Preparing to face-off for the rest of the season

The boys Hockey team prepares for successful conditioning and games, after making it to the playoffs.

Cheer at the opposing team taking a check from one of our players. Feel the energy of the ice flying with the puck, straight into the goal. Jump to your feet at an intense breakaway play, and celebrate as the team takes another hard earned win. The Junior Varsity and Varsity Hockey teams’ seasons are in full swing, with games on Fridays at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy at Oldsmar, Center Ice at Wesley Chapel, or Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex. The team currently holds eight wins and four losses, with 16 points and counting at their third place standing in their division of the Western Conference, spanning through the Tampa Bay area. Lex Petrov (‘24), highlights the sense of playing on the Varsity team and how the season feels so far.

“I want to contribute to the scoresheet more, and we want to keep winning games and make the playoffs,” Petrov said.

On Nov. 23, the team secured a win against Palm Harbor with a final score of 3-2. To make the playoffs, the team aims to place in the top four teams of the division they are in, those being East

Lake High School, Palm Harbor University, Steinbrenner High School, and Berkeley Prep School. Currently, the team is ahead of Steinbrenner and Berkeley. Jake Girard (’25) reflects on his first year on the team and how he has bonded with his teammates so far.

“I love everyone on the team. I think my bond is good with everyone on the team. I have no issues with anyone,” Girard said.

The boys practice every Sunday where they do drills and scrimmage. Their drills consist of them practicing passing back and forth then shooting on their goalie to help warm up.

Another Varsity player, Alex

Noti (‘24), plays his second year on the varsity team, believing confidently that they can reach where they were last season as a team.

“I expect the team to make a deep playoff run and it is doable if we play like a team better. We need to build better relations and improve our team chemistry,” Noti said.

The boys plan on continuing to work towards their goals as the season continues with their next game being against Manatee high school on Dec. 9 at Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.