Sophomore savior
ADAMS TWP — When you see a freshman goalie starting for a high school hockey team that makes the Penguins Cup semifinals, he must be a special player.
As a sophomore this season, Greg Lewis is even better.
Lewis' play is a big reason why the Mars Planets are 16-1-1 and in the driver's seat for the top seed in the upcoming PIHL Class A playoffs.
His record stands at 8-1-1, with the only loss coming to Quaker Valley, and Lewis stopped 24 shots in a 1-1 tie with Freeport Jan. 10.
His other numbers are tops in PIHL Class A, including a .953 save percentage and a .906 goals-against average.
"I was an assistant on last year's team that lost to Freeport in the Penguins Cup semifinals," said Mars coach Tim Coleman. "I've been with the program for seven years, so I knew of Greg's capabilities.
"He moves side to side very well and can jump into the butterfly stance when things are tight," Coleman added. "And he's a very smart kid. You won't catch him sleeping back there."
Following Lewis' eighth-grade year, Mars' top two goalies graduated. The Planets pinned their hopes on the freshman goaltender in 2006-07, and he turned in a solid first season with the varsity.
Lewis compiled an 11-5-1 record while logging 745 minutes, a save percentage of .899 and a goals-against average under two.
"Knowing the starter and backup graduated, I just kind of stepped into the starting role," said Lewis, a resident of Mars. "I started out a bit slow, but kept progressing. And I learned a lot about being a team player."
Lewis recently was named the starting goaltender for the Southwest all-stars, but did not play due to an undisclosed injury.
Coleman is able to put the honor in perspective.
"Being named the starting goaltender for an all-star team as a sophomore is unheard of," Coleman said.
Lewis has been playing competitive hockey since he was 10, playing for the Junior Pens the last three years.
"Sometimes, there's a conflict between the two teams he plays for, with practices," said Coleman. "But as long as the kid's out there working hard, that's the important thing."
While Lewis' numbers are a product of his natural ability and work ethic, the Planets' defense also has been a big help.
"Because we have such a great defense, Greg doesn't face all that many shots," said Coleman. "But he comes up big in the big games."
"The guys in front of me have been phenomenal," said Lewis.
