As the OPRF hockey team has progressed deeper into their season, they have continued to improve, going 11-10 and playing in many exciting games.

On Oct. 23, the varsity team beat Glenbrook South 3-2 in an overtime thriller. At the time, Glenbrook South was ranked No. 2 in the state. Senior captain David Andolina scored all three Huskie goals in the game, and he leads the team in goals for the season.

“We can skate with any team. (Close games) have definitely helped build our confidence and humility. We know that if we are down two goals going into the third period, we have a shot,” said Andolina.

On Oct. 29, the team faced off against rival Fenwick at Franklin Park Ice Arena. The team coordinated with the Student Council and the Business Club to have a pink-out. Pink hoodies and shirts were sold to students attending the game to help raise money for breast cancer awareness.

“It was very cool to see everyone wearing pink in the crowd. I know that I and a lot of other guys sported pink tape, laces, and skates. It was really fun, ” said Andolina.

During the game, the Huskies controlled possession, and backed by the OPRF crowd they won 5-1. “The game against Fenwick was the most intense game I have played in with the high school team,” said senior captain Michael DeCaro. “Despite the final score it felt like a close game the whole way through.”

The next day the team played York, one of the top teams in the state. Down 3-2 going into the final seven seconds of the game, junior Aaron Jenkyns scored to tie the game and send it to overtime.

However, the Dukes struck back, scoring in the first two minutes of overtime to win 4-3.

Despite the loss, the team remained positive. “We proved ourselves as a mentally tough team that has the ability to come back against top SHL (Scholastic Hockey League) teams,” said DeCaro.

“An overtime loss against anyone is frustrating, but knowing we can skate with teams like (York) is a positive in the long run. We’re confident that we’ll bounce back,” said senior Niko Haas.

The Huskies bounced back in a big way on Nov. 13 when they took on New Trier Green, who came into the game with a 13-3 record. New Trier led 3-1 in the second period, but the Huskies fought back, evening the score at 3-3 at the end of the second.

Midway through the third period, Andolina scored his third goal of the game, and the Huskies hung on to win 4-3. “When they went up 3-1, you could feel the energy sucking away, but we battled hard and were able to tie it up before the third. In the locker room before the third period every guy on the team was confident we were going to win,” said Andolina.

The team has developed stronger chemistry over the course of the season. They have eight seniors who have played on varsity since sophomore year and who have built relationships with the younger players on the team.

“This has been a really fun team to play on. We’re getting along well but still pushing each other to get better. We have a lot of good leaders and everyone wants to work hard,” said Haas.

The team will participate in a Thanksgiving tournament over break and then will go on a run of playing two to three games a week for the rest of the season.

“I think our league is really tough, and I’m happy with the progress we’ve made so far. It’s a long season and we have opportunities moving forward to pick up some wins, and we’re excited,” said DeCaro.