As December begins to roll around, hockey closes in on playoffs. Like many sports teams, the hockey team worked to fix any problems they had in their play and get nit-picky about certain errors. While errors are inevitable, limiting them is what lets teams become the best of the best. The Central Valley hockey team took on some formidable opponents while approaching the middle of their season.

The Warriors took on teams like Sewickley Academy on Dec. 5, Gateway on Dec. 9, Carrick on Dec. 12 and Ringold on Dec. 19. December is an important month for the hockey team because depending on how their games go, it can shift the morale of the team, for better or for worse. A key player for the Warriors this season is Noah Fessides (12). Fessides was a huge part of the Warrior’s defense and played a major role in their advancements. 

“I believe the season has not been the outcome we have strived for. However, we are hoping to bounce back and win a few of these games,” Fessides said. “Most of the games have been fairly close which is a good thing. We are just struggling to keep the momentum and finish the game with a win.”

With key players like Fessides, the team was able to make stronger bonds together, which allowed them to play stronger together. With a tight-knit community, the players get the opportunity to make strong connections with each other, allowing them to become a better team. With other key players like Joseph Cook, who helped the team advance their play, the Warriors continued to improve their team.

In addition to more play, the team takes on a wide variety of teams, and one of the biggest pros this offers is the ability to adapt and play against other teams. The Central Valley hockey team, while suffering because of the loss of key seniors, is on track to go negative at the end of the season. With an array of players, all coming from different schools, the team allows students to connect with one another and work on their individual talents.

While the season is continuing for the Warriors, they hope to keep up the pace at which they are for practices and games, and eventually pick up speed for playoffs. With a wide variety of talent among the team, the players and the coaches know they can do real damage this year in the playoffs. With the addition of many new players who are still getting used to the team, the Warriors will continue to fight and prevail through their battles.