About Trojan Hockey

The Trojans are Troy High School’s varsity ice hockey team. Located twenty minutes north of Dayton, Ohio, in a community of 22,000, we are entering our 12th season as a varsity sport. The Trojans play in the Southwest Ohio High School Hockey League. Other members of the SWOHSHL are Centerville, Beavercreek, Kettering Alter and Springboro joining Troy in the North Division; and South Division Members Cincinnati Moeller, Cincinnati St. Xavier, Oxford Talawanda and Sycamore. These teams join eight varsity programs from Columbus to comprise the District from which a champion is selected for the State Final Four at Nationwide Arena in March.

The Trojans were born in the spring of 1996 with the help of a group of hard working dedicated parents, along with the support of the Troy Athletic Department, Hobart Arena, and the Troy community. Coach Rick Szabo was added and the dream of varsity hockey was realized in November of that year when the Trojans played their first game, a 4–2 home ice victory over Dublin. The puck that scored the first goal and a stick signed by all the players from that first game are still on display in the front trophy case at Troy High School.

Trojan Varsity Hockey has been able to afford the opportunity to play a varsity sport to over 90 student athletes. The program also gives the many Troy students playing in the Troy youth programs and various local travel programs something to work hard for and aspire to. For the players wanting to move on with their hockey development the program works hard at teaching and improving their skills. In recent seasons four Trojans placed First Team SWOHSHL, four placed Second Team, four were named to the OHSAA Senior All Star Team and three players were selected to Team Ohio, playing in the Chicago Showcase in April. Past Trojan alumni have moved on to play in USA Hockey junior hockey programs and for University club teams. Former Trojan goaltender Will Neubert (2000/01 – 2001/02) is on the roster for the second year with Division 1 R.P.I. of the ECACHL.

After 11 seasons of leading the Trojans, Rick Szabo stepped down as head coach. Rick is one of, if not the main reasons hockey is firmly entrenched in the community of Troy. Taking the reigns for the 2007/2008 season is Jeff Owen. Coach Owen served as an assistant to Szabo for four years, and coached in the GCHSHL for two years prior to moving to Troy. Coach Owen teaches English at Troy High School and also coaches junior varsity volleyball. Joining Coach Owen in the next chapter of Troy Varsity Hockey are assistant coaches Dan Bever, Jim Robinson, and Tyler Bever. Statistician Bruce Morrett and Manager Courtney Pogue round out a dedicated Troy staff.

Our players, coaches, managers, trainers, boosters, sponsors, school administrators and fans all contribute to the success of Trojan Varsity Hockey. Come out to renovated Hobart Arena for a home game and follow the Trojans on the road during the exciting 2007-08 season!