By Madeleine Nichols
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 11/9/14

BEVERLY HILLS, Mich. – Brother Rice (MI) 2016 face-off specialist Evan Dennis knew he had adjustments to make when he faced Teilen Celentano in the finals of the King of the X Saturday at the Can-Am Showcase at Detroit Country Day School.

Celantano, a 2015 from E.S.P. Louis-Riel in Ontario, had dominated Dennis earlier in a morning game during the event that featured 240 elite players from the Midwest and Canada. But in the finals, Dennis won 2 of 3 matches to repeat as champion.

“He kept beating me over the course of the game,” said Dennis. “I was able to read him and adapt to his face-off technique. By the time the tournament came, I knew his face-off move, so it really helped me.”

Dennis, who plays club for the Black Grizzlies, said his technique was a key in repeating.

“I just really have strong technique,” he said. “I’ve really worked on my technique since last year. [Also,] speed and timing on the whistle helped.”

What did he learn about your game today that will help you in the future?

“You have to be fast primarily,” he said. “Don’t get nervous, just keep it loose. And, don’t give up!”

What type of college is Dennis looking for?

“I’m looking for a very strong academic college,” he said. “That’s basically the primary importance. I’m a good academic student; and I play the violin.”

Dennis said he will not have to make major adjustments for the new face-off rules new year.

“I really didn’t violate what now the new rule is so I’m really not going to have to make that much of an adjustment to my play personally,” he said.