County duo Straker, Miller sparking PRPC

As seen in ThisWeek News
Saturday, January 3, 2009

KURTIS ADAMS
ThisWeek Staff Writer

By Ann Tormet/ThisWeek PRPC's Jake Miller, a sophomore forward from Watkins Memorial, checks Michael Birch of Westerville during a game Nov. 14 at the Easton Chiller.

Sean Straker has become a top enforcer for the PRPC Ice Prowlers.

The sophomore defenseman from Licking Heights led the team with 53 hits entering last Friday's Greater Columbus High School Club Hockey League game against the Athens Bobcats, with another game to follow against the Newark Generals today in the Chiller North.

"Since my brother (Ryan) and some other guys graduated (after last season) I guess that's one of my roles," he said. "I like to show I'm pretty tough, too, and I'm glad my coaches see me as someone who can get that job done."

Straker, one of two Licking County residents playing for PRPC, also has become more of an offensive threat, totaling four assists as the Ice Prowlers started 9-5-3 overall while leading the GCHSCHL standings at 6-2-3 with 15 points entering last Friday. A leader on the penalty kill, he's also seeing some time running the point during the power play.

"He plays much bigger than his age or his size (5-foot-8, 137 pounds)," coach Joe Tonello said. "We graduated eight or nine seniors last year so we've really needed some other kids to step up, and Sean's been one of those guys."

Entering last Friday, the Ice Prowlers ranked third in the GCHSCHL in goals allowed (22) behind the Generals and Hilliard/Southwest Wildcats (21 each). Led by Straker's brother, the Ice Prowlers surrendered the fewest goals (50) a year ago while capturing their fourth regular-season title in five years.

Teammate Jake Miller, a sophomore forward from Watkins Memorial, also has been taking advantage of increased playing time this season. Primarily a winger on the first line, he totaled eight goals and five assists entering last Friday with an impressive plus-15 rating. He can center the top line, too, and is usually the first option in terms of running the point on the power play.

PRPC's Adam McGrath led the GCHSCHL in points (17) as play resumed following the holiday break, and Miller had the fifth-highest total (11).

"He's definitely a player to watch in this league," Tonello said of Miller. "There's no question we're happy with his production up to this point."

The Generals won the first of four meetings with the Ice Prowlers 2-1 on Nov. 6 as Drew Link scored a decisive even-strength goal with 2 minutes, 24 seconds remaining. The teams meet again Feb. 1 in the Dispatch Ice Haus and Feb. 12 in Newark.

"We always enjoy playing Newark," Straker said. "I think we've come a long way since that first game."