The Oak Park and River Forest high school club hockey team seems entirely different this year. With a newfound confidence and a burst of high energy, the Huskies are off to a great start.

After beating the Fenwick Friars in the Hruby Cup 2-1 in a three-game series, the team had an overall record of 21-21 and a conference record of 15-9 at press time. They are currently ranked sixth in the West League and were also put in the Gold Division for stage 2 of the regular season, which is composed of the top six teams after stage 1.

The team showcases great talent and dominates on the ice with aggression while keeping their composure, according to Varsity Head Coach Mike Murphy.
“We have given up fewer goals than

any team in the league, and are really

strong defensively but have trouble putting the puck in the net,” said Murphy. “We’re a really tough team to play against, so teams that are used to having a lot of room and scoring goals on a regular basis have a really hard time with us.”

Alongside Murphy, the team is assisted by Mike McFarlane and Ben Ostle. The team is captained by seniors Joey Kahn, forward, and Griffin Wesley, defenseman. With a total of 10 seniors, their leadership shines in many different spaces.

Senior forward Joseph Leshnock said, “A great hockey player is made up of a lot of things, but most importantly the main attributes of a great hockey player is perseverance and determination.” He added, “Having perseverance is not only about making it through games but also through the injuries, losses and setbacks while remaining strong.”

Juniors Liam Moroney and Sebastian Robinson are some juniors on the team who have shown their talents in great ways, both with a total of 15 goals each on the season. Additionally, junior defenseman Oliver Puntillo, who got the series-winning shot in overtime at the Hruby Cup this year, is another great addition to the team.

“We have a great group of guys on the team who show up ready to compete every day” said Kahn. He goes on to explain that the team has a common goal of staying as one solid unit and playing as a team. As captain, he makes sure to put his best foot forward to help his team win. “Preparing myself and my teammates for adversities of the game gives us an understanding of effort we to bring to win” he continues.

With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, the team has captured the community’s attention. With heavy crowds at each home game, there is never a dull moment in the games.

And the season is likely to get even more exciting. While the regular season games may be exhilarating, in the playoffs “you’ve got to win, or you go home,” Murphy said. “So the checking is a lot more intense, and guys got to be a lot more capable of making plays with someone coming and trying to take their head off, and it’s just so exciting.”

With the team automatically in the West Cup being in the Gold Division, Murphy hopes for the team to finish fourth in the league and make the semi-finals. There is also a state tournament that OPRF can make in the pure division, which is made of schools with only players from one school.

With how long the season is including spring training and summer camps, players spend a lot of time together. “The bonds incredible in this sport,” said Murphy. “It’s my second family, I see them like my own kids.”