Boys Hockey: Icecats’ Henderson makes ‘a real impact’
by bob gosman Contributor January 23, 2012 9:32PM
Peter Henderson (No. 91) of the Icecats carries the puck out of his zone during Friday's game against Carmel at the Glacier Ice Arena. Henderson and Brad Zwiener will play in Sunday's Metro Central All-Star game. | Michael Jarecki ~ for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: March 26, 2012 1:57AM
After a one-year hiatus to focus on club hockey, junior Peter Henderson returned to high school hockey this season.
Henderson was off to a fast start before being shelved for seven games in November and part of December with a shoulder separation. Since rejoining the Libertyville/Vernon Hills Icecats, he’s continued to play at the same high level to which he’s accustomed.
In 17 games, Henderson has totaled 17 points (10 goals, 7 assists), and his play earned him a spot in Sunday night’s Metro Central All-Star game at West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows (2 p.m.).
“We had a tough (stretch) when he went down, but over the last couple of weeks he’s really back in the swing of things,” said Icecats coach Shawn Brown. “He’s playing really well.”
As valuable of a goal scorer as Henderson is, his passing ability is just as critical.
“He has such great vision on the ice,” Brown said. “He can set other guys up in any situation. He knows the game so well and has made a real impact on our team.”
Senior Brad Zwiener also was selected as an all-star. Teammates Matt Majewski and Tyler Shanholtzer are alternates.
“Brad’s probably our most physical player,” Brown said. “I think his (biggest contribution) is his leadership in the locker room.”
Brown said that Majewski also gives the Icecats a physical presence on the ice. He said Shanholtzer’s game has really come on of late. Shanholtzer has five goals and four assists.
“Tyler is the hardest worker on the team, and he’s probably improved the most since the beginning of the year,” Brown said. “He struggled to score goals, and now he’s been putting the puck in the net. His skating has improved and he’s in better shape.”
Keeping it close: The Icecats stuck right with Carmel on Friday, and Maine Township on Sunday. Unfortunately for VH/Libertyville, the third period was a different story.
Against Carmel, the Icecats trailed 2-0 before surrendering three goals in the final period. Maine broke open a close game two days later with a trio of third-period goals.
Actually, the Icecats deserve credit for overcoming a rocky start and being in position to challenge for the victory. They yielded the game’s first three goals before goals by David Vieth and Henderson trimmed the deficit to one goal.
“We didn’t come out hard at all, but we worked to get ourselves back in the game,” Brown said. “We had some chances to tie the score, but they had a good goaltender and he stopped some (quality) shots. Then, they (generated) a couple of scoring opportunities.”
Vieth’s goal was a highlight for the Icecats, as he scored on a rebound during a power play.
“We moved him up on the power play for the first time,” Brown said. “We’ll have to do it again.”
Although the Icecats were shut out by Carmel, Brown didn’t fault the effort of his players.
“We worked hard for all three periods,” he said. “We didn’t get any breaks, but I was really pleased with the way we played.”
On the fly: Junior Jake Segall and sophomore Alex Valente are starting to adjust to the varsity game.
“They’re catching up to the speed and really working hard,” Brown said.
On the schedule: The Icecats will host Fan Appreciation Night against C.C.M. — a co-op team with players from Crystal Lake Central, Dundee Crown and McHenry — at the Glacier Center, at 8:30 p.m. Friday.
“We’re having trouble (finishing) our scoring chances, but we’re improving,” Brown said. “I feel pretty good about the progress we are making.”
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