This winter, Central’s Ice Hockey team returns back to the ice as the senior players prepare to lead the team into a new season, and a more unified team.
While entering the season, the players have set a few clear goals for how they want to grow and improve the team. One of the seniors, Thomas “TJ” Wallace, highlighted the importance of becoming a “more competitive team than last year,” while fellow senior Nathaniel Kunz said that one of his goals is to “win at least half of the games”.
“The biggest challenge this upcoming year will probably be how young we are,” says senior Kyle Easley. “Due to a lack of participants this year, we won’t have a JV team, meaning many more freshmen and sophomores will be thrown straight into Varsity level competition.” Wallace also reiterated that building chemistry with the younger players will definitely be a challenge, but is something that the seniors say they look forward to working on as it can also “bring a new kind of energy”. This season’s youthful team is sure to capture the hearts and attention of all viewers.
For Easley, his ambitions for the team remain strong. “The goal is to always win the state title,” he says, “but obviously only one team can raise the trophy.” Even though the team will be facing some challenges, the seniors also agree that this team has a lot of different aspects that make them stand out. “The senior chemistry is one-of-a-kind,” says Wallace. “We have a more focused mentality than past years,” adds Easley. “And that’s in part due to the dedication we have taken as a senior group to make underclassmen comfortable and know that working together is the key to success.”. The competitive drive and strong work ethic of the team will be a key factor in the teams success on and off the ice.
Besides training the younger and incoming players in lessons on the ice, it is also the job of the seniors to teach other life lessons. “I want to teach them to have a good mindset going into the games,” says Alexander McQuiston. Since this is their last season together, the senior Ice Hockey players understand that this is a time to enjoy themselves and appreciate the fun that comes along with getting to play as a team, especially on Friday nights. The bond and chemistry the team has created is unparalleled. However, there is still a “time and a place between being mature and having fun,” as Wallace emphasizes.
Easley also says that he hopes “to teach underclassmen the importance of working hard in the classroom and on the ice.” He says that he wants them to join many different clubs at Central as well as becoming involved in honor societies. This is especially important for anyone at Central who wants to make the most of their experience during high school.
“You only get a few months of Central Hockey,” says Kunz. “You have to make the most of it.”
Though they enter this season with some uncertainty, the seniors of the Ice Hockey team are ready to take on these challenges and build an even better team than last year. Their determination and excitement for the season ahead is sure to make this year of Central hockey memorable. Make sure to check out their hockey games this season, and support them with Central pride.
