Demonstrating skill, determination and teamwork, the CGA hockey teams are maintaining impressive performances midway through this season.
The U19/Prep team has a record of 17-6-3 and helped CGA hockey programming manager and U19/Prep coach Cory Whitaker achieve a significant milestone earlier in the season, earning his 100th victory in the girl's program.
"Winning that many games simply means that I have been surrounded by some amazing people and players that believe in what we are building," he said.
Whitaker said his team's main objective this season is to get better at focusing on the process rather than a particular end goal.
"Obviously we want to play as long as we can and get as deep into the postseason as we can," he said. "But we know that if we play to our potential, that will take care of itself."
This past weekend also marked a highlight for the U16 team as they earned the title of PPHL Showcase champions.
CGA is fielding a Tier 1 status U16 team for the first time, which means the U16 team now has a chance to qualify for the USA Hockey National Championships. They are off to an even slightly better start overall with a 19-5-1 record.
U16 Team Photo 2023-24
CGA U16 coach Gracen Hirschy '13 said her team's main goal at the beginning of the season was to create a solid foundation and build a team culture.
"Of course, everyone wants to win games and be successful, but at this level, it is equally important to develop players not just on the ice, but off the ice too," she said.
Hirschy said the support CGA hockey receives from Culver is vital for the program.
"As a team, we chase excellence in everything we do, including in the classroom, dorm and leadership aspects that the academy provides. The lessons they learn on the other side of campus will help us be the best hockey team that we can be," she said.
Although the journeys are far from over, as the seasons progress for both CGA hockey teams, the foundations they're establishing point to continued success and growth.
The U16 team is off for winter break until next month. The U19/Prep team faces a rival Shattuck's-St. Mary's School twice this weekend at Henderson Ice Arena before heading into winter break.
