The Hinsdale Central hockey team recently won their game against Evanston this past Saturday, with a score of 3-2. In addition, the hockey team is having one of its strongest seasons in years, ranking 15th in the state, and the players’ insights show exactly what’s driving their success.
To start, senior Ruben Scharkey says the team’s performance has surpassed anything he’s experienced before.
“We’ve got pretty much an undefeated record in our league right now,” said Scharkey. “We’re buzzing. In my last three years, we’ve never had anything close to an undefeated record, so this year’s definitely different. I personally feel like I’m doing well too, just working hard and having fun with the boys.”
Building off that success, varsity senior Dylan Behar explains that the team culture has taken a major leap forward — largely because of the unusually large senior class leading the team.
“This year is different,” Behar said. “In the past years, it’s been more of a chill environment, but this year, we know we want to take it seriously. Last year, it was maybe eight seniors that graduated, but this year, we have, I think, sixteen or seventeen seniors. With that many of us in our final season, it really feels like our last chance to do something special; we don’t want to underperform.”
Scharkey further explains the team culture.
“The team culture is awesome,” Scharkey said. “After every practice, we all get food together, and sometimes we have team functions as well. A bunch of stuff that we do to keep the bonds strong.”
Supporting that culture is the team’s focused practice structure, which senior Noah Rzeppa says keeps the group sharp.
“When we get on the ice, our coach allows us a solid five minutes to shoot pucks on goalies, or just empty net, to get our hands warmed up by stick handling,” Rzeppa said. “Then we move into drills for the goalies, work on PK and power play, and even run three-on-three to prepare for overtime. We always end with something fun like a shootout or seven-puck.”
Game-day prep is just as intentional, and Scharkey says his routine keeps him ready.
“The night before game day, I eat pasta to try and get the carb load,” Scharkey said. “Diet is very important. And on game day, if it’s a school day, I’ll come home, take a nap, and then I’ll listen to some music to then get dialed in for the game, then give it my all.”
From there, Behar explains how the team locks in together.
“We always show up an hour before the game in suits,” Behar said. “We change out of them, warm up, and then go to the locker room. We’ll have music blasting– usually house– and we’ll usually be kicking around a soccer ball, talking, or thinking about the game. Then, ten minutes before the game, coach will walk out and go over the game plan– the keys to the game, what we need to focus on, and then he’ll announce the starting lineup. By then everyone’s locked in.”
Looking ahead, Rzeppa believes the team is on the right path.
“I think it should go as expected,” Rezeppa said. “We’re doing very good this season, and we’re going to keep putting our foot on the pedal. The goal of playing at Allstate Arena for the state championship is always in the back of our minds.”
With the team nearly undefeated, energized, and guided by a large senior class, the Red Devils are skating with purpose– and they believe this season has the potential to become something truly special.
