Pieces falling into place for Champlin Park boys' hockey

Last update: December 11, 2007 - 6:55 PM

Early in Champlin Park's school history, the Rebels went to the boys' hockey state tournament. That was 1995; since then, the program hasn't exactly taken off.

A dozen years of mainly struggling, however, could be giving way to a rewarding 2007-08 season. The Rebels, led by a dynamite top line, have started the season 4-1. Brett Meyers, Corey Grandner and Chad Herzog, seniors who have been linemates since they were sophomores, have a combined 29 points and have contributed in a variety of ways.

"They probably don't fit your prototypical mold," head coach Paul Bailey said. "Corey is kind of small, but he's one of the best defensive centers around. He's a good example of coaches asking guys to play defense, then saying the offense will take care of itself. He doesn't have a lot of offensive tools, but he has 11 points. Brett Meyers is the natural goal scorer of the group. Chad is so hard working."

Bailey said he took some heat when he paired the three together as sophomores, but it paid off as they combined for more than 100 points by the time they were juniors. It was all part of a building process envisioned by Bailey, in his fourth year as head coach at Champlin Park after serving as an assistant for 10 years on a lot of talented Roseville teams.

The upstart Rebels will get a good test this week with games against Coon Rapids and Blaine.

"We're wait-and-see right now," Bailey said when asked how far his team can go this year. "About the time you start to feel good about yourself, you play four or five teams that can whack you pretty good. ... We've been trying to get a level of respectability."

Etc.

• After opening the season with a 75-49 loss to Forest Lake, the Champlin Park girls' basketball team reeled off three victories in a row entering Tuesday night's game against Osseo. The Rebels, who reached the Class 4A semifinals last season, were hit hard by graduation.

• Several north metro teams have been invited to wrestle at the prestigious Minnesota Christmas Tournament on Friday and Saturday in Rochester. Included are: Anoka, Champlin Park, Coon Rapids, Mounds View, Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony, St. Francis and Totino-Grace.

MICHAEL RAND