The Monticello-Annandale-Maple Lake Stars said their farewells, reflected on the 2002-2003 hockey season and looked to the future Sunday, March 16, at the annual hockey banquet. “This team really laid the foundation for M-A-ML teams of the future,” said head coach Chris Denardo. “Despite a record that left some to be desired, we made huge steps and started a new tradition with our program. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys for my first season as a head coach. They were truly irreplaceable.” The Stars compiled a record of 3-11-0 in the North Suburban Conference and 3-19-1 overall. All North Suburban Conference honors were awarded to Monticello senior Dan Couette. All conference honorable mention honors went to fellow Monticello seniors Nick Lee and Corey Karkhoff. Karkhoff also took home academic all conference, most valuable player and best defensive player honors. Monticello senior Tony Larson was also recognized as academic all conference along with Annandale seniors Chris Carlen and Marcus Zahn. Josh Henningson was named Mr. Hustle and Jake Olinger received the Unsung Hero award. Both are Monticello seniors. Sophomore goaltender Jerrid Scheinbein of Monticello was recognized as the most improved player. Zahn also received the Coaches Award for leadership on and off the ice. “Being my first year as head coach, it was definitely a memorable year,” Denardo said in his address at the banquet. “I’m in it for the long run with this program. This team has had too many coaching changes in the past and to have a consistently successful program you can’t have that. “I plan to be here for the next 20 to 25 years. I’m already excited for what should be another great year and for the group of guys we have coming up,” he said. Kyle Anderson and Keith Lusti will fill the skates of Lee, Karkhoff and Zahn as next year’s captains.
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