Ice Prowlers rule the rink

As seen in the Southeast Messenger
Vol. XXI, No. 48
Monday, April 19, 2004

RICK PALSGROVE
Southeast Editor

Canal Winchester High School Athletic Director Kent Riggs (left) and Mike Miller of the PRPC ICe Prowlers display the Blue Jackets Cup Trophy earned by the Ice Prowlers as chapions of the Greater Columbus High School Club Hockey League. The trophy is being displayed for one week at each of the schools represented by players on the squad including Pickerington Central, Pickerington North, Canal Winchester, and Reynoldsburg.

The PRPC Ice Prowlers continued their winning ways on the hockey rink earning their second straight Greater Columbus High School Club Hockey League (GCHSCHL) Blue Jackets Cup.

The Ice Prowlers - made up of players from Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Pataskala, and Canal Winchester, hence the PRPC - compiled a record of 20-3-1 in league play and 24-5-2 overall this season.

Mike Miller, a junior at Canal Winchester High School and a center on the squad, said a trademark of the Ice Prowlers is the team's aggressiveness and quickness on the ice. He also stated that, though the squad is made up from players from different schools, the blending of the players' skills and personalities was not a problem.

"We have good chemistry," said Miller of the team. "We get along together. We spend a lot of time together both on and off the ice."

Highlights this season, according to Miller, included beating Athens on Athens' home ice for the first time and downing Olentangy twice in the playoffs to win the league title.

Miller said he has been playing hockey for nine years and enjoys the different elements of the sport that require players to think quickly on their feet.

"It's (hockey) fast paced and pretty physical," said Miller.

He said that the team has a good chance to bring home a third straight title next season because there are so many good players returning. He said the players will work out with "dry land" training in the off season using their roller blades to stay in shape before they hit the ice again for pre-season practice at the end of the summer.

For information on the Ice Prowlers call coach Marty Laroche at (614) 985-0708, or visit the Web site at PRPCHockey.com.