After a long season of ups and downs, “Cats on Ice” has come to a close. On Monday, February 7th, the Westminster hockey team fell 4-2 to Parkway West in their third game of the playoffs, ending their season with an overall record of 9-8-1.

Prior to this matchup, the Cats were handed a tough defeat by Ladue 4-0 but turned around and sent MICDS home in a 3-1 nail biter. Since the Cats needed to go 2-1 in the playoffs to advance, they knew that their next game against Parkway West would be all or nothing. They had faced the Longhorns twice before in the season, once ending in a tie and the other in a loss. However, they ultimately came up short after an empty net shot sealed the deal for West in the last minute of regulation.

Out of eighteen total players, six of the stars were seniors, including Caleb Bross, Gus Duda, Zack Kilgore, Tommy Le, Harry Ottsen, and Jack Wooldridge. Bross and Ottsen were dominant offensive forces, racking up the two highest point totals on the team with 20 and 17. Kilgore and Wooldridge were brick walls on the defensive end all season long, and their years of experience were showcased through their high IQ plays. Duda played a flexible role throughout the season, stepping out of his usual defensive position to fill in on offense and even goalie when certain players were absent. Le displayed consistent, clutch performances in the goal throughout the year, ending with a save percentage of .914.

“Our team fed off the seniors. When we were all present, we had a full line and goalie of only seniors so we were the leaders. Whenever we were hot, the seniors, specifically the captains, encouraged everyone and we were rolling,” said Kilgore.

In addition to the team’s strong senior leadership, they also had a close-knit bond both on and off the ice, making the final game that much more emotional.

“We had a very strong chemistry of guys that have been together for multiple years and enjoyed hanging out with each other outside of the rink, that includes team dinners before most games where we strengthened that bond,” said Ottsen.

“It was an honor serving as a captain of the team for the past two years and I love these guys. We stuck together through thick and thin and found ways to win games,” said Kilgore.

Despite a rocky start to the season due to numerous injuries and illnesses, Wildcat fans showed up to support nevertheless, even 10 pm games in South City on a weeknight. As a result, many players claim that this was the most fun and memorable year of their careers.

“Although the season didn’t end how we hoped, it was definitely the best year for me and I think the seniors all agree. We had a rough start with numerous injuries, but we got everyone back right before the senior night game and that’s one I’ll never forget. From there, we found ways to win games and finish above .500 despite playing more challenging teams,” said Kilgore.

“The thing that made our team stand out from other teams was the hard work and dedication that we had for this hockey club. We struggled throughout the year with a lack of players and different guys throughout the year had to step up and play a big role on the team, it was not just a few guys, it was a joint effort,” said Ottsen.

Another obstacle that many of the Cats had to face and overcome was the balance between school and club hockey, as they often overlap, causing players to struggle with time management and face a large taxation on their mental and physical health.

“Juggling two hockey teams, extracurriculars, school, and family and friends was extremely difficult. It took numerous late nights after getting back from two practices and a workout and then finishing my homework or studying for a test. It wasn’t easy and I would say that I didn’t have much of a life outside of hockey and school in order to balance all of those things, but it was definitely worth it,” said Ottsen.

Although the Cats will be losing these standout seniors, they still have a solid returning lineup for next season, including Emily Griege, junior goalie, Andrew Gingerich, Aidan Irby, Cody Kilgore, Monica Knapp, Joey Morici, John Schweppe, Logan Swenson, juniors, and Cade Sadtler, freshman. They will also hold onto non-Westminster players London Jett, Jonathan Miller, and Braden West.

“I wish the best for the next team and we as seniors couldn’t have asked for anything different. What a ride,” said Kilgore.