The Lakers varsity hockey team’s winter season came to a close last weekend on Friday, March 4 and Sunday, March 6. They played four games in the Irish South Bend Cup at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana.
Their first game was on Friday, March 4 in the early morning. The Lakers scored their first win of the tournament against the Texas Warriors. While the Texas Warriors scored three goals throughout the game, the Lakers scored two goals in the first period, another in the second, and their game winning goal in the third. The goals were scored by seniors Tyler Cook, Braydon Salata and two other of their teammates that attend different high schools. Though it was very early to start playing hockey, the Lakers still managed to defeat them 4-3.
The winning did not stop; later that day when they faced Prep Gold, the Lakers won 6-4. Seniors Jason Fogel and Cook both scored two goals, junior Remi Merrill had one, and Lakes student Alex Kennemann, the team captain, had one.
As the tournament was located in Notre Dame, the Lakers organization took the opportunity to have the team along with their families watch a couple Notre Dame hockey games at the Compton Family Ice Arena, which is on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.
“My favorite moment about the tournament was probably going to the Notre Dame games,” senior Gavin Frank said. “It was really fun to watch and it was fun to spend time with my teammates.”
The next morning, the Lakers were up against the Huron County Barn Burners. It was a very physical game, as the Lakers alone had 11 penalties and the Barn Burners had eight. It was a close game, as the Lakers lost 3-2. Sophomore Sam Hanes scored a goal and Fogel had his third goal of the tournament.
There was not too much for the Lakers to be sad about as they still qualified to go to the championship game the next day. However, before the night ended, the Lakers went to another Notre Dame game and had a fun and relaxing time before they had to face another team to win the gold.
On Sunday, March 6, the Lakers had their championship game against the Huron County Barn Burners again. It was an easy win of 4-1 for the Lakers with goals from Salata, Fogel and two other players.
Though it was another amazing tournament and second championship for the Lakers, it was the seniors’ last game ever.
“Winning the championship was an awesome way to end my hockey career, but I am mostly sad that it came to an end and I won’t be a part of a team anymore,” Salata said.
The ending has been bittersweet for all, as younger players are forced to say goodbye to seniors that they have built strong relationships with. Seniors are forced to leave the ice for the final time, but many players believe that words of advice for these younger players will allow them to leave a legacy that improved the organization long after they have hung up their skates.
“For upcoming seniors that plan on playing for the Lakers, I’d say build a good relationship with everyone on the team and be leaders and role models for other players joining the Lakers,” Salata said.
Those who have not graduated have little downtime, as their spring season begins in just a few weeks in order to maintain the physical ability they have built up this past season. As the seniors continue on with life after high school, other players who are still a part of the team have much to learn in order to continue the winning trend next season.
