Coaches Notes: Impact Players

Another entry in our occasional series on Impact Players from around West Michigan, as selected by the area's high school coaches. Coaches were asked: "If you could pick one player from another team in the area, who would it be and why?" Here are a few more players that local coaches would love to have.

Brock Carlston, Defenseman/Mona Shores -- Mentioned by no fewer than five coaches, who would love to have the junior. Say one opposing coach from the OK Tier 1: "Likely the area's best defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice. He'll play beyond high school." Says another: "Has all the tools.... can push the puck up the ice.... captain the powerplay.... excellent vision." Another coach notes: "Carlston just doesn't make any mistakes, whether he's playing in the defensive zone or pushing the puck up ice and going to the net. He's always in control."

Adam Janecyk, Goalie/Grand Rapids Catholic Central -- No surprise that the two-time all-stater is on the most wanted list for many local coaches. "He's got size and strength, and is so fundamentally strong in every aspect of the game: skating, positioning, stickhandling. I'd build a team around him." Says another coach: "IMO, the best prep goalie in the state. CC will go as far [in the state tournament] as Janny takes them."

Tyler Copeland, Forward/East Kentwood -- The senior forward was mentioned by several coaches, despite the fact that he's been out with a broken leg for about 7-8 weeks. Says one: "Had he note gotten hurt, Tyler Copeland from EK [would be my pick]. Tyler has a nice combination of size, strength and speed. EK's best forward IMO." Says another: "Before he got hurt, Copeland was the player you had to stop if you wanted to beat Kentwood." Bad news for opposing coaches: Copeland is expected to be back on the ice very soon for the remainder of his senior season.