Boys’ hockey aims for positive finish

Recent wins propel team toward post-season competition

Protect+the+puck%3A+Freshman+Riley+Dvorak+eyes+the+ice+during+their+home+game+victory+against+North+Shore.+The+team+looks+to+continue+to+win+as+sections+approach.

Harrison Barden

Protect the puck: Freshman Riley Dvorak eyes the ice during their home game victory against North Shore. The team looks to continue to win as sections approach.

Brigid Duffy

After a loss in the annual Duluth tournament during winter break, the team is having more success, beating Richfield, Como Park and Chaska.

Sophomore Bauer Neudecker said he believes the team, with a record of 8-12-3, improved since the start of the season.

“With sections coming up, we want to play well and compete evenly with the teams,” Neudecker said. “By doing the little things during practice will make a big difference in how we play during games.”

Neudecker said the players are hoping for a decent section ranking to beat the first team they play in sections.

“We are ready for sections, and I am hoping that we can make it through two section games, possibly three,” Neudecker said.

Coach Terry Keseley said he thinks the players have been working hard and their positive attitude has helped keep spirits high throughout the season.

“In order for our team to be successful these last few games, everyone has to bring their best game and be competitive and challenge each team with a positive work ethic,” Keseley said.

According to Keseley, the team has shown positive attitudes despite a losing record that has brought them closer, on and off the ice.

Senior captain Teddie Hoppman said he believes that the team is getting better at working together.

“We’ve had ups and downs. It’s frustrating that we are just pulling together now, but we are getting better at playing more as a team,” Hoppman said.

The team’s last regular season game against Benilde-St. Margaret’s is at 3 p.m. Feb. 14 at the St. Louis Park Recreation Center.

“Because of our school’s rivalry I think that will fuel us for our game against them. We are looking for a good outcome if we all play our best games,” Hoppman said.

Section seeding will take place Feb. 15.