“We came into this season with 10 freshmen and only seven returning varsity players. Of those seven returning players only two have more than one year of varsity experience. This presented a challenge before we entered our first game since other schools carry two or three freshmen with a 20 player roster with mostly juniors and seniors,” explained coach Brian Vongray.
Every Sunday from 7:55 to 9:15 p.m. the Beaver Area Bobcat hockey team takes the ice for practice at Brady's Run Ice Arena. The team works hard and gives their best effort at practice to work towards some of the little goals . . . such as staying out of the penalty box and improving team unity and bonding in the face of the tough competition Coach Vongray mentioned.
“We’ve had a rough start, but I think that everyone is quickly grasping new concepts during practices and executing them correctly during games. Our team is made up mostly of underclassmen and they’re all stepping up to compete with older, bigger, and more experienced teams,” stated senior right wing Garrett McElwain.
Unfortunately, Bobcat hockey is on a losing streak of 0-5 and still are working towards their first win after losing to Deer Lakes (9-7) October 4, Fox Chapel (8-4) October 11, Blackhawk (6-2) October 18, Montour (11-1) October 22, and a dispiriting loss to Meadville (13-1) November 1.
“We have made huge steps since our first practice and look to keep improving each week. We’ve had some close games, but with such a young team, it’s not as easy to succeed. I believe it will come in time though. As for me, I look to lead the team by example and keep a positive atmosphere in the locker room,” said junior defenseman Connor Hartman.
The Bobcat’s next home game will be at Brady’s Run Ice Arena November 15 against Sewickley Academy; the start time is at 6:45 p.m.
Perhaps this season’s victories won’t be measured in the ‘W’ column—but will be victories nonetheless.
“I could see strong work ethic and overall desire to compete of each and every player,” said Coach Vongray about his team.