Saturday, December 9th, the Zamboni drives by, freshening the ice for the soon RJ JV Hockey victory on home-turf. New freshmen line the benches preparing for their second ever game with the team. In front of the bench stands head coach, Allan Watters along with their own captain, Anthony Otero ‘25. With the team being over 50% freshmen, it’s Anthony’s job to make them feel welcome, which he does a tremendous job of. The team skates onto the ice, having just been given a significant pep-talk by Anthony Otero.
The game advances, the 2nd period now in full swing. RJ leads by 2, their intricate teamwork making the scoring possible. The team fights hard, skating up and down the ice to quickly protect their goal to then trying to find an open shot. Time freezes as Heritage breaks past defenders with a goal. The score becomes 2-1, with RJ now needing to counter. A time-out is called, and Otero quickly acts to prepare the team for their counter. A game plan is laid out and the time resumes as their scoring plan is executed perfectly.
The final period starts, RJ still winning by 3-1. Another goal is scored, the lead becomes bigger. Heritage makes a last effort to score, but the goal is blocked by Michael Jorgensen. The clock hits zero and the scoreboard reads, 4-1, RJ DOMINATING against Heritage. The stands boom, fans proud of the heavy teamwork and leadership it took to win the game. The team huddles after the game, with Otero at the center, he talks about the team’s strengths as well as what they can improve on for the next game. Anthony Otero led them to a victory, with his leadership being the backbone of the team’s hard-work.
