One team, one dream

by Sarafina Dillon sports editor

Due to a smaller number of players, the Mounds View and Irondale girls hockey teams combined into one this year. As the girls continue to develop their relationships with their new teammates, they must learn to balance building team chemistry with personal improvement. So far this season they have faced many challenges, such as the loss of last year’s strongest teammates, but together they hope to persevere.

With the combination of teams, the newly formed group has had more challenges to overcome than most. In hockey, decisions need to be made quickly and efficiently, which means each player must have complete faith in each other. This is why team bonding events are so important, as it ensures the team knows each other, according to senior Berit Hudson. Due to some of the girls playing together for the first time in their entire hockey career, building such vital trust has been a challenge.

However, together, the team has pushed through. “It was really hard at first to be combined as a team… but I’m happy with where we’re at now,” said sophomore Lila Peltier.

While the team has become more cohesive throughout the season, they know they still have something to prove. “We gotta show that we’re just one team,” said Peliter. The phrase “one team, one dream” is spoken many times on and off the rink, as it symbolizes the team’s mentality. Every win, loss and tie the team has isn’t on one individual, but the entirety of the team.

Because of this, having motivated teammates is very important during a game. “We always cheer for each other and have a very loud bench,” said Hudson. “[And] when a player does good, we compliment them.” Additionally, after games, they give down by their shortcomings. shoutouts to recognize outstanding players to create a positive team environment and to encourage improvement.

The team believes that they are set to finish up this season strong and continue to make great connections with their teammates.

This positive environment is bolstered by the events the team participates in. “We do a lot of activities to bond,” said Peltier. “We do things like carbo loads, go to Wild hockey games and have fun together at out of town tournaments.” They believe this also helps with their performance.

The girls have been setting many goals to try and stay focused on progress, which includes improving individually and as a team. “Although our record isn’t the best, with it being 6-13, we think we are going to improve and do better now that we are all as one,” said Peltier.

Individually, many agree they have things to improve on. “The only thing you can control is your effort,” said freshman Taylor Metz.

However, confidence is key in this progression. “I can overcome any obstacle if I am determined and work hard,” said Hudson. This mentality, while difficult to achieve, allows players to not be weighed