Tradition strengthens hockey community

ANNIE ZHANG THE RUBICON

Twenty three players on the team but only six play at a time. With nearly three-quarters of the team on the bench at any time, hockey players have the opportunity to observe various styles, develop a sense of teamwork, and get to know new teammates and reconnect with long-time hockey friends.

“We have a decent amount of 9th graders playing for SPA instead of doing another year of youth hockey,” sophomore Liam Huddleston said. “This is nice to see because they can start building team chemistry with other players early on in their high school careers.”

To encourage team bonding, the Spartan Boys Hockey spends time doing numerous activities off the ice.

“We have volunteered together, done team dinners and get-togethers, and go out to eat after practice some weekends,” junior Isak Bildtsen said.

In addition, the team makes sure to maintain older traditions while also introducing new ones for the years to come.

“Before the game, this year’s new tradition is we do the ‘We Will Rock You’ theme song and have someone yell out the starters’ names for the game,” sophomore Ethan Peltier said.