April 28, 2020 | [email protected] • Find us on Facebook! Search “Lakeland Times Sports ” • PAGE 12 Lakeland hockey recognized with postseason honors Brett LaBore OF THE LAKELAND TIMES that we had,” Jake Suter who isn’t the best player on said. the team or competing for The Lakeland boys’ Olson and Gary Suter the Player of the Year hockey team had a success- were a big reason the Award, but yet is are an ful season with many fun Thunderbirds had the suc- important member of the wins, and a few of those cess that they did. team, on and off the ice. reasons came from the “It’s been a pleasure Adam Burish played for coaching staff and the working with and getting the Green Bay Gamblers of players. to know Gary Olson over the USHL before four Max Toijala was named the past two years,” Jake years at the University of All-State honorable men- Suter said. “He’s an ex- Wisconsin. He was the cap- tion and Kyle Bengtson tremely hard worker and tain of the Badgers’ 2006 was nominated for the helps me out tremendously. National Championship Adam Burish Award. Also, My old man’s resume team. assistant coaches Gary speaks for itself, so obvi- He played nine years in Olson and Gary Suter were ously having someone with the NHL, with the Black- named Assistant Coaches that much hockey knowl- hawks, Stars and Sharks of the Year for Division 2, edge is pretty surreal.” and was on the Black- Section 2. They assisted head coach hawks 2010 Toijala was among 13 Jake Suter in many areas winning team. other sophomores and jun- and put together great Bengtson finished the iors to be an All-State hon- game plans. season with two goals and orable mention forward. It “All three of us fill differ- five assists for seven was his first time being on ent roles within the pro- points. One of those goals such list. gram,” Olson said. “We came in a big way. On Feb. “Max was incredible all know and understand this 15 in the GNC third place season and was certainly BRETT LABORE/LAKELAND TIMES and because of this trust game against Waupaca, deserving off first team all In this Feb. 15, 2020 file photo, assistant coach Gary Olson looks and respect we know that Bengtson scored the Thun- state honors,” explained on in the GNC third-place game against Waupaca. Olson, along each member of the coach- derbirds’ second to coach Jake Suter. “Max with assistant coach Gary Suter, were named Assistant Coaches of ing staff is going to fulfill put them up 2-0. The game has grown so much over the Year for Division 2, Section 2. their role to the best of would eventually go to the past couple years both their ability. When one of overtime, where Lakeland as a player, but also as a us can't make it, one of the won 3-2. person and a leader for our Icemen on Jan. 23 when he In addition to being the other two step in and get If it wasn’t for Bengt- team.” scored three goals and fin- GNC Player of the Year, he the job done.” son’s goal, overtime might Toijala was the Great ished with four points total. was a unanimous pick for Finally, teams cannot not have even been a possi- Northern Conference Against Northland Pines on first team all-conference. have success without guys bility. Player of the Year. In 21 Dec. 17, he scored and as- Toijala was a big reason doing the little things, like To have a great team, it games, he scored 35 goals sisted one goal, helping the the Thunderbirds went 16- Bengtson. takes everyone. Lakeland and 24 assists for 59 points. Thunderbirds to stay toe- 5-1, 6-1 on the season. And “Very cool. Kyle was an showed that no matter big All three numbers led the to-toe with the Eagles in he will be back next year. absolute blast to have on or small, each member of team. He also led the team periods one and two. A team cannot have suc- the team this year. He is a the team contributed to a with 10 power play goals “He is a great kid and is cess unless all the parts are great young man and a successful and fun Thun- and 2.81 points per game. a lot of fun to work with working together. That in- leader,” Jake Suter said. derbird season. He also had six game-win- and coach,” Jake Suter cludes players, managers “He will be very missed on Brett LaBore may be ning goals. said. “He is someone that and of course coaches. the ice and in the locker reached at brett@lake- Some of Toijala’s best really represents our pro- “They were phenomenal room next season.” landtimes.com or games included leading a gram and our community and without them we The Adam Burish Award sports@lakelandtimes. win against the Northwest well.” wouldn’t of had the success is for one “unsung hero” com.

It’s time to come together and love Love Bay traded up four spots to away. going to a franchise that has April 24, it’s foolish to be- get him, when he might have I immediately think of had success over the last 30 lieve the Packers can’t help been available at pick No. 30. what happened to Brett years and one that can de- Rodgers and the team over Right away I had mixed Favre. When Favre was velop him. the course of the next two feelings on the pick. A part older, we took Rodgers with Another thing that makes days. I believe they will of me rejoiced as I danced a first round pick, even me excited is the comparison make smart decisions and around the living room though Favre was still per- to Patrick Mahomes. Yes, get good players that can thinking we had the next forming at a high level. And that might sound crazy, but help us right now. For those Packer great. that pick worked out beauti- I’ve heard the comparisons. who think we’ve squandered Another part of me was fully, more than any of us Maybe I’m naive to think he our opportunity for next Brett LaBore disappointed we didn’t maxi- could have imagined. can be anything close to Ma- year need to R-E-L-A-X for a OF THE LAKELAND TIMES mize the talent around Whose to say Love can’t homes, but when I hear he’s moment. Aaron Rodgers by taking a do the same thing? I’m not “the next Patrick Mahomes,” And I’m the biggest be- Jordan Love. The headline need that could help us im- saying he will be the next I can’t help but be excited. liever in Rodgers. I still for the Draft that has Pack- mediately. We won 13 Hall of Famer, all-time great. If he’s anything close to think he’s elite and I’m all on ers fans squabbling and games last season. Now is But after sitting a few years, Mahomes, the Packers got a board for him as our quar- shaking their heads. With so the time to be making a maybe he can pick up the steal. The upside excites me terback over the next couple many different opinions on Super Bowl run, not looking mantle Favre and Rodgers a lot and I’m not shy to of years. Love needs to sit, the pick, I’m here to assure ahead to the future. has placed. admit that excitement. develop and learn. you we’re going to be OK. After thinking about it for The Packers have always I know Packers fans are Another question is: what With the 26th pick in the the course of the last 12 had talent around their quar- frustrated we didn’t draft if Rodgers continues to play 2020 NFL Draft, the Packers hours, I’m excited about the terback and I think Love is someone to help in the imme- at a high level beyond age select … Jordan Love. Those pick, and here’s why — in a good position. I get wor- diate future and that has 40? Then we’ll keep him and words spoken by NFL com- Love has a ton of upside and ried when quarterbacks go made me scratch my head a trade Love to the highest missioner Roger Goodell sur- can potentially be the long to certain dysfunctional bit, too, admittedly. But let’s bidder. Someone will be in- prised me and many other term option in Green Bay. franchises or when they’re not forget there are six terested. One way or an- fans in the NFL. It was espe- He has a high ceiling and forced to play right away. more rounds. cially surprising since Green won’t be thrown into it right Here in Green Bay, Love is As I write this Friday, See Love. . . page 13 The Lakeland Times April 28, 2020 • Page 13 Golf 101 returns Lakeland football on June 8 Golf 101 at Pinewood Country Club in Har- shaw is back for 2020 and there are still some adjusting for the summer spots open. Golf 101 is a five-week golf lesson Brett LaBore Heath has helped the munication face-to- Regardless of what program. OF THE LAKELAND TIMES players set up their face with players,” happens, Barutha be- Dates are Monday, June 8, 15, 22, June 29 own workout team Barutha said. “Number lieves football is impor- and July 6. Times are on Mondays at 11:30 The Lakeland foot- with the Platform app. two that makes it diffi- tant to bring comfort a.m., 1 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. Space is limited. ball summer program “We have guys cult to follow up with and a sense of nor- Cost is $125 per person and includes a 1 1/2 might seem a long way hooked up with the guys face-to-face, to malcy back to the com- hour lesson with PGA professional Brian Bald- off, yet it is around the app in the fall,” head see a kid during pass- munity. win, followed up with nine holes with a cart corner. coach Dan Barutha ing time and have that “I think it’s huge. after the lesson. With Governor Tony said. “Really the most conversation.” And I wouldn’t think Call the pro shop at 715-282-5500 or email Evers’ latest Safer-At- important thing for In terms of leader- it’s just football,” [email protected] to secure a spot. Home mandate, the them is that they do ship training and Barutha said. “Sports earliest the Lakeland the workouts. It’s not working on leadership bring a sense of nor- football team can come asking a lot of time, skills, that has not mal society and cul- together and practice four day a week plan been an issue for the ture. My heart hurts is July 1. — Monday, Tuesday football team. for all the spring ath- Last summer, the heavy workouts and “Last Wednesday, letes that don’t have Horseshoes update Thunderbirds were Thursday and Friday (April 8) we had our the ability to compete This season’s Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Men’s able to get on the foot- and off Saturday and first leadership Google right now.” Horseshoe League will not be starting until ball field and play a 7- Sunday.” hangout meeting and Right now, Barutha bars are open and COVID-19 Stay-At-Home on-7 football Those types of we basically summa- and the Thunderbirds continues. If things change and time allows, a scrimmage on June 13 workouts are things rized everything that are going to do what shorter season may be played. Sponsors and against teams like the players can do at happened last few they can to have a sea- team captains will be notified. Northland Pines and home, even if there are weeks,” Barutha said. son and have things re- Rhinelander. no official team prac- Ultimately, it’s the turn to normal. Now that the spring tices where they can relationship between “(It’s) our job to sports have a chance meet together in June. players that becomes make sure we take to meet and possibly The hardest part of the biggest challenge care of each other so Red Bull 400 practice and play this situation will be during this period. we have a to have games, the football off- the face-to-face con- “Relationship are a football season and a rescheduled to September season (and other fall versations. It’s nice to hard to come by, not sports season hope- In light of the current guidance from na- sports) might be de- have coaches speak to meeting face to face,” fully this summer and tional, state, and local government authorities layed even further. students in-person at Barutha said. “There is into the fall.” on local event cancellations, Red Bull 400 Cop- There are a number school or practice and importance of reach- Brett LaBore may per Peak in Ironwood, Mich., originally sched- of possibilities the foot- now that will be ing out to the guys and be reached at uled for May 16, has been rescheduled to Sept. ball team can do on harder to do. create relationships brett@lakeland- 26. their own. Lakeland’s “It’s been harder in somehow even though times.com or For those who have already registered for strength and condition- some aspects. It’s been we’re going through sports@lakeland- the event, registration will automatically give ing coordinator Ryan harder in lack of com- social distancing.” times.com. rights to participate in the event in September. For those who cannot make the rescheduled date or no longer want to participate in Red Bull 400 Copper Peak, email [email protected] to receive a full re- fund. To stay up to date on this event, visit https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull- 400-copper-peak.

Love From page 12

other, Love will be valuable to us. General manager Brian Gutekunst has a plan in mind. If one plan is to get Love, then he should have no regrets. Now he has to proceed and help the team get back to the Super Bowl. Other fans are complaining about Love’s stats this past season. Let’s rewind a moment. In 2018, Love threw for 3,567 yards with 32 touchdowns and only six interceptions, with a completion percentage of 64%. Those are pretty good numbers and Utah State was even ranked for a part of the season. In 2019, Love threw for 3,402 yards with 20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, with a com- pletion percentage of 61.9%. The drop-off is concerning, but I can assure you he was trying to make plays. Love did not have the talent around him in 2019 as he did in 2018. Love took more chances in 2019 because he had to. He was trying to be the gunslinger and help Utah State win. Because the talent wasn’t as high, the num- bers dropped off a bit. If he had Alabama’s re- ceivers, Love would have had better numbers. My is, the college production doesn’t scare me. He was working with what he had and trying to make plays. I still think Green Bay could have gone re- ceiver or taken LSU’s Patrick Queen, who was available when we traded up. I think that helps us right now and the window for a Super Bowl is never open very long. I’m hoping we take a receiver tonight (Friday) in round two. But I can’t sit here and hide my optimism for Love and how excited I am. At the end of the day, I love the buzz, the debate and the fun that came with this pick. Even if Love turns out to be a bad pick, that doesn’t take away from a fun NFL Draft and the excitement that comes with it. I had a great time Thursday. You never know. He could be an absolute stud. So instead of pointing fingers and specu- lating, let’s embrace Love and welcome him to the Green and Gold. BRETT LABORE/LAKELAND TIMES Brett LaBore may be reached at It’ll be a little bit before the football team returns to IncredibleBank Field, as pictured here last fall. With the new [email protected] or sports@lake- Safer-At-Home mandate and WIAA’s decision on spring sports, the earliest they can come together is July 1. landtimes.com.