Coming off of a championship winning 2016-17 season, the Stone Bridge Bulldogs Varsity Hockey Team has their sights set on another run at the trophy.

After an 8-2 season and a win over rivals Broad Run in the State Championship, the Bulldogs are looking to continue their dominance over the Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League. Last season’s flawless playoff run led to a 3rd consecutive title for the team.

Since the 2017-2018 season kicked off on Nov. 10, the players have faced both highs and lows. The team prevailed against Potomac Falls/Dominion in their season opener, ending the game after a mere period and half by mercy rule. The Bulldogs suffered a 6-2 loss to a strong Bishop O’Connell team one week later, but then swiftly rebounded with wins against both Tuscarora and Rock Ridge/Heritage.

With four games under their belt, the players are beginning to gain confidence that will pay dividends by the end of the season. Stone Bridge’s regular season schedule finishes off with a gauntlet of games against cross-town rivals Briar Woods, Riverside, and Broad Run.

Senior Patrick McDonald understands the importance of these matchups, but is optimistic about his team’s chances of success.

“All three of those teams will definitely be tough games, but by the time we get there we’ll have the chemistry we need to beat them,” McDonald said. “The game against Riverside will be super intense and unpredictable, and I can see it becoming a major friendly rivalry.”

The Bulldogs made short work of the Rams last season, defeating them 10-2 on Jan. 8. Their matchup this season will be the second meeting between Stone Bridge and a unified Riverside squad.

Overall, many of the players are confident in their chances of capturing a fourth consecutive title. They believe strongly in the talent and skill of their teammates, and with a little bit of puck luck and a lot of focus, their high expectations may become reality.