SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs boys varsity hockey team faced Shenendehowa last Wednesday in a rivalry game. The Blue Streaks came out on top, 3-2.
Going into the game, the Blue Streaks knew they had to put their best foot forward. With Shen having an undefeated record in their section, Saratoga Head Coach Tim Horst said that they knew it was going to be a challenge, as it is every time the two teams face each other.
“It’s a big game for us every year because Shen’s a big rival for us,” Coach Horst said. “We always know we’ve got to come to the rink ready to play, and it’s going to be a one-goal game every single time. We’re going to need every single guy on the roster to contribute in some way in order to beat a team like them.”
The team rose up to this challenge. Coach Horst praised the three goal scorers, Jayson Carpenter, Daniel Klochaney, and Jack Murauskas. He also highlighted his senior players for leading the way with their energy and experience. “They led by example. They played in three years of the Shen games and they know what it means to our community, to our school, to represent Saratoga in that game, and how big of a rivalry it is.”
Coach Horst also noted how the enthusiasm that all his players, especially his seniors, have brought to every game and practice has helped them grow as a team, and improve throughout the year. He said this improvement is what they had been striving for, and they’ve noticed a difference.
“I think we’ve seen some of the results on the ice during the games, but we haven’t really hit our peak yet. That’s our goal: just to hit our peak right during playoffs,” Coach Horst said.
With the Blue Streaks’ regular season now over, they’re turning their attention to the playoffs. They’ll aim to keep improving, and play their best once sectionals begins.
