game but want to win and know when its time for business.

2)   What is your favorite moment as a Baron?

I assume the same as everyone else’s, holding those championship tee's in Nationwide Arena.

3)   What are your goals for this upcoming season?

Getting better. I'm a little newer to the hockey league then most, but I started getting a better feel for the puck near the end of the season, I hope I can continue improving and contribute more and more.

4)   How important is Barons Nation?

How many teams have 20-30 people in the stands as loud as we do? Makes it way more fun, and puts the pressure on the other team.

5)   What is one thing you’d like to say to the rest of the IHL?

We're the champs. Until you knock us off the top rung of the ladder we're going to be the favorites and we're not going to be afraid of anyone below us.

Meet the Barons: Ben Reinke

Meet the Barons

Ben Reinke

Defender

Bowling Green, OH

1)   What does it mean to be a Baron?

Everything.

2)   What is your favorite moment as a Baron?

Winning the championship, it has to be.  It was on NHL ice.

3)   What are your goals for this upcoming season?

Zero goals allowed

4)   How important is Barons Nation?

I would say they are pivotal to our success.

5)   What is one thing you’d like to say to the rest of the IHL?

Good luck on getting second place.

Meet the Barons: Corey Olson

Meet the Barons

Corey Olson

Goaltender

Philadelphia, PA

1)   What does it mean to be a Baron?

It means to be part of a hockey family that’s together til the end and usually will result in winning a shirt.  We’re batting 1.000 right now.

2)   What is your favorite moment as a Baron?

When I realized last quarter when I was actually was going to get to play for the Barons and help reverse the Cozzi Curse.

3)   What are your goals for this upcoming season?

To score, to not let in a single goal, and to win.  Winning is a two part goal, gotta go undefeated and then win another shirt.

4)   How important is Barons Nation?

It’s a cornerstone of the team.  I don’t think that without the support of the Nation we would play as hard and would be as close.  They are part of the team in my mind.  I have to give a personal shoutout to my fans in different states, especially in NJ.

5)   What is one thing you’d like to say to the rest of the IHL?

Good luck.

Meet the Barons Michael Cozzi

Meet the Barons

Michael Cozzi

Forward/Defender

Bristolville, OH

1)   What does it mean to be a Baron?

It means you give 100% on every single play. You never give up when things don't go your way and you keep trying. It is all heart.

2)   What is your favorite moment as a Baron?

The 2011 IHL Semifinal game against the Nordiques. It was an intense game.

3)   What are your goals for this upcoming season?

To win the whole damn thing again.

4)   How important is Barons Nation?

Barons Nation represents many things. It breathes life back into us when we are down. It is like a family to us.

5)   What is one thing you’d like to say to the rest of the IHL?

We're back, we're better, and we're going to kick your ass.

Meet the Barons: Ryan Studley

Meet the Barons

Ryan Studley

Forward/Defender

Grand Ledge, MI

1)   What does it mean to be a Baron?

It means that you're on the best beginner league team ever assembled and you better play up to that standard.

2)   What is your favorite moment as a Baron?

Both of the times I was thrown out of games.

3)   What are your goals for this upcoming season?

Not get thrown out of any games. Win another championship

4)   How important is Barons Nation?

Without them we're like a cake without frosting.

5)   What is one thing you’d like to say to the rest of the IHL?

Is it true that you all wear Barons pajamas to sleep at night?

Meet the Barons: Zach Wilson

Meet the Barons

Zach Wilson

Rookie, Forward

Yorktown, VA

1) Why did you want to join the Barons?

I wanted to be a winner, and play hockey with a bunch of friends.

2) What sort of impact do you want to have on the team this season?

I would like to provide solid minutes contributing on both ends of the ice.

3) What are your team goals for the season?

WIN THE FUCKING SHIRT!!!!

4) If there were one thing Barons Nation should know about you, it would be?

I was born in Heerlen, the Netherlands.

Meet the Barons: Chris Wilkin

Meet the Barons

Chris Wilkin

Forward

Delphos, OH

1)   What does it mean to be a Baron?

Champion

2)   What is your favorite moment as a Baron?

Pulling out the victory in the Winter 2011 Semifinals against the Nordiques. That was the most competitive intramural hockey game this university has seen.

3)   What are your goals for this upcoming season?

Personally, I just want to do anything I can to help this team. As a team goal, nothing can top our first championship... except our second championship. We are out to win that shirt again!

4)   How important is Barons Nation?

I couldn't ask more from a group of fans. They make the games so much more exciting and memorable for us players.  I <3 Barons Nation.

5)   What is one thing you’d like to say to the rest of the IHL?

The Barons are back and ready to compete for another championship! Beat dat beat up! 

Meet the Barons: Scott Donahue

Here is one of the two rookies joining the Barons this season!

Meet the Barons

Scott Donahue

Rookie, Forward

Reynoldsburg, OH

1) Why did you want to join the Barons?

I've played roller hockey all my life. I've never been a part of a league or any team and I wanted to experience a full game of real hockey for once. After meeting Matt Ripley in Fall 2010, he furthered my interest in trying out Ice Hockey. Unfortunately, I signed up too late last quarter, but I’m happy knowing I can come in here and win a championship.

2) What sort of impact do you want to have on the team this season?

I come to compete. I'm an athlete that wants to win and that’s what I'm going to do. I'm a team player and I have fun too. Nobody has any kind of expectations of me, but if I can play the puck like I do a ball in roller hockey, then a Datsyuk-like season isn't out of the question.

3) What are your team goals for the season?

8-0, and having fun with some new friends.

4) If there were one thing Barons Nation should know about you, it would be?

I'm supporting cultural diversity every time I step on the ice.

Meet the Barons: Andrew Bickell

Meet the Barons

Andrew Bickell

Forward

Sandusky, OH

1)   What does it mean to be a Baron?

To play hockey with the best group of people in the league.

2)   What is your favorite moment as a Baron?

Playing ice hockey for the first time, when everyone was even worse than now.

3)   What are your goals for this upcoming season?

Repeat

4)   How important is Barons Nation?

Having a rowdy group of fans and followers in the stands makes the games even more exciting.

5)   What is one thing you’d like to say to the rest of the IHL?

If you want the shirt you can pry it from my cold dead body, cause were winning it again!

Meet the Barons: Josh Samuels

Meet the Barons

Josh Samuels

Forward

Cincinnati, OH

1)   What does it mean to be a Baron?

Being a Baron means being a part of tradition, it means being better than everyone else you associate with.

2)   What is your favorite moment as a Baron?

The celebration on and off the ice after winning our first shirt as a team.

3)   What are your goals for this upcoming season?

I have two goals for the upcoming season. One, repeat as champion and two, score a goal.

4)   How important is Barons Nation?

Barons Nation is everything to me. I received numerous contract offers during the offseason, but no team could give me what Barons nation could. Take that whatever way you'd like.

5)   What is one thing you’d like to say to the rest of the IHL?

Deal with it.

Meet the Barons: Ryan Schwepfinger

Meet the Barons

Ryan Schwepfinger

Captain, Forward

Allentown, PA

1)   What does it mean to be a Baron?

It means unity, teamwork, success, and passion. It means pushing yourself each game and eating at Burritos afterward.

2)   What is your favorite moment as a Baron?

Easily winning the shirt and taking the picture with our championship shirts on.

3)   What are your goals for this upcoming season?

Individual goal: Increase my overall fitness level so I can score more goals later in games (basically...get in shape)

Team goal: repeat!

4)   How important is Barons Nation?

Without our fans, we would be complete assholes for having a blog and a twitter. With them, we're only partial assholes, so having fans literally makes us better people.

5)   What is one thing you’d like to say to the rest of the IHL?

I'm gonna modify the question a little bit: I would like to say to my teammates that I never thought in a million years I would come to college and meet a group of friends who I could play hockey with. It's been a hell of a time so far. And to the rest of the league: this group is only going to get better.

Meet the Barons: Joey Balla

Meet the Barons

Joey Balla

Forward

Canton, OH

1)   What does it mean to be a Baron?

Rick James said it best so I will not try to put it any more eloquently, 'unityyyy'.

2)   What is your favorite moment as a Baron?

Belly sliding on the ice after winning the championship.

3)   What are your goals for this upcoming season?

Become a future 1st round draft pick in fantasy leagues nationwide by scoring more goals.

4)   How important is Barons Nation?

Simple.  There would be no team without the nation. 

5)   What is one thing you’d like to say to the rest of the IHL?

You will never properly know how to beat that beat up, sorry I'm not sorry.