Section V hockey promises parity in 2023-24. Here are teams to watch this winter

En route to the 2022-23 Class B section crown, Webster Schroeder's defense was unflappable.

In three Section V postseason games, the Warriors allowed a single goal. Shutouts over Geneseo/Avon/Livonia and Aquinas preceded a 2-1 victory over top-seeded Churchville-Chili.

"Defense wins championships" proved true for Schroeder. And yet, so far in 2023-24 it's been the Warriors' offense carrying the day. Through Dec. 14, Schroeder has scored 24 goals and allowed 19 through five games.

"We're trying to find that happy mix right now in the middle," Schroeder coach David Broussard said. "Last year we were really good defensively, this year we're doing well offensively which is awesome. Let's put it somewhere in the middle for a complete game."

Bookmark this: Section V hockey scores for the 2023-24 season

A complete game eluded Schroeder in a road tilt against Victor on Dec. 12. The Warriors went ahead 3-0 after two periods, but the Blue Devils stormed back with three in the third then ended it on Simon Kowal's overtime winner.

That result was a sign, not only of Section V's competitive balance but that even the slightest slip can spell doom.

"The big thing for us right now is trying to find ourselves," Broussard said. "I know that's cliche', but we're trying to figure it out right now. Once we do, we're gonna be good."

Schroeder is not alone. Only a quarter into the 2023-24 season most teams in Section V are still searching for an identity, including reigning Class A champion Pittsford.

The Panthers have played only three contests through Dec. 14. Following a setback against McQuaid in the season opener, Pittsford rebounded with decisive wins over Section III's West Genesee (the reigning NYSPHSAA champion) and Webster Thomas.

While Pittsford lost All-Greater Rochester selections Lucas Procious and Will Masaschi to graduation, the Panthers return a solid core led by a deep defensive unit.

"I think we're really fortunate on the back side," Pittsford coach Steve Thering said. "We could put any pair out there and they can do a nice job in front of our goalies. And our goalies — (Aden Brown) was a big part of why we won sectionals last year and we have Wilson (Szydlo) competing with him and doing a nice job as well."

Section V hockey introduces new divisional alignment

Over the years, Section V hockey has tried numerous divisional formats for the regular season. Some seasons, divisions were based strictly on classification. The section has also tried geographic-based divisions in year's past (ie: an east side division, west side division).

In 2023-24, Section V features a single division in Monroe County and each team will have the opportunity to play the others once apiece.

Such a format has its benefits. Thering pointed out that many players in Section V play together for various travel organizations and the single division allows a greater opportunity to reconvene.

It should also display the depth of the section.

"There's gonna be parity and that's great because that's how kids are gonna get better," Broussard said. "If we're set up like the NBA and we know who'll be there every year, then what are we doing? I like that there's parity and teams pushing."

Looking ahead to the Section V hockey postseason

"Repeat" is a taboo word for Schroeder players, according to Broussard. The team is well-aware of the degree of difficulty of such an accomplishment.

In the last 10 years, there are only three instances of a Section V team successfully repeating as champions. Pittsford did the trick in Class A in 2016 and 2017, Webster Thomas won two straight in Class B in 2019 and 2020, and Victor went back-to-back in Class B-2 in 2015 and 2016.

"We have expectations, but to say we're trying to repeat — it'd be great, but it can't be our focus because we'll miss out on the process," Broussard said. "We stress that we want (our players) to be great citizens. It's my belief that the less we deal with off the ice, the more we can put into the product on the ice."

If early season results are any indication, Class A could be unpredictable. Through Dec. 14, nine of the 10 Class A teams boast a .500 record or better. Only two — the Portside Royals and Hilton — are more than one game above .500.

In Class B, Canandaigua (5-1-1) and Batavia Notre Dame United (4-1) are the early separators and both hope to end championship droughts come February. Canandaigua has not won a title since 2018, while BND's last came in 2012.

Victor could be another team to watch. The Blue Devils won three Class A titles from 2018 through 2022 and were section runners-up in 2023.

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Section V hockey promises parity in 2023-24 season: Teams to watch