Tiger Hockey is finally here. After an impressive last season that ended with the Tigers taking home their first-ever state championship, the team is beyond excited to continue the momentum into this season. The team has been preparing for the past month and a half, lifting and skating to give them the best physical edge when the season starts.
“My biggest hope with pre-season and early season work will be that we are able to forge some good team chemistry,” Head Coach James Frank said. “We have a lot of new guys on the team this year, and it will be very important to work them into our team community.
Frank, heading into his second year as head coach hopes to relive the high of a first year state championship by going back to back.
“It is very cliche to say, but our coaches really have the expectation to improve consistently through the season,” Frank said. “This year we want to be more consistent, and play better month to month.”
Even with graduating a few key players last year, the Tigers return a very strong core. There are five seniors who bring leadership and experience, along with young talent that is eager to step up. Leaning on leadership from players like Stephen Wickson and Charlie Rutherford, they will set a standard for the rest of the team to follow.
“It is very important to come hot out of the gates,” senior Charlie Rutherford said. “We want to play fast and physical while teaching the younger kids to play with poise.”
The Tigers have a target on their backs this season. Every team will be wanting to beat the defending champs which will make the teams focus and consistency at utmost importance. The group is up to the challenge and wants to prove that they are able to do it again this year.
The first game of the year is no normal game. It is a state championship rematch with Northern Kentucky. The team can expect a lot of push back from Northern Kentucky after their loss last year. This will be a perfect test on how the season will go for the tigers.
With high expectations, strong leadership, and a reachable final goal, Tiger Hockey is ready to defend their crown and chase another one.
