Mason Ice Hockey is back in action for the first time in the New Year, this Friday, January 21, at home, going up against the tough West Chester team. Mason hockey is coming off a two-game win streak to end out the fall semester, after struggling early in the season. There are no excuses to be made for their struggles, but there are contributing factors. From the very first game of the season the team faced pandemic-related challenges and injuries that lingered throughout most of the fall, leading to their 3-9-2 record. With the practice schedule being disrupted, and many players missing time, it was difficult for the players to build strong chemistry with each other on the ice early on. This season was also the teams' first year in the ACHA Division 1 league, so COVID-19 and other injuries just made their adjustment to D1 that much more difficult. Furthermore, eleven of their fourteen games were on the road to start the season.  

    However, there were bright spots to build upon from the fall. Individual achievements such as Cam Smith netting his 200th career collegiate goal helped boost team morale. A major boost came from the team starting to get healthy. This meant that they could practice together and build much stronger team chemistry. The team’s commitment to team defense, coupled with impressive goaltending lead to their two-game win streak which closed out the fall semester.  

    Now, with the addition of forward Steven Thomas to the roster, along with five of their first six games in 2022 being played at home, Mason Hockey has plans to finish out the season on a very high note. It has been instilled in the team from the beginning, that it is all about how you respond to diversity and obstacles. It's all about how you finish. All things are trending upwards for Mason Hockey, but the journey begins this Friday at 8:10pm. Come out and show your support for the green and gold!