The boys hockey club team season began with a nail-biting start, with LT being 2-2 as of mid-October. Varsity head coach Ben Engle watches as LT athletes glide smoothly onto the ice, coaching them to success on Mondays and Wednesdays, as well as during games over the weekend.

“My favorite game was against Oswego,” Center Justin Heydorn ‘26 said. “We did a good job at starting to put things together and executing breakout plays and shots on the net; it was the first game where we felt in control, like this was our game.”

 LT plays against 16 other teams in their division, Illinois West. Competing against schools has just begun for the team. The team’s goal is to place within the top eight schools in order to compete in the playoffs, Engle said. 

“We are making sure that we are ready to go for the playoffs in early March,” he said. “Currently, we are focusing on ensuring we have the right line combinations and that everyone on the team knows their role and position and that we are all in the same place.” 

The LT Hockey club (LTHC) began practicing at the end of August, training before the season, which continues until the playoffs in early March. Engle is from Minnesota, so hockey has always been a significant part of his life, and his enthusiasm helps motivate players through the long season, Engle said.  

“My favorite aspect of hockey is how competitive it is,” right wing and Captain Charlie Walsh ‘26 said, “I like the rush of scoring a goal for my team and coaches.” 

This year, the team has many new players who are growing together, so that when issues arise, the team’s connectivity can pull them through it, Heydorn said. 

“The camaraderie is at an all-time high, which is something fun to be a part of,” Engle said. “You walk into the locker room and everyone is getting along and they are very comfortable with each other, so as the season progresses, we are only going to get better and better.” 

Last year, the team graduated 15 seniors, resulting in many team members advancing to play at the higher varsity level. The team still has very skilled returning members, but with so many young faces, the LTHC gets to learn and grow together, said Walsh. 

“I would tell a student debating joining hockey to 100% go for it,” Heydorn said. “You are going to make friends and build relationships, you are going to get stronger and healthier, and it’s a high level of competitiveness.”

On Oct. 12, the team won 6-2, playing a great game, Walsh said. 

“I think the game against Lincoln Way went pretty good,” Walsh said. “It’s the most goals we scored this season and probably the best game we have played so far.”