#Nationals

Matt Whalen

Editor-in-Chief

After starting off the season 5-6, the Viking’s coming back from winter break have been on a roll shooting a 5-2-1 record with one game left before Nationals.

“We’re feeling great as we’re on a winning streak. I think the team has come a long way from the first game we’ve played,” said Freshman Sean Spohr.

The team has played very well at home going 6-3, but 2-5-1 on the road. The team also has a record of 2-0 on neutral ice which is big due to the fact that they will be playing on neutral ice in nationals.

“I feel very confident going into nationals. We have developed so much as a team and every time we play we keep progressing for the better,” said Sophomore Mark Woinicki.

At the start of the season, the team looked like they would have a repeat of last years rough season, but staying strong the team came together and made a strong push at making a bid for nationals.

“Getting a bid to nationals was our first goal. Now we’ve just have to go out there and out it all on the line,” said Spohr.

The Vikings are currently ranked third in the region behind Dakota out of North Dakota and Erie who is in first place with a 19-4 record.

In the past 10 years, the Vikings have made the National Tournament five times with a 0-5 record struggling against their opponents.

Last year they did not make the tournament so this is a big chance for the sophomores to end their time at Hudson Valley strong.

“I feel like we have a special team and we can make a push for a national title,” said Spohr.

With only this season and next year left before Hudson Valley hockey is no more, the Vikings only have two more chances to make a big statement.

The team has many strong players helping the team. Spohr leads the team in goals with 19 and is currently ranked #5 in the nation. Both Hudson Valley goalies, Jeff Smith and Nate Muller are both ranked in the top five in the nation.

With the Vikings current winning streak, the team feels that they are on the right track to give them a boost towards nationals.

“I feel like we’re really heating up at the right time right now and will play with confidence in the national tournament,” said Spohr.

As the Vikings make one final push towards nationals, they have one more test against Albany Club this Friday away before they head to Binghamton the following week.

“Nationals will be a test but I believe we are ready for it,” said Woinicki