Boys Hockey: Jack Newtown contributing for Lake Forest

Updated: November 15, 2011 8:41PM

His game isn’t full of fancy moves. But left winger Jack Newtown is a consistent producer for the Lake Forest High School boys hockey team.

The senior has produced five goals and an assist in 10 games for the Scouts (2-5-3).

“Jack leads by example,” said Lake Forest coach John Murphy. “He just goes out there and gets the job done like it should be done.”

Newtown deflected credit for his solid start to linemates Antoni Hansdorfer (goal, 4 assists) and Ryan Kuhn (3 assists).

“We’ve been playing together for a few years, so we have some good chemistry,” Newtown said.

A subtle change in shot selection also has played a role.

“I’ve been trying to pick corners,” Newtown said. “Last year, I was shooting it right at the goalie.”

Murphy is impressed with the overall play of Newtown.

“He sees the ice well, and he skates very well,” the coach said. “He’s a very strong player and a very good skater.”

Once the season ends, Newtown figures to concentrate on academics and play club hockey at the collegiate level. Murphy believes Newtown could take it up a notch if he desired.

“He would probably have to play a year of juniors (to play college hockey),” Murphy said. “I don’t think that’s something Jack wants to do.”

Newtown — whose first cousin, Tom Cross (a senior at Boston College), has been drafted by the Boston Bruins — is focused on the 2011-12 season at the moment.

“We have some games coming up that we can win,” Newtown noted. “We’ve been playing a lot better lately. We’re hoping to get into the Scholastic Cup (the top half of the Metro North).”

Murphy also believes the Scouts are primed to turn some heads.

“Highland Park has a very good team, and we were right there with them,” Murphy said regarding a 4-1 loss on Oct. 12. “I think we’ll surprise some teams.”

Minding the twine: Another star in the early going is goalie Clayton Teufel. In eight games of action, Teufel has a save percentage of .900 and a 1.88 goals-against average.

“I like his leadership,” said Murphy of Teufel. “He’s worked very hard to get to where he’s at. I hope his hard work will continue to pay dividends.”

Recap: The Scouts knocked off New Trier White 4-2 on Nov. 9. Goals were scored by Newtown (2), Daniel O’Connor and Adam Blake.

“We had very unselfish play in that game,” Murphy observed.

Newtown credits Murphy with pointing the LFHS program in the right direction.

“He knows a lot about developing individual skills,” Newtown said. “He’s brought the program back. We have a strong core of players right now.”

On the schedule: The Scouts were slated to face New Trier White on Wednesday, and will return with a road trip to face Loyola Maroon at 7:50 p.m. Saturday.

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