The Ice Hockey team has remained undefeated all season, winning their most recent game against Riverside on Jan. 10 by eight points with a final score of 9-1.
With an impressive record of 7-0 and with only two games to go, the players have kept up with their techniques to keep that undefeated record in both their high school team and in their travel teams.
“Recently I have been focusing on becoming a scoring threat from the blue line,” senior Afton Herke said. “I play defense for travel and forward for high school, so I have been using what I learn from playing in high school games to help with playing defense and scoring in my travel games as well.”
This team would not be where they are today without their coach, Nathan Lauterstein, to help them improve every day. After coaching ice hockey for 20 years, spanning from all age groups and levels, he knows how to keep his players ready to win on the ice.
“We just take things one game at a time,” Coach Nathan Lauterstein said. “We keep things simple and try to play a high pace and high intensity game. Less is more.”
With only practicing together once a month due to most players being on travel teams, this team never falls short in performing their best and uses their time apart as motivation to improve their gameplay.
“It’s another reason why we need to keep our game simple and just focus on getting the basic aspects of our game sharp,” Coach Lauterstein said.
Motivation is a key part of success, and this team uses it as a way to continue their improvement for future games.
“The idea that I can do better and more for my team keeps me motivated to get better,” senior Carson Flieg said. “I take criticisms from people around me on what I could’ve done differently or better so the next time I can be more effective.
Last year, these players were only inches away from being the ice hockey state championship winners. This season, the team has their eye on the prize and are ready to take revenge on the ice.
“Everyone in the room knows this is one of our best opportunities to go far this season,” Coach Lauterstein said. “The returning players from last year got a taste of the state championship game, and they really want to get back there this season and win it.”
The dedication will not stop at the end of the season for most players. After a long road of hard work, many players plan on continuing with this sport in the future and are ready to face any new challenges.
“I plan on playing hockey for as long as I can,” junior Jake Lauterstein said. “Hockey is definitely something I want to do after high school, and I want to see how far it takes me.”
