According to sophomore Will Pinney, it is beneficial for him to play behind such an experienced goalie in senior Atticus Raasch.

“I think I really do get better playing behind a goalie like Atticus,” Pinney said. “I get to learn by watching him during games and practices and that helps me get more comfortable with what to do.”

Park coach Colin Hohman said the relationship between Pinney and Raasch is mutually beneficial for the two goalies.

“It is really cool to see how tight of a relationship they have,” Hohman said. “They are always pushing each other and forcing each other to get better.”

Pinney said he is grateful to have the opportunity to start as many varsity games as he has.

“I feel pretty good about the games I have gotten to start, especially as a sophomore,” Pinney said. “I am definitely surprised at some of the teams I have played against this season, and I thank the coaches for putting their trust in me.”

Hohman said the goalie position is not firmly held by either of them, and will ultimately be decided based on who can best help the team.

“Just like any other position on the ice, we are gonna give it to whoever shows us in practice and games that they are gonna put us in the best position to win a game,” Hohman said.

According to Pinney, his varsity experience has helped him develop into a more reliable goaltender.

“I think I’ve gotten better as the year has gone on. I feel more confident and feel like I can stop more shots than I could earlier this year,” Pinney said.

According to Pinney, the decision of his coaches to put him into so many varsity games this year has positively impacted his confidence.

“Every time my coaches give me the start, I feel more and more confident in my ability to help my team win,” said Pinney.

Looking forward to next season, Pinney said his varsity experience this year will be valuable to him.

“Getting some games this year will help me prepare for next year because I can really get a feel for varsity level hockey, instead of getting thrown into the fire right away next year,” Pinney said.

According to Hohman, he has seen Pinney make great strides during the past two years in the program and believes that giving him the chance to play now will help him significantly in the future.

“Will is such a hard working kid, and it’s crazy how much I have seen him improve in the last couple years,” Hohman said. “I am confident that with the experience he has gotten this year, he is just gonna keep getting that much better.”