The hockey team continues to make their presence known against non-conference opponents in their young season, as they secured three more solid results in their last three games. The team hosted Air Force University and the University of New Hampshire to the tune of two victories and a draw.
The team first faced Air Force in a battle to secure the Pikes Peak Trophy. It was the team’s first victory against their mountainous neighbors since 2015, but the team is looking different this year. The team was powered by forwards Trey Bradley ’19 and Alex Berardinelli ’20, as each scored two goals. Air Force didn’t stand a chance, despite making the game a 1-1 tie six minutes into the second period. The Air Force goal clearly woke the sleeping Tigers, as CC went on to put up five straight goals, continuing their trend of high-scoring matchups.
Forward Tanner Ockey ’19 knows that the team has big plans this year. “We recently beat Air Force and got the Pikes Peak Trophy and then played UNH and won and tied,” Ockey said. “It’s the best start since 2011 for this program.”
The team has played especially well because of their team chemistry. The team didn’t have anyone in the senior class, so the players have had a great chance throughout their CC careers to work together and understand each other’s play styles. It’s making a clear difference this year. Defender Andrew Farny ’19 feels strongly about the team’s play thus far. “The team is off to a good start,” he said. “The freshmen have been a great addition and have immediately made contributions to the team both on and off the ice. The group is very skilled so it will be exciting to see them develop and progress over this year and their time at CC.”
The team kept up their strong start against New Hampshire on Oct. 19 and 20, despite not leaving the weekend with two wins. Bradley and Berardinelli each tallied another goal, with Bradley adding on another three assists over the weekend. Farny detailed how the team performed so well over the three-game stretch. “We played with a little more detail in the defensive zone and more passion during the second game,” he said.
With conference play ahead, Farny took time to outline the team’s goals, which are to bring the Gold Pan, the trophy awarded to the winner of the Colorado College-Denver matchup and to make it to the NCAA tournament. With how they’ve played thus far, it’s looking like a real possibility. He went on to describe the position the Tigers occupy. “We are one of the smallest teams in the country but we also would like to be one of the fastest and best conditioned teams,” Farny said. “It takes a lot of work but I think we are headed in the right direction.”
Ockey echoed Farny’s sentiment on conditioning and emphasized the all-around skill of the team.
“The most important thing is speed and we’re one of the fastest teams in the nation,” said Ockey. “Our players are positionally sound and have great handling skills.”
It’s clear that the team is very secure in their skill. Their 4—1—1 record is reflective of their confidence, and it’ll be up to the team to continue their winning ways. Come out and support your Tigers at the Broadmoor on Nov. 2 and 3 against No. 2 St. Cloud State University!