Brainerd happy Platisha returned from juniors
J.P. Platisha played this fall for the Topeka (Kan.) Scarecrows of the United States Hockey League.
The Brainerd Warriors were uncertain if he would return for his senior season of high school play. They're glad he did as the gifted center demonstrated his skills in Saturday's 8-1 victory against St. Paul Johnson by scoring three goals and collecting an assist.
"It helped me a lot, with all the small stuff," Platisha said of the USHL. "I'm in a lot better shape than I usually am at this point in the year. The small things, in the corners, and everything, is a lot easier now."
Platisha and linemates Chris Mattson and Matt Burris made it look easy Saturday as they combined to score 10 points.
"Since last Saturday (an 11-0 loss to Roseville), we wanted to come out and show the fans, and show ourselves, that we could win games," Platisha said.
California dreamin'
Although he's a senior, Warriors goalie Tom Cervantes is playing his first season of high school hockey.
"They don't have high school hockey in California," said Cervantes, who made 17 saves in Saturday's victory. "I played for the San Jose Junior Sharks. We traveled around and played high school teams."
Absentees
* Warriors forward Tony Parrish suffered two punctured lungs against Roseville and sat out Saturday's game. He is out indefinitely.
* Senior wing Brian Reese has been ruled ineligible by the Minnesota State High School League according to its transfer and residence rule. Reese played for the same junior team as Platisha.