by Bailey Freedman
Editor in Chief
With posters hung, banners strung, and cheers rung, Tucker Road Ice Rink was decorated with Patriot Pride for the 2023-2024 seniors. Each year, parents and coaches go above and beyond to recognize the team’s oldest players before their last game of the season. Each senior player earns a banner with their favorite hockey picture, full name, and number to hang against the glass throughout the entirety of the game. Accompanying the banners, each player receives personalized keepsake items, such as cups, bouquets, and sweet treats.
Before the game, seniors are given the opportunity to invite their closest friends and family members to join them on the ice for name recognition, announcements of player’s favorite NHS hockey memories, and a group photo. Senior Cameron Leon said, “It was a very cool opportunity to celebrate on the ice and capture the moment.”
For many of the seniors, this night was highly anticipated throughout their entire sports career. Leon said, “I have played hockey for over 15 years and I was very excited to be able to celebrate with my family and friends before the game.” Completing numerous seasons throughout the years is a large accomplishment that must be recognized and celebrated throughout NHS.
While the team began to prepare for the fight on the ice against Charles County, the coaching staff decided to change the starting line up, highlighting only seniors to start the game. Senior Tyler Ferguson said, “It was a really nice experience to start the game with some of the guys who I have played with since youth leagues and it definitely made it more special to celebrate each other together in one night.” This once in a season opportunity brought the team even closer than before, setting up for a close game to come.
Throughout the length of the game, NHS and Charles County remained tied up until the last second of the game, heading into overtime with a score 3-3 on the board. Within the first few minutes of overtime, Charles County rushed the puck and took the win against the Patriots in a devastating loss. Even though the skating Patriots did not gain the win, the team was happy to celebrate the seniors. “It was a tough loss but I’m still very proud of everyone on the team for putting forth their best efforts on the ice,” said Ferguson.
Looking forward to the next upcoming games of the season, the Patriots continue their fight for a spot in the playoffs to compete for the Chesapeake Cup. While Northern hockey is not directly affiliated with the school, the players continue to push their limits to remain a strong representation of NHS.
