(The following is a satirical twist on an end of the season statistical breakdown.)
There are two things in this world that Polar Bear players possibly love more than they love playing hockey: facetime and stats. Every week players pester us with inquiries about what their point status is and when they’ll get to hear about it online. Am I beating so-and-so in points? How many points do I need to beat so-and-so? You know I got an assist on that play, right? With a rookie coach, new captain and a relatively freshman team, there were a lot of questions heading into SRJC’s 2015-16 season. Could a player-turned-coach garner enough respect to put together a winning season? Can a first-year captain fill the shoes left by one of the greatest leaders SRJC ever had? Would the Polar Bears newest campaign falter from lack of veteran talent?
These questions lingered through the highs and lows of this season. But the Polar Bears’ commitment to each other and the name on their jerseys silenced the doubt, producing a cohesive squad and another well-deserved championship. Before the official puck drop last September, SRJC knew there’d be some growing pains. Only 15 out of 30 players returned from the previous year — just five of whom had more than one season under their belt. Luckily, returning players knew they had to set the tone from the get-go. Almost a month into the 2015-16 season, the SRJC Hockey team saw both the good and bad that comes with a new crop of Polar Bears. While at times it seems lack of natural defense and miscommunication could sink the ship at any time, a few freshman standouts and trusty veteran leadership have the Polar Bears confidently heading into their second month.
Kicking off the year against UC Berkeley, the team took its sixth consecutive opening night victory over Cal. Rookie forward Max Brownlee found the back of the net around the five-minute mark, his first of two in the 7-4 win. Captain Josiah Nikkel scored his first of the year, along with two assists on the night; and sophomore Matt Katicich notched one three minutes into the third period. Freshman forward Alex Provost got in on the action in the first period, scoring on his second shift of the game thanks to a pass by Brownlee. The SRJC Polar Bears are pleased to announce their 2015-16 sponsorship team. The success of the SRJC Ice Hockey team is credited largely to their sponsors, who lend their names and financial support to the club. As a club hockey team the Polar Bears receive no financial support from the Santa Rosa Junior College. The money raised from the sponsorships goes towards supporting team operations, travel expenses, ice time costs and league fees, which can total up to $60,000 for a single season. Without the willingness of local businesses college hockey in Santa Rosa would not exist.
Mark your calendars SRJC Hockey fans, the official 2015-16 season schedule is available and chalk full of exciting new opponents and a few favorite rivals.
The season will kick off Sept. 25 against UC Berkeley at Snoopy’s Home Ice. The Polar Bears have opened the home season against Cal every year since re-banding six years ago and has never lost an opening match. |
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