September saw Central Valley’s hockey program take on their pre-season campaign. This was their first time on the ice after a six-month break. They started their pre-season campaign off on Sept. 10, at home against Blackhawk. Although the Warriors lost 5-0, the defeat offered a learning experience for the team and allowed them to improve their play for the season ahead.
They faced the Beaver Bobcats away at Brady’s Run Ice Rink in their second of three individual games. Although Central Valley seemed to be at a disadvantage early on, after Beaver scored early in the game, making the game 1-0 in their favor; however, the Warriors fought long and hard to finish the game in a 4-4 draw.
The warriors faced the bobcats again at home just days later. The Warriors looked better in terms of keeping the puck out of the net. Closing the game with a 2-2 draw, the game ended early due to a conflict with other events at the rink.
Although losing major pieces over the offseason, in the form of alum Aiden Pournaras and prior captain Chase Grable, who were vital to the team’s success last season, Central Valley still looks rather strong, showing strong spirit and hard work to fight for each and every point. This new and fresh Central Valley roster features two players representing Freedom’s signature red and white, Noah Fessides (12) and Alec Lockwood (9).
The Warriors started their regular season on Thursday, Oct. 3, on the road against Morgantown. The team hit the road for an 8:55 p.m. start in West Virginia at the Morgantown Ice Arena. Although the team lost 14-0, many lessons were learned. The team showed overall good chemistry and looked forward to their game on Thursday, Oct.17.
“Even though we were losing, we still stayed together. We weren’t arguing and getting mad at each other for things,” Noah Fessides (12), one of Central Valley’s key players this season, said.
However, there are always going to be things that the team could improve on, one such being preparation as a team.
“Most of the kids on the team are freshmen and sophomores, it is new for them,” Fessides said, “They played middle school last year; they haven’t played varsity, and middle school and varsity are a lot different in my opinion.”
The team looks to tackle issues, such as their lack of preparation, by running through drills and scenarios at practice to prepare the team for real game-like situations further. The team also looks to improve their already great chemistry by involving players in team-building opportunities.
At the time of writing, the team’s next regular season game takes place on Thursday, Oct. 17 against Elizabeth Forward High School. The team will be playing at Brady’s Run Ice Arena, the place that Central Valley’s Ice Hockey program calls home. Although the team has started their season off 0-1, but there is still plenty more hockey to be played, stretching into April.