USA Midget Major Hockey: No Royal Treatment

Despite being known as the Royals, the Richmond (VA) U18 AA team is not the type to roll out the red carpet for its opponents. Instead, the Royals like to dictate play from the drop of the puck and intimidate their adversaries every chance that they get. McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson, has watched the Royals play several times this season and provides an in-depth look at the team, including profiles of 1991 DOB's Zach Marino and Matt Valesko.

With a league record of 12-5-1 (23-14-4 overall), the Royals U18 AA team recently locked up second place in the Capital Beltway Hockey League (CBHL), guaranteeing them a spot in the upcoming CBHL playoffs. Their biggest competition this season has been the first-place Virginia Wild, a team that hails from Northern Virginia and is currently ranked No. 56 in the nation (according to myhockeyrankings.com).

However, the Royals are not far behind, having secured the No. 73 spot in the most recent poll (as of 2/27/08). This ranking can be attributed to the team's quality performance against high-level opponents this season. For example, the Royals defeated three straight Tier I/AAA teams last December: the Florida Jr. Panthers, the Ellington Eels and the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes. In January, the Royals tied the New Jersey (Igloo) Jaguars – currently No. 6 in the nation – and also defeated the East Coast Eagles Major Team, which is ranked No. 2 in the nation at the Junior C level.

While the Royals' success has clearly been a team effort, two youngsters have come to the forefront this season. Winger Zach Marino and defenseman Matt Valesko, who were recently invited to participate in the OneHockey International AAA Tournament in Philadelphia this summer, have been with the team since they were 15 years old. The Richmond Royals have a very talented U16 AA team, so the fact that Zach and Matt were able to bypass this age group entirely – and go up against kids much older than them – is a testament to their skill levels.

As a 15-year-old, Zach recorded 15 goals and 25 assists for the Royals U18 team. In 32 games this season, Zach has easily surpassed his freshman year numbers, having amassed 22 goals and 30 assists (1.63 PPG). One reason why Zach is such a successful contributor on offense is his speed. His quickness allows him to beat players to the puck and blow by defenders in the open ice. Furthermore, Zach's scampering ability allows him to be aggressive on the forecheck, which can cause his opponents to second-guess themselves. If there is one thing Zach is known for, it is applying pressure. Ed Shulman, who coaches the U18 team and also acts as hockey director for the Royals organization, shared his thoughts on Zach.

"Zach has tremendous speed and can energize the entire team with his play," Shulman said. "He can strip someone of the puck and head up ice before they can even react to him. He also drives the net, constantly looking for rebound chances, and is a ferocious fore-checker."

As impressive as he is on offense, Zach happens to be one of the team's most effective penalty killers, too. He can work down low on the penalty kill and then be back to the point in the blink of an eye. This type of defensive coverage allows Zach to relentlessly pursue the puck and agitate opponents on a regular basis. Coach Shulman agrees with this assessment.

"Zach is one of our primary penalty killers," Shulman said. "With his speed, he can neutralize the other team's advantage, pressure the puck and cause turnovers. More importantly, he can single-handedly pin the other team in their own zone and disrupt their breakouts."

Needless to say, Zach's hustle can also create breakaway opportunities on the penalty kill, as evident by his seven shorthanded goals this year.

"He gives us offense when we are down a man," Shulman concluded.

Much like Zach, Matt has proven to be a solid two-way player for the team. In 26 games this season, Matt has recorded 10 goals and 19 assists, giving him a point-per-game average of 1.12. These are worthy numbers for any defenseman. Even more impressive, though, is his plus-31 rating.

"He plays the 1-on-1 as well as anyone," Shulman said. "He also has a knack for clearing out opponents in front of his net and eliminating rebound chances."

Matt's game has clearly evolved as the season has progressed. For example, during the early part of the season, Matt showed signs of being a physical player but was reluctant to fully come out of his shell. He also made some questionable decisions in the defensive zone. However, Matt is initiating contact a lot more now and is playing smarter in his own end.

When asked about his transformation, Shulman said, "Matt has been working on his checking technique and now puts himself in better position to make contact. He has much better balance on his skates and his fearless nature has made him an excellent defender. His decision making has improved as a result of his confidence increasing."

Because Matt is a mobile defenseman with quality puck-moving skills, he is also an offensive threat. Matt can join the attack or put the puck on the end of his stick and lead the rush himself. His strong skating abilities allow him to gain significant momentum once he hits full stride and effectively gain the opponent's blueline. He also possesses a solid slapshot, which he does a good job of keeping low.

"Matt is the best we have at joining the rush or carrying the puck," Shulman said. "He [also] has an excellent shot from the point and has terrific vision up the ice to find the open man."

Despite his skills, Matt does not look to attack as much as one might think. I asked coach Shulman why this is the case.

"Matt has been given the liberty to jump into the play but the team is aware that defense wins championships. I think he has a good balance of when to go and when to pass," Shulman said.

It sounds like the teachings of a smart coach and the workings of a disciplined team.