Deer Lakes enjoying a hockey revival on ice

Ryan Riordan's feature on Deer Lakes hockey:

"With its varsity team struggling for multiple consecutive seasons, and just two seniors on the roster, the Deer Lakes High School Hockey Board of Directors made a decision prior to the 2011-12 season.

The varsity hockey team took a one-year hiatus, and the program fielded junior varsity and freshman squads only to help focus on development.

"The decision was made by vote by all the board members," Deer Lakes hockey association president Art Theys said. "We wanted to develop further at the junior varsity level. We thought the emphasis should be on development. So far it seems as though it has worked.""

(Photo: Sophomore defenseman Vincent Casale has scored three goals in three games for Deer Lakes. John Heller/Post-Gazette.)