Don’t Puck With Us

  The Woodbridge Senior High School Hockey Team is on track for an impressive season this year. This season the games are back to normal with fans in attendance at the rink because Covid restrictions have been lifted. “Last season because of Covid, they were not allowed spectators in the stands,” according to Junior, left-winger, Tyler Gordan. The rink had an eerie quietness. You could hear the blades on the ice, heavy breathing, and teammates talking. Now, with fans back in the stands, the air is electric and the energy pumps up the players. From banging on the glass, to chanting, the Woodbridge fans get the rink rockin’. Tyler feels the fans elevate the way the team plays and improves how they play.  

  The Vikings have a lot of returning players and some new faces. Most players on the team attend Woodbridge but there are some players from different schools such as North Stafford and Brooke Point who are a part of the team as well. The players come from really diverse backgrounds but mesh really well together. They all have the common goal of getting the Vikings through the playoffs and to a championship victory.

  When I asked about this year’s competition, Tyler feels this season is easier than last year. “We only had four Senior players from last year. Other teams lost a greater number of seniors, and are in a rebuilding phase which can leave them at a disadvantage as their team may not be as strong as prior seasons. Woodbridge has a strong underclassman core and have picked up some new players since last season.”

  Other than picking up new players, Woodbridge has changed some of the players’ positions. Many of the players have excelled in their new positions. These changes will hopefully take them further in the playoffs and hopefully onto the championship. When asked about the remainder of the season, Tyler feels they have some tough competition but, “As long as we work hard, stay focused, and remain the well oiled machine we are, we should have no problems advancing. ”For the remainder of the season, Woodbridge has two more games before the playoffs. Between the home advantage and large turnout of Viking hockey fans they should have no problems finishing out a successful season.