The JV hockey team currently sits at a 1-3 record with a win against Walter Johnson 3-2, and losses against Whitman, BCC and Churchill. Sophomore James Lieske leads the Patriots with a goal and an assist. The Patriots have a long break from their game against Churchill on Nov. 11 and won’t play again until they play Richard Montgomery on Dec. 1.
Sophomore Sophia Kaplunovich has been around the rink for years. Kaplunovich played on JV last year and was ready to play again this year. “As someone who has been around a hockey rink my whole life, my decision was very easy, and I love watching hockey so I thought to give it a try,” Kaplunovich said.
Sophomore Noah Weber currently has one point on the season, and that came against Walter Johnson when he scored the game winning goal on Oct. 30. “Scoring that game winning goal in just my second game of my career was a pretty big deal because I have been practicing a lot and it was good to see it pay off in a clutch time,” Weber said.
Sophomore Liam Simmons has also been playing hockey for a long time, and being on the JV team last year has proven to the coach that his role will improve with the team. Simmons finished last season with five goals and three assists. “After having eight points last season, I want that number to go up this season, and as my role improves, my points will also go up.”
Freshman William Rusiecki helped out the team in the win against Walter Johnson, where he had his first point in his second game, and also notched an assist. “Playing in close games and making it count is huge for me as I grow as a player and help with this team.” Rusiecki said.
Sophomore Spencer Golub has helped out the team in a big way this season. Golub has two goals, scoring in games against Walter Johnson and Whitman. Golub has already tied his season-high in points from the previous season, and looks to raise that number. “Going into the season, I didn’t think I was going to have a big role on the team, but three games in, I have realized that I play a part in this team,” Golub said.
The Patriots have played a hard fought antagonizing game each time, with a lot of hits and penalties. JV has racked up far more penalty minutes than their opponents this season. The team has three times as many penalties as the teams they played. Sophomore Luke Jordan realizes the differential in penalties, but doesn’t think it’s that bad. “Despite all the penalties we take, we love to play hard and I think we should continue to play hard,” Jordan said.
