By Gavin Lindahl
Sports Assignment Editor
Nearly two months into the season, and the situation is bleak for the St. Bonaventure club hockey team. The team has been outscored 40 goals to 16 through the team’s first eight games, seven of which have been losses.
Included in those seven games is Bona’s 5-2 loss to Binghamton University last weekend. Though the team’s past losses are nothing to ignore, Bonnies junior left winger Derrick Jester says the team is trying to move past them.
“We don’t focus on the record too much, because that is in the past,” Jester said. “We keep it in the back of our minds, stay positive and continue to work hard every game.”
While the team may be trying to stay positive, the record doesn’t lie – the Bonnies need work. Whether it’s keeping the puck out of the net, or putting more pucks in the net, the Bonnies will have to tighten up their game.
According to Jester, the Bonnies are trying to capture what momentum they can from their win two weeks ago against Slippery Rock University and ride out the schedule and continue to improve the team’s chemistry.
“Despite what the score said, [Binghamton was] a close game and with a win against slippery rock, we are on an uphill,” Jester said. “Our lines have been working well together, but there is still room for improvement. We have to get pucks on night, crash hard with our forecheck and be able to finish opportunities when they are presented to us.”
While the team’s offensive numbers may not be stifling, one bright side has been the forward line composed of first-year players Colin Coppola, Michael Mendola and Tyler Gokey. The trio has combined for 12 points (four goals, eight assists) this season, which is impressive considering their age and the Bonnies’ anemic offense so far. Coppola currently leads all skaters in points with five (one goal, four assists).
The Bonnies will have this weekend off as their game against SUNY Cortland scheduled for tomorrow was cancelled. However, the Bonnies will be in action after Thanksgiving and before the winter recess against Cornell University.
Cornell has played more games than the Bonnies, but their record isn’t much better. The Big Red have dropped seven of their 11 games this season. A weak Cornell team may be exactly what the Bonnies need to get back on the path to winning games.
