The Men’s Hockey team is already off to a great start with a 4-2 record and many more games to follow.
Already, the men have faced some challenging teams including the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and St. Olaf. However, the Gusties defeated UW-River Falls 2-0. The Gusties followed that by going unbeaten against St. Olaf this past weekend with one win and one tie.
The team’s performance so far this year has showcased potential for the rest of the season. Junior defenseman Andrew Peterson feels that the team’s performance is a step in the right direction. “The team has played pretty solid considering we have such a young squad. Everyone is learning and progressing faster than I thought,” Peterson said.
However, Senior captain Mitch Carlson feels that the team’s strengths and weaknesses begin off the ice. “With so many new faces, the question of how we were going to mesh was on most of the returners’ minds, and I believe that we have really come together as a family. Additionally, as a senior class, we are full of leaders, which has helped bring everyone together,” Carlson said.
Despite the team’s recent success, there is always room for improvement. “I think we need to play a full 60 minutes instead of just 40 or 50 [minutes]. It can make a big difference,” Peterson said.
Carlson feels that improvement presents itself in different ways. “We have not given up the first goal in a game, so it remains to be seen how our team will respond to that kind of adversity,” Carlson said.
Despite a disappointing tie after holding a 2-1 lead to St. Olaf on Saturday night, the team members still feel they played well for that series. Senior captain Ross Ring-Jarvi feels the team played smart and hard, even though they experienced some setbacks. “We played smart hockey during both St. Olaf games, even though we faced some tough adversities throughout the game. We overcame those difficulties and came out with a [win],” Ring-Jarvi said.
Overcoming adversities seemed to be a theme during practice prior to the St. Olaf series. Peterson felt the practices leading up to St. Olaf were vital and played an important role during the two games. “All last week in practice we did things to adapt to the rink situation in St. Olaf, and I think it really helped us Friday night. We came out flying and really took advantage of the game,” Peterson said.
With St. Olaf in the rearview mirror, the Gusties face even tougher competition against Bethel this weekend. Carlson feels this weekend will definitely be a challenge, and if the players do not bring their A-game, they will suffer. “Bethel is, and always has been, a tough team to play against, both at home and at their rink. Their record does not speak to the kind of team they are, and if we do not come to play we will lose,” Carlson said.
Other teammates agree with Carlson. According to Peterson, Bethel is not to be taken lightly. “Last year we had trouble with Bethel, and they definitely can’t be taken for granted. We have to play tough and play for a full 60 [minutes]. We have to play our game and come out hard,” Peterson said.
Although it is just the start of the season, these past few games have really shown the team’s improvements from last year. “It’s tough to compare last year’s team to this year’s [team], but this year we are definitely faster. It’s hard to believe, but we have a lot of speed up front and that makes a big difference,” Peterson said.
Not only has speed and natural talent been a positive factor, but responsibility and respect has also influenced this year’s team. “Last year we had a whole team of leaders. This year everyone seems to have more of an edge and seems to be taking their own initiative and responsibility for their own roles on the team,” Ring-Jarvi said.
The improvements made to the team this year have made for an exciting team to watch. The next game is in Arden Hills on Nov. 19 against Bethel University at 7:05 p.m. The Gusties play at home at the Don Roberts Ice Rink the following night, Nov. 20, against Bethel with the puck dropping at 7:05 p.m.