Ice Hockey Slides into Season

One game has been steadily rising up the list to imprint and hold its name in the hall of fame for the most popular games in United States.  The game is played by the talented few.  The game is Ice Hockey.

Ice Hockey has become a popular game for all ages.  From elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges, universities, and even national level competitors. Among these is the Talawanda High School Hockey team, a rising team that is still continuing the tradition that started back in the 80’s.

The first Talawanda boys team was in 1986-1987 and since then Hockey has become part of the school’s major games.  “I made varsity team in 1987 and ‘88 and that sparked my love for ice hockey,” remarked  Marc Tincher, the assistant coach for goalie and defense players.

The Talawanda Ice Hockey boys team is a group of positive minded young men due to the influence of the coaches and the sport.  “Our goal has never been solely fixed on making a winning team but to also create a group of positive, hard working young men and to blend the senior talent with the incoming freshman, sophomores and juniors so as to create a solid team spirit and good team,” said Tincher.

The boys play in the South Western Ohio League which is a challenge but considering that they lift and do physical strengthening regularly, it shouldn’t be too hard of a challenge.  “We lift on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday to keep in shape and we also go to practice at the Goggin Ice Center at Miami University to polish and sink in the skills that we learn and the plays that the coaches suggest we make,” related Andy Seans, who is the current goalie in the team, a senior, and a critical part of the team.

When the team works out it works out as a team should, making sure that everyone else plays their part and that there is support when needed because if one doesn’t perform and do their role, that is just the smallest weak point that the opponents want to streak a goal past you.

The games have already started and they have lost some and won some which also teaches the hockey team what they need to improve on and what they need to add or remove from their game structure and setup. Hockey is all about knowing the combinations you need to use and who is mostly capable of doing it, like dribbling the puck with the stick or defending the goal posts.

“The team isn’t the best of all teams and neither is it the worst because we have more like a brotherhood relationship among ourselves and look out for each other in game and practise,” said Tyler Hamilton, a sophomore and a big part of the supporting backbone of the team.

The Hockey team is hoping for a good season this year. They are not wasting any time in utilizing the little time they can get to make a name for themselves in the South Western Ohio League. With the support of the school behind them, and the will to play the game, this season looks promising.