DII Hockey downs Richmond, 12-2

Liberty’s DII hockey team experienced a dominating 12-2 win over the Richmond Royals Friday night.

Liberty jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the first period on their way to out shoot the Royals 54-28. The “three-headed monster” of Brad Docksteader, Adam Steen and veteran Greg Jensen led the scoring rout with two goals each. Senior defenseman Drew Rodgers and freshman forward Austin Crossley also contributed in the lopsided game by putting the puck between the pipes. The plethora of goals was not the only positive aspect for the Flames, as junior goalie Trenton MacDonald allowed only two goals and saved 26 shots.

Assistant Coach David Semenyna praised his team for their good win over Richmond and credited it to their deep lines.

“Tonight our whole team played well as a unit. We were able to get up early and use all of our lines and get everyone involved,” Semenya said.

“This year we have a deep roster and can rely on all four lines to go on the ice and do a job, and do it well. This season the players have been teachable and have done what we have asked as coaches.”

Coach Semenyna also spoke about the importance of veterans, not only offensively and skill level wise, but also in teaching, instructing and setting examples for the rest of the guys on the team.

“With veteran players like we have, we as coaches can also rely on them to use their experience in the locker room when we are not in there,” Semenya said. “We have great leadership and it has shown throughout the entire year.”

With starting junior goalie Matt Pedersen returning this weekend from an injury, experience on the team will continue to rise.

The schedule for Liberty’s Division II team picks up from here, as the Flames will play two tough road games at Virginia Tech and Eastern Carolina in two weeks.

“We are excited to play VT in less than two weeks and look forward to the challenges ahead,” Semenyna said. “When we get into the heart of our schedule, we are going to rely on our veterans to lead the way, and our younger players will follow.

“We start the season off with some of these games to get everyone on the same page with our system and what we expect. Now everyone knows what we are asking for as coaches and they have all been given a shot to show us what they can do as hockey players.”

The DII hockey team will return home after playing Virginia Tech and Eastern Carolina on Oct. 14 to play the Richmond Generals at 10:15 p.m.