The Hottest Game on Ice
By Hannah Sobel
The minute November starts, an excitement is in the air. It can only mean one thing: hockey season is starting up again!
Hockey is an immensely popular sport at Hanover High. Many of those who don’t play on the HHS varsity or JV teams enjoy attending Dartmouth games at nearby Thompson arena.
But to the HHS girls’ varsity hockey team, the game is more than just a game. It is the way of winter.
Winter is a strange season. After Thanksgiving, people become anxious for the first snow. But soon after, there are complaints about the weather. “I’m ready for spring,” is often heard. But these fifteen girls wait all year for the cold season, so they can lace up their skates and get onto the ice.
Last season, the team went 12-2-2, under co-captains Laura Sanderson and Katie McLaughlin, winning the state championship for the second time in three years. This year, co-captains (and the only seniors on the team) Courtney Mayers, Emily Eickhoff, and Leah Eickhoff hope to achieve a three-peat.
“I think we have a really strong team, and they’re willing to work really hard,” says Courtney.
There are eleven returning players this season, and four new freshmen, Grace Tecca, Emily Acker, Sarah Muller, and Caroline Howell. Emily Eickhoff says they are adjusting well. “They’re working really hard, and they’re really talented.”
Courtney, has been playing hockey since second grade. However, her co-captains, Leah and Emily, have only been playing since eighth grade. They both managed to make varsity their freshman year. It definitely says something about their athleticism and determination. I believe the girls’ team is in very good hands this season, under Mayers, the Eickhoffs, and head coach John Dodds.
Last year, the team graduated not only Sanderson and McLaughlin, but also Hannah Kornfeld and Hillary Gorlin, four very influential players to the team. Mayers and the Eickhoffs took care of that through their choice of freshmen. Returning players include sophomores Kate Pattison, Kelly Gaudet, and Katrina Menard; juniors Lauren Hoh, Madison Hill, Tessa Hill, Maddie Dewhirst, and Hannah Lyons.
Overall, the team is looking very strong, and I will be watching with great interest and great confidence. It’s going to be a great season, girls!