The hockey team is starting the season off strong, taking a 3-0 victory over the Eastside Stars last Wednesday. The game was exciting, the student section was alive, and the players were focused, but something was missing. The team’s captain and star goalie, Luke Webster (‘25), was not on the ice.
“He’s gonna be missing his first two games,” Jacob Brant (‘26) said. “Not having our captain there will be rough for the first few games, but hopefully we can have some other players step up and fill his spot while he’s out.”
Josh Corcoran filled in as goalie for all three periods and prevented every scoring opportunity, but still, the cohesiveness of the team was slighted.
“We’re not gonna be as strong,” Nick Peal (‘26) said. “He really kind of glues our team together. So I don’t think we’ll be falling apart, but I think we’ll definitely be hurt not having him between the pipes.”
Webster’s impact on the team cannot be understated, his strength and influence being a source of inspiration and support for his teammates.
“He’s a very good leader,” Peal said. “He helps us get in the game and fix our heads so we can prepare mentally and physically for the game. He leads the warm-ups, and just helps us get our minds right.”
Webster has built a rapport with his teammates as a leader, but he is equally dedicated to having a good time and enjoying the social aspect of being a part of the team.
“I’ve been playing with him for two years, he is very dedicated and passionate,” Nathan Sobechowski (‘26) said. “When we’re in the locker room gearing up, he’s very funny.”
Webster is commonly known by the team for being a comedic person, furthering his role in boosting team spirit.
“We always go on a trip to Gaylord every year for the hockey team,” Peal said. “We all got each other gifts. And I remember [Webster] got Brady Crawford a gift, and it was just a prank, something we always chirp him about, and it was really funny.”
Whether in the locker room or at camp, the hockey team has a sense of brotherhood, and players like Webster are part of what makes the season memorable.
“When I was younger, the older boys always brought me to the hockey hangouts, and that was like a post-game celebration,” Webster said. “It was a great time to get more team bonding with the fellas. And I hope to maybe carry that on and show the younger kids that it’s a huge part of how to have team chemistry.”
