The season is right around the corner for the Hamilton Southeastern men’s hockey team. The royals are off to a very hot start as they have let to lose a game so far this season. The Royals have their sights set on winning state and are willing to do everything it takes to get there. Junior Aiden Bledsoe shared his ideas and aspirations for the long season ahead, “One of our biggest goals is to win state obviously, we feel that we have a great team, and we know that if we work hard and compete, we can beat anyone.”

Teamwork also plays a huge part in the great success of the Royals hockey team as a whole. Culture is also an important factor within the team, allowing players like Bledsoe to flourish as an individual and teammate. He explains that, “The HSE hockey program is not only a team, but a family. We play for each other, and we win for each other and that’s what makes it so fun.” The chemistry and friendships they have built off the ice have helped them play well together as a team on the ice. The players are able to push each other and get through any adversity together as a team.

Junior Drake Dreflak is very close with many of his teammates as well and had this to say about the team. “I’m looking forward to playing with the team. My favorite part about playing on the team is hanging out with teammates.” All the time spent off the ice getting to know each other, and building strong relationships has benefited the team. The chemistry between the players is electric, and it has been a lot of fun for each of them. These connections play a pivotal role in their success on the ice.

The big goal for the Royals this year is to keep improving as a team and ultimately win state. Blesoe’s thoughts during the early season include, “One thing we are looking forward to is continuing our winning streak, as of now we are undefeated in our season 8-0-2.” The royals have yet to lose, and they tend to keep it that way. The Royals know that if they want to make their run at state, they need to treat every game equally as important, giving it their all every opportunity that they get.  All the Royals want to do this season is keep winning, building strong relationships and a positive culture, and ultimately bringing home the state trophy at the end of the season.