People Editor
As fall began, LGHS’s ice hockey team kicked off the season strong in a game against Pioneer High School on Sept. 29, winning 9-5. With their sights set on being state champions, the varsity team hopes to go to states and bring home the gold.
The varsity team recently started the season with a win against St. Francis on Oct. 20. So far, the team has its eyes on the prize with three wins and only one loss. The varsity team has upcoming games primarily at Sharks Ice and looks forward to playing Pioneer again on Nov. 10.
Playing since she was nine, junior Ashley Young is ready for her third season on the LGHS team. Young cited, “Just getting to the rink and hanging out with people I feel like are my best friends, and getting to see all the girls,” as her primary motivation to keep playing. As a forward, she is on the front line when it comes to attacking, scoring goals, and setting up plays offensively. Her favorite part, she said, is “excelling throughout the postseason games. It’s a great opportunity and so much fun to play in high-stakes games.”
A majority of the team consists of long-time players, such as sophomore Oliver Bell, a left wing and center. Bell began playing hockey at five; it’s where he learned his love for the sport and community. “It’s rewarding to go play a sport you know so well with people you always play against during the club season,” Bell commented. Spending his earlier years in Canada, Bell contrasts the sports culture in both countries, saying, “Up there, everyone plays, and it’s a much bigger sport, but here, since it’s a smaller sport, you know everyone. That’s something you just don’t get in Canada.”
Goalie and freshman Casey Allan joins the Wildcats this season. As another long-time player of ice hockey, Allan described his first year on the high school team: “Once you get to know people, it gets a lot better because you know who to pass to and you have plays that work.” Allan became a goalie at 12 years old, pointing out one of the main challenges of his position as pucks flying towards him at 60 miles per hour. To combat this, Allan trains his reflexes and hand-eye coordination in addition to the standard hockey training. This freshman is excited to build camaraderie and gain experience with more advanced strategies and play styles.
As the season advances, the team is gearing up for its next matches, anxious to earn more accolades. Their upcoming games include one against Leigh High School on Nov. 3, Pioneer on Nov. 10, Bellarmine College Preparatory on Nov. 11, and Valley Christian on Nov. 17. The LGHS Ice Hockey Team is optimistic and ready to succeed in yet another season. The LGHS Ice Hockey team is optimistic and ready to succeed in yet another season following its 2nd place in the CAHA High School States last year.
Categories: Sports