MHS hockey overcomes pandemic obstacles to become a force on the ice
MAMARONECK, N.Y. — With high-risk winter sports waiting for the green light to play for so long, we caught up with MHS varsity hockey captains – seniors Charlie Dente and Max Nodiff – to ask about the challenges and goals for this unprecedented season.
How did you prepare the team mentally not knowing the status of high-risk winter sports for so long?
Overall, everyone was working very hard on their own trying to stay in shape. Whether that be weight training, cardio workouts, or on-ice training, we did everything we could to be prepared to have a season at any moment. We did have a few team runnings earlier in the year, but we eventually stopped because of uncertainty about the season starting. – Nodiff
How has COVID changed the way you practice and condition?
By making sure that you take every second you have with the group of guys as though it’s your last. Who knows when something can happen. We are all just so happy and lucky to be out on the ice working as a group, especially having a senior year season, something I did not necessarily think was going to happen. – Nodiff
What is your biggest challenge this year?
Our biggest challenge this year I believe is the schedule. The season consists of 12 games and 3 playoff games, this means we play games back to back to back. Staying in shape and making sure you are properly recovering after games is crucial to being prepared for the next day. – Dente
What is it like playing with no fans?
Playing with no fans is definitely different, the atmosphere feels as though it is a practice although you need to mentally prepare to go against a strong group of opponents without the crowd’s motivation and support. – Dente
What are the team’s goals this year?
Our team’s goals this year is to win out. Win every single game in front of us and win the league. We have a really great hardworking group of guys who are just super thankful to be able to get on the ice in such times. We have come so close the past 3 years to being the best, so it would really be awesome if we can take that title home our senior year. – Nodiff
What is your best memory on the ice while at MHS?
Playing against Suffern at home with a large crowd and having an assist to tie the game against, Suffern, our rivals. – Nodiff
My freshman year. Before every game the announcer calls out the starters for each team, and i’ve wanted my name to be called ever since i played in the rec leagues, so hearing “Freshman, Charlie Dente” for the first time was my best memory. – Dente
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