It’s  always a time of change when a new hockey season comes around, but this year brings more change than normal. The boys varsity head coach’s position was filled this year by new teacher Jared Johnson.

There are always going to be a lot of emotions when it comes to having a new coach, especially to those who have had the same one more than once in their high school hockey career.

“The new coach is a change, yes, but he relates to us in a good way. He is strict, but yet we all have a lot of fun and get a lot out of having him coach us this year,” said senior hockey player Jeff Modica.

“It being my last year has somewhat of an effect on the way I look at it because we had a losing season last year and nothing was working for us, so maybe a change would fix that. Having this new coach really helps, having someone totally knows what they are doing and giving us the tools to be a successful hockey team,” said Modica.

Johnson is filled with optimism for the new season and position.

“I feel excited being the new hockey coach; I’m ready to have a good season. Besides having love for the game of hockey, it is also a way to connect with students outside of the classroom,” said Johnson.

Johnson’s goals for the season are to implement a new style of hockey and come out with a winning record. Some of his players are interested to see what he’ll bring to the team.

“There is nothing but good that is going to come from this new coach. Not taking anything away from our past coaches–they were great coaches–but I am looking forward to having a new coach. I also am looking forward to getting the experience from another person,” said senior hockey player Matthew Puttbrese.

Johnson has already spent time getting to know his new players.

“We have all had the strong desire to win ever since we first started. Right now we know more about each other than he knows about us. But he sure is doing well with getting to know all of us. I respect the coach and believe in his ability to coach our team,” said Puttbrese.

There have already been a few days of practice with the new coach, and he’s set high expectations.

“The few days we have had so far have been the hardest days I have ever experienced before on the ice and off the ice. We will have a much better chance this year to have a winning season with the hockey family coming together like we are,” said Modica.

The hard practices have been helping the players re-bond.

“Hockey so far has been great. We are having a grand old time bonding. [I’m] not enjoying all the conditioning we are doing but it is good for us. I can talk for the whole team when I say we are having a blast with this new coach.”

by Tori Miller