The mood in Ridgeland Commons was electric Sept. 9 as OPRF hockey faced off against crosstown rivals Fenwick. As the final seconds ticked down, cheers from the block of orange-clad students enveloping the stands mounted. After a riveting performance from both sides, the Huskies came away with a 3-2 win. For senior Liam Burns, this was the highlight of an incredible night. “We could hear the crowd cheering in the background and we were all so pumped to have beaten Fenwick.”

The substantial crowd was a constant throughout the tumultuous game and its impact was felt by the players. Senior PJ Gonzalez could feel the crowd’s presence before the game even started: “We could hear the chants before we left the locker room, so all of us were aware of the gravity of the game.” Burns agreed, adding the enthusiasm helped maintain the team’s energy.

The dramatic win came after intense and eventful action. A turning point in the game happened in the second period when Burns scored a crucial game-tying goal. With two Huskie players in the penalty box, Burns stole the puck. “I didn’t really have time to think about what I was going to do when I got the puck, so I made a quick move and hoped for the best,” Burns said.

He raced down the ice, skated past two Fenwick defensemen, and beat the goalie for a short-handed goal. “I could hear our fans erupt when I scored,” Burns recalled. “It was really an awesome feeling.”

Gonzalez recounted that moment as his favorite of the game. “It gave us some much needed energy and really carried us through the rest of the game.”

The Huskies went 2-2 in the weekend’s tournament, playing against teams all ranked top 15 in state last season. The weekend was regarded as a success with the victory over Fenwick as the cherry on top. David Dyson, the Huskies’ head coach, appreciated the team’s stellar performance after only two practices. “The win against Fenwick was a nice boost for us as we start the season,” he said. “Fenwick’s a very strong team.”

Moving on, the team is looking forward to a dominant season. Dyson said he believes the players have great potential: “This group is off the charts in terms of hockey ability, character, and desire to compete… if they commit to working hard and playing as a team, the sky is the limit.”

The team’s seven seniors are seen as the key to success this year. “We look to our seniors to lead by example and with their play,” Dyson said.

Gonzalez has similar convictions. “We have a heavy upperclassmen core. Every year the team is different, but this year it seems like the perfect storm is brewing.”

With high hopes for this season, players are keeping their eyes on the ultimate prize. Burns said, “I think we have a real shot at the state title.”

Gonzalez is also confident in the team’s ability to succeed. “The only thing the team is looking forward to is stepping onto the ice at the United Center for the state championship come mid-March.”