Coming off of a state championship win last year, the Jesuit Hockey team finished their season early in the state tournament a few weeks ago after losing in the first round. Unfortunately, the Rangers went merely 5-12 this season compared to astounding 21-1-1 in 2012-2013.
After last year’s state title, Eli Ray ’14 said, “Our mindset was ‘We are going to have to come in with a more of a tenacious attitude and play with a lot of heart.'” Although it may seem that the season was unsuccessful, the 5-12 record does not completely tell the story since six games were decided by only one goal.
Team captain Corey Hazelbaker ’14 stated, “We always kept the games close and gave it a run.” He also noted “even though it may have been tough at times, it was what we lived by, getting gritty goals.” Cameron Bartkoski ’16 added, “Every game we gave it our best effort.” The Rangers may not have pulled out many games, but they always stuck to tough, fundamental play which has always been a part of the hockey program at Jesuit.
Looking back at the season, Hazelbaker and Ray both agree that the most memorable game was against Coppell early in the season. Hazelbaker explained, “The hockey rivalry between us is huge and has been since the early 90s.” Coppell, one of the better teams in the district, proved to be a difficult opponent for the Rangers. With only nine players, the Rangers managed to get the win in a hard fought defensive game, with a final of 1-0.
Although the season may not have turned out as Jesuit hoped it would, the team enjoyed the season and made the best of it. Regarding his last season and his career at Jesuit, Hazelbaker said, “I had a great time, it’s been a great four years and there were memories all around.” He played well at Jesuit, was considered by teammates to be a valuable player and proved to be a great team captain as a senior. Ray also savored his last season at Jesuit saying, “It was definitely fun and it was fun leading the team.” Not only did the seniors enjoy the season, but so did underclassmen like Cameron Bartkoski ’16 who said, “even though we didn’t have the same season as last year, it was just as fun to play.”
Looking forward, the graduating seniors see lots of potential in next year’s team. Ray thinks, “Next year they are going to make a deep run and potentially be one of the top 6 teams.” To prepare for next season, the team will practice this summer and improve their individual skills as well as their team play. Bartkoski says “It will be tough next year with only one senior, but I think we will do well with the incoming freshman and returning players.”
