July 11, 2018 at 12:45 p.m.
Northern Edge holds summer ice session
Team still seeking new head coach, more players
Northern Edge holds summer ice session
The team capped of its two-week summer ice session last Friday, one day before Sandstrom's official resignation date. The co-op held five practices during that time, concluding with a scrimmage against Northland Pines at the Rhinelander Ice Arena.
Sandstrom called his last two weeks "bittersweet" knowing that he's coaching the team for the last time. He's resigning following three seasons at the helm to further his education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
"It was a blast and a pleasure to coach this team another time," he said. "That was probably the most difficult part of making this decision. It was just a more relaxed setting and it really sets a tone. You get to bond, get to know them a little better. There was a lot of chatter on the bench that wasn't necessarily related to hockey, just more about everyday life, what they're doing this summer."
There are a lot of unknowns between now and when winter practice starts in early November, namely who will be tabbed to coach the squad and if the team will have enough skaters to field a competitive roster. But, judging by his last two weeks with the team, Sandstrom said if those questions can be answered in a positive manner, the outlook for the Edge could be bright next season and beyond.
"The numbers the last couple of weeks were pretty spot-on with what we expect for next season - low," Sandstrom said. "I think that's the fear and I think you have to operate out of fear, and I hope the girls do to. They need to understand it's on them to get (more players). You noticed tonight, early and often, a lot of heavy breathing (for players who did not get much rest between shifts due to low numbers). It's going to be a season of that, but it's going to be a season where they have a lot of opportunities for success, especially success with the number of girls they're going to have. I think it would be an outstanding story. I think they have it ahead of them if they take it, along with whoever the next head coach may be."
The Edge had 15 players on the roster last season, but graduated six seniors. The team has no incoming freshmen but is expected to pick up a talented sophomore from Antigo, Emily Kassler, who skated on Antigo's bantam team last year and scored twice in Friday's scrimmage against the Eagles.
That leaves a projected roster of 10 players for the upcoming season. The co-op reached out to Lakeland/Tomahawk last winter about the possibility of forming a larger co-op, but Lakeland/Tomahawk declined, citing already strong numbers for the program for the upcoming year.
"I think you're looking at 10 tremendously skilled players," Sandstrom said. "Again, if you can get that roster closer to 15, that's what you're shooting for. Over summer ice, I've realized that possibility is less likely than more likely. Again, you need to find the right (coach) who's going to come in and get the most out of this roster, because there is a heck of a lot to get."
In regard to the coaching search, Rhinelander High School activities director Brian Paulson said some progress has been made.
"I think we have somebody in Rhinelander that has some interest in coaching the Edge team. We'll be talking again (with that person) soon," he said, declining to name any potential candidates.
Paulson noted Antigo is also looking for individuals who could serve on the Edge coaching staff as it fills out its professional staff for the 2017-18 school year.
The majority the team's returning players, along with a handful of incoming eighth graders, attending some of all of the practice sessions. Sandstrom said that's a foundation from which the new head coach can build.
"You have a core group of players who really have a love and passion for the sport. I really hope that they continue to have an opportunity to play for the Northern Edge," Sandstrom said. "I think this group had a tremendous work ethic and passion for the sport. As long as that continues, I think this program will."
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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