With a terrific start to the 2024-2025 hockey season the Ice Tigers are now 9-2-5 and have high hopes for the upcoming matchups against top teams: Trinity and Northern Kentucky. The Tigers have been playing solid hockey throughout the season and are preparing for the state tournament. They are looking to bounce back from last years fourth place performance.
Senior Henry Arnold has been on the varsity team for four years and is feeling more confident than ever.
“I think so far we have done a pretty good job sticking with the top teams in the state. We were able to stick with the defending state champions, Owensboro, with a 1-1 tie,” Arnold said. “As of Northern Kentucky, we are looking for a rematch when it comes playoff time.”
With many returning juniors and sophomores the teams chemistry and experience is booming. Not only does the team have experience but they have an offense that is off the roofs. Senior Nick Beam has been churning the ice with nine goals in nine games, and junior Charlie Rutherford is close behind with eight goals. There has been a change in defense from last year that supports the Tigers prominent season.
“With a short defense, our defensemen have done a great job keeping scoring chances low and defending big time players,” Arnold emphasized.
Although the defense may be underhanded, they have dedication. To challenge themselves, the ice Tigers have ventured out of state and played teams from Missouri and West Virginia.
“Playing out of state teams gives us all a taste of the talent and skill level that teams have that we may not see that often,” Arnold said. “Being in Kentucky, there isn’t a whole lot of crazy, stand out talent, so being able to compete with teams out of state brings lots of motivation and drive to our team.”
As the state tournament gets closer, the ice tigers are more confident than ever and are looking to close out the season with three huge wins. They play trinity twice, once this Friday, and Lexington once to close out the season. All three matchups will be good tests for the Ice Tigers as they near the postseason.
