As we enter the winter sports season, the Orono Boys hockey team is ready to hit the ground running in what promises to be an action-packed season. After a State Tournament consolation finish and a 22-9 record last season, the team is gearing up for a fresh start with a mix of veteran leadership and promising underclassmen. With a new varsity head coach this year, excitement and mixed expectations are building among players, coaches, and fans alike.
After losing 12 seniors last year, the team is going to need new players and captains to step up and carry on the Orono legacy.
The varsity captains this year are junior Luca Decubellis, senior Trey Landa, and senior Miller Williams. The captains have high hopes and goals for this season, despite the challenges facing depth and experience on the team.
“I expect us to do really well. We have multiple returners from last year who were some of our leading scorers. I expect our defense to be experienced and smart, and our forwards to score goals. Even though our section is hard, I’m confident that we will come out on top,” Captain Miller Williams said.
With a new varsity head coach and a tougher regular season schedule than years past, the team has many challenges ahead this season. This hasn’t stopped the team from setting lofty goals, however. The team has been putting in the work all summer and fall to ensure they’re ready for the challenges ahead.
Led by Coach Hall, the team has focused on improving their endurance, speed, and overall conditioning. With multiple training sessions each week, players have been fine-tuning their skills in puck handling, passing, and shooting, all while building their physical stamina for the grueling season ahead. Special attention has also been paid to team defense and power play strategies, ensuring that the team is not only fast but also mentally prepared for every situation.
“Everyone was getting better in the offseason, whether that was with our strength coach or individually. In our summer training program, we would wake up early to get ice time and work on our skills throughout the summer,” Williams explained.
The new season is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with several key matchups on the calendar. The boys hockey team is set to face off against some of their fiercest rivals, including Delano, in what is sure to be a high-intensity showdown for Hockey Day MN, January 24th. The boys will also face Mahtomedi on December 28th, who were the culprits of Orono’s first-round exit in state last year.
“Our opponents will be really tough this year. Every team in our section is going to cause us problems,” Williams said.
The Orono Boys Hockey team kicked off their season on November 22nd against Hutchinson, confidently winning 9-1. The boys have won a few games since, and have promisingly started their season 3-0.
Be sure to stay tuned and support the rest of the Orono boys’ exciting and action-packed season. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time attendee, this year’s team is one to watch—so get ready to support the Orono High School boys hockey team as they set their sights on a successful year.
