nICE start to the season

Hockey is a sport people view as aggressive and intense, but those who play hockey for Aurora find it to be a fulfilling team experience where they can improve on the ice and form bonds.

On Saturday, December 5th , the team won their league opener game against Bay High School, 4 to 3.

The team practices every day except Tuesday and Thursday and has games on the weekends. Home games and practices are held at The Pond in Chagrin Falls. The season began in early November.

The team consists of players from all four grades and showcases a range of skills in the sport. This includes seniors Kevin Hutchinson and Matt Vince, juniors Nick Capretta and Michael Carnahan, and sophomores Joe Capretta and Cole Rausch. There are also several freshmen new to the team.

Practices, along with a positive attitude and confidence in each other is what helps the team win.

Coach John Sheridan often tells the players, “If you have confidence in yourself and the person sitting next to you in the locker room, then you’ll win the game.”

And when it seems like the opposing team will be difficult to beat, Senior Matt Vince said, “You just have to tell yourself we’re all captains on the team because we all wear the A for Aurora.”

There really is no sport quite like hockey, and the bond players share makes being part of the team much more fulfilling.

“In all the sports I’ve ever played there isn’t more respect between players than there is in hockey. It’s truly a love and passion especially for those moments we all share when we can step on fresh ice and turn into a whole different person or group of people,” said Kevin Hutchinson, senior.

Hockey requires a lot of dedication by nature, but at times, it can be tough for the team to stick together.

“It’s easy to win as a team, but losing takes character to stay a team,” said Junior Dominic Sharrotta.

Most people find hockey to be somewhat of an aggressive sport, but that’s why some love it.

Junior Colin Kearney said, “My favorite part about hockey would probably be the intensity and speed of the game.”

While the sport is tough to pick up on at first, the team dynamic helps teach beginners how to play, and allows returning players to grow.

Freshman Evan Dockman said, “The biggest challenge is a being a beginner. But my teammates make the learning process of getting to know how to play the sport fun.”

The team puts a lot of hardwork and dedication into their sport and appreciates when fans come out to support their battles on the ice.

The team’s next home game is Friday, December 11 at 5:10 P.M., against CVCA.