What does it mean to be a captain? What does it mean to be leader? As the adults who choose captains and are supposed to teach leadership, we don’t always know the answer to those questions either. Something that I do know, though, is that there is great value in showing up and wanting to be with your teammates. We did not need Brody or any single player on our team to play hero on Sunday or any day, but collectively we all got a little energy from knowing that, despite the personal success Brody had in playing his first major junior games, he wanted to be back in the Red and White. It’s a good thing we always pack an extra jersey! 

The weekend saw us win two games by the narrowest of margins. On Saturday, we defended hard and won 1-0, and on Sunday with 1.5 minutes left and still trailing by 2, things were not looking perfect, but when you believe as a group good things can happen. 

 

An offensive faceoff play with Logan Foote in front of the net saw the D man slide a puck in, and then it was Max Sheppard’s turn to not only score to tie the game with under a minute left but also pop the water bottle for the OT winner. Prior to this, we had goals from Matej Dobos and Max Bonin as well. Our effort was not perfect, but we stayed with things and found success. We kept a good vibe and left the rink keeping the momentum.

This coming weekend will see us host the CPSHA championship. It will also be our seniors’ last chance to play on campus. 

To our seniors I just say thank you. Whether it is your first year or you have been here longer, this season has had many twists and turns, but you have been the steady hands to guide us. Wins and losses mean so much in the moment, but over time the experiences that you gained through hockey and our travels will be your and your teammates’ everlasting memories. You have arrived from different parts of the country and the world but you will all forever be Spartans

 

We appreciate your effort.

Coach T