The boys hockey team’s dynamic has completely changed this 2022-2023 season. This team is putting out their all on the ice, while also maintaining camaraderie with one another, showing that they are more than just a team. They are a family.
Being 10 weeks into the season, with an overall record of 9-17, senior Jack Patti reflects on the first few games and practices, saying that although they didn’t play to the level they were hoping at first, they are now “working harder than ever” and creating successes for themselves.
“I’m feeling good about the rest of this hockey season,” Patti said. “We didn’t get the start we wanted to, but we’re moving in the right direction now.”
Throughout his high school career, Patti has never seen the team put so much of their effort into the team and sport as he has this season.
“On and off the ice we’ve been dedicated to working together and improving our game,” Patti said. “We all have the same goal of a state championship in mind.”
With 20 multi-faceted and talented players making up the team this season, Patti believes that their greatest cohesive skill is their depth.
“We have players who can all play together and compete with the best teams in the league,” Patti said.”
Patti feels that the team’s biggest weakness throughout the season has been staying disciplined to their strengths.
“Oftentimes we try to do too much out there and it hurts us,” Patti said.
According to Patti, Head Coach Mike Bears has had a crucial impact on the shift in dynamic for the team this year.
“[Coach Bears] has taken a new, no nonsense approach and it’s been reflected on and off the ice,” Patti said. “We have one goal and that is to win by playing as a team.”
Keeping this goal that the team collectively has in mind, Patti has a positive outlook on the future of the team and the successes they will achieve.
“I’m looking forward to bringing back a state championship to Londonderry,” Patti said.
Even with the initial few losses the team faced, Bears is feeling confident that the team will have a strong finish to the season.
“The team has been working hard at practice the last couple weeks, which will hopefully translate to success in the games,” Bears said.
While the team has many skills they possess as a whole leading to their countless achievements, Bears agrees with Patti that the team will need to be more disciplined in order to win.
“I am looking forward to the challenge of climbing up the standings after a slow start,” Bears said.
