There’s no Cold like a Northlands Cold
CLACK! Hockey sticks clash against each other amid the face off, it’s a scramble for possession of the puck. Shoves, hooks, and trips fly everywhere; the puck squeaks out on the end of a blue and gold jersey’s stick. He skates across the ice with some mix of elegant grace and aggressive intent, he’s moving fast. Just as he comes shoulder to shoulder with the other team, he slams on the breaks, spraying ice onto the boards and leaving the opposing skater looking like a baby giraffe on ice. The opportunity for a goal finally opens up. The teeth of the front of the skate dig into the ice before a sprawling push, propelling him towards net. It’s a lightning-fast moment but it requires incredible precision. The shot is a culmination of the energetic and fast paced nature of the sport itself, pitting precision right next to speed and power. The leg kicks up, the body twists to rotate, and the arms swing all the way through the shot. The puck can fly! Moeller goal! The puck flies into the back of the net, right past the goalie’s helmet. Cheers erupt from the bench as the players on the ice celebrate, huddling amongst the hugs, high fives, and helmet slaps . But the party isn’t over, everybody’s hands spill over the bench to give congratulatory high fives to the players passing at high speed. Moeller hockey was smooth skating.
Moeller Hockey fought a difficult schedule all year, facing numerous strong opponents in far away venues. Only a third of games were played within an hour from Moeller, with all of them being home games. Hockey traveled to Columbus, Cleveland, Bowling Green, Toledo, Oxford, and South Bend this season. They played the highest possible competition in southwest Ohio and beat them all. Namely, hockey smashed the school rival, St. Xavier, 5-2 at Miami’s Goggin Ice Center. Because Cincinnati hockey teams are few and far between, competition is regularly found north of Cincinnati, playing many Columbus teams. Senior Diegan Lyons states, “Playing in the Capital Hockey Conference is definitely a challenge. Almost all of the conference is ranked in the top ten, so the competition prepares us for the OSHAA tournament.” The team had a strong senior presence: 8 seniors and 11 underclassmen. The three captains, Max Gerber (A), Diegan Lyons (A), and Christian Rivard (C), all played key roles throughout the season. Max Gerber tied the Moeller single game scoring record by burying six goals in the back of the net against Indian Hill. The team finished the season with 6 wins and 26 losses. The season ended on February 5th against St. Charles prep. Despite the discouragement, the team never failed to keep a positive energy. Every Friday at Northlands the locker rooms were full of laughs, chirps, and energy. Every goal was celebrated and every game was fought, with equal tenacity and determination across the season. Every shift counts!
