HOCKEY: VIKINGS' TOP LINE IS A THREE-HEADED BEAST.Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer Most teams are fortunate to have a one-two punch one-two punch n. 1. A combination of two blows delivered in rapid succession in boxing, especially a left lead followed by a right cross. 2. Informal An especially forceful or effective combination or sequence of two things. , but such isn't the case with the Valencia Vikings. It has a three-punch combination in Michael Caprio, Roberto Leo Leo, in astronomy Leo [Lat.,=the lion], northern constellation lying S of Ursa Major and on the ecliptic (apparent path of the sun through the heavens) between Cancer and Virgo; it is one of the constellations of the zodiac. and Jeff Onstead that rivals any team's top line in the high school hockey league. ``They're the keys for us. They're what makes us go,'' Vikings coach Steve Yarnall said of his talented trio, which will have to be at its best tonight against the Granada Hills Highlanders in a playoffs semifinal at the Valencia Ice Station. The faceoff is set for 6:45 p.m. followed by the other semifinal pitting the Saugus Centurions against the Antelope Valley This article is about the Los Angeles County region. For the census-designated place in Wyoming, see Antelope Valley-Crestview, Wyoming. The Antelope Valley Northerners at 8:15 p.m. For the Vikings to advance to Monday's final, they'll need a solid effort from Leo, the cornerstone cornerstone Ceremonial building block, dated or otherwise inscribed, usually placed in an outer wall of a building to commemorate its dedication. Often the stone is hollowed out to contain newspapers, photographs, or other documents reflecting current customs, with a view to of the offense. The center's keen ability to distribute the puck into open space on the ice often sets up his teammates with great opportunities to score. The 5- foot-11, 185-pound senior has a team-high 11 assists, second-best in the league. And the finisher, in most cases, has been Caprio, whose energy, speed and desire make him one of the league's top underclassmen. Though he's slightly undersized undersized see dwarfism, runt. at 5-6, 140 pounds, the sophomore leads the team with 11 goals and ranks among the top four in the league with 21 points overall. ``He's my main man,'' Yarnall said. ``He's fearless. He's a spark plug spark plug: see ignition. spark plug Device that fits into the cylinder head of an internal-combustion engine and carries two electrodes separated by an air gap, across which current from a high-tension ignition system discharges, creating a spark for us whether it's putting the puck in the net or killing a penalty.'' Onstead is the consummate To carry into completion; to fulfill; to accomplish. A Common-Law Marriage is consummated when the parties live in a manner intended to bring about public recognition of their relationship as Husband and Wife. team player. If the Vikings need a clutch play, the senior delivers - he has eight goals and 10 assists in 10 games. And when the Vikings were struggling earlier this season, Yarnall didn't hesitate in putting Onstead back on the defensive end of the ice. He's proven to be more than capable of shadowing the opposing team's threat and taking him out of the game. And he's shown the ability to take the puck from one end of the ice to the other, scoring three times. ``We were a little suspect on defense, frankly,'' Yarnall said. ``Jeff is a great skater and a good puckhandler. He's a seasoned player. You can see the whole ice from the defensive position so it's nice to have a good decision-maker back there. ``We really didn't strike fear into anyone carrying the puck into our end, but Jeff certainly does. He has a reputation that everyone is aware of when he's out there. He's respected.'' Perhaps no one respects Onstead and Leo more than the younger Caprio, who's quick to point out that the two seniors have taught him plenty over the course of the season. Furthermore, the three have developed mutual respect and admiration. ``I always take whatever they have to say into consideration and keep it in mind,'' Caprio said. ``I think they do the same and that has made us better players and friends.'' The Vikings are more than a one-dimensional, or a three-player-dimensional team. The emergence of the second line, Shawn Gardiner, Tyler Jones and Charlie Middleton, has made the Vikings a more well-rounded unit, but it begins with the big three. Together, they form the heart and soul of the team, making it nearly unstoppable. Take one away from the mix and the Vikings are in trouble. ``I don't even want to think about that,'' Yarnall said. ``When they're playing at the top of their game, we can play with anybody in this league.'' They'll begin with the Highlanders tonight. THE ICEMEN COMETH COMETH The European Conference of National Ethics Committees The Valencia Vikings feature three of the top 10 players in the high school hockey league at Valencia Ice Station. Here's a look at the best of the best. Name Team Games team games npl → jeux mpl d'équipe team games npl → giochi mpl di squadra Points Assists Goals Robert Hashimoto Highlanders 10 2910 19 Greg Boyle Centurions 10 22 5 17 Jimmy Hock hock: see wine. Centurions 9 21 7 14 Michael Caprio Vikings 9 21 11 10 Justin Dyke Highlanders 9 21 15 6 Roberto Leo Vikings 9 19 11 8 Jeff Onstead Vikings 10 18 10 8 Nick Prange Northerners 10 17 7 10 Mitch The name Mitch can mean:
Robert Birney Centurions 10 16 11 5 Note: *Penalties in minutes CAPTION(S): box Box: THE ICEMEN COMETH (see text) |
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