Rugby high school-level hockey coach Jay McClintock Jr. admittedly is a tough grader, but the play of his squad at the midway point of the season warrants high marks.

"We're definitely playing well in many areas of our game,' McClintock said. "We knew coming into the season our defense would be a strong suit, but we're surprised at how well we are doing offensively."

Rugby has just 12 on the roster, but has exceeded expectations to this point. The Ice Hawks have posted a 6-3-1 record and are currently in fourth place in the 10-team league.

The squad has led in everyone one of those games and have scored the first goal in seven of those contests.

"We're playing well in all three zones and our players understand their positions well,' he said.

Offense: A-

Through 10 games the Ice Hawks have scored 55 goals and has outscored its opponent 22-9 in the opening period. Rugby is also 40 shots on goal.

Impressive considering the team has just two forward lines. "We didn't expect to be getting that much offense, but that's a credit to the hard work and the ability to get shots on goal,' McClintock said.

A big part of the offense has been sophomore Kyle Volk, who presently leads the league in scoring with 25 goals and 37 points.

He's emerged as one of the best players in the state and is garnering a lot of attention from opposing teams, who have tried to limit his offense. However, other players have showed they have a scoring touch. All 11 skaters have at least one point and four players have 10 or more points. Forwards Leo Hoffert and Jordon Kuhnehen have five goals and Keenan Sattler and Chris Fedje have four. The Ice Hawks are also getting points from the blue line. The defense has accounted for 27 points, including 11 goals. Eight of them coming from senior Aaron Teigen who

McClintock said the key in the second half of the season offensively is continuing to get more scoring out of other players.

Defense: A-

Rugby has allowed on average just over three goals a game which again is impressive figuring the small roster. Rugby has just three regular defenseman, meaning there is little time to rest in the 60-minute game.

"Those three (Pake Hagen, Jacob McClintock, Aaron Teigen) are the heart and soul of our team,' McClintock said. "Aaron has showed he has just as much offensive talent as he does playing defense and Pake and Jacob are defensive-defenseman. Those three work so well together."

Not to be forgotten has been the stead play of senior goalie Thomas Seaver. His save percentage through 10 games is just under 90 percent. "Thomas keeps us in the game,' McClintock said. "He makes the saves he's supposed to make as well as a few big ones a key points of the game to keep us ahead. Our players have a lot of confidence in him."

Overall, the team's defensive zone coverage has also been good, limiting a lot of quality scoring chances. McClintock pointed out the forwards are doing a good job of back checking.

Special teams: B

The Ice Hawks power play took a few games to get clicking, but the team now is scoring with regularity with the man advantage. The team had a season-best five goals against Grand Forks on Jan. 10.

The penalty kill has been steady, and although the team has given up eight power play markers, Rugby does have four shorthanded goals.

Second half push

Rugby returns to action this coming weekend (Jan. 29-31) when it participates in a tournament in Grand Forks. The team has not played since Jan. 17 and McClintock said the break provided an opportunity to rest and focus on the final half of the season.

The good start has enabled the Ice Hawks to play for a top three finish in the league standings and earn a favorable seed heading into the state tournament in March.

"The key for us is to continue to play a disciplined game and keep it simple,' he said. "We have been fortunate not to have any serious injuries and we can't afford any with our small lineup. Hopefully we have a lot of good hockey left."

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