By Gavin Lindahl
Sports Assignment Editor
Despite finally winning its first game of the season last weekend, the club hockey team knows there’s a long way to go to get past the subpar 1-5 start. Still, spirits are higher than they have been, according to junior defensemen and assistant captain Nate Parker.
“It’s a relief. We have been working hard, but we just have been unable to get to that next level,” Parker said. “But last weekend was just a stepping stone; we are still a long way from reaching our full potential.”
Although the Bonnies dropped their first game against Slippery Rock University last Friday, the team bounced back the following night. Junior winger John Rogers recorded his second goal of the night and was able to score the game-winning goal in overtime.
“This weekend was our best weekend of the year. We played a team that has skated with and has defeated good, bigger schools,” Parker said. “Friday, we lost by one goal, but the chances were there. We made mistakes, all of which we have learned from. When we did have breakdowns, [freshman goalie] Alex Feyche was solid – he kept us in the game.”
According to Parker, the young squad’s lack of chemistry is still showing on the ice, but the team’s goal for this season is as ambitious as ever.
“We are a team that is determined. We all want to not only make the playoffs, but be the first team in a while to win a playoff game wearing a Bonaventure jersey,” Parker said. “We as a team just need to continue to work hard and battle with and for each other. Everything is falling into place.”
The Bonnies will be home this weekend as they take on Binghamton University and SUNY Cortland. This will be the second time the Bonnies have faced Cortland this season, falling to them on Halloween 5-3.
Tonight’s game against Binghamton will have a puck drop of 8:30 p.m. at the William O. Smith Recreation Center in Olean. The Bonnies will be back tomorrow afternoon, facing Cortland at 3:30 p.m.
lindahg12@bonaventure.edu
