‘27 & Shayna Pallarino, Contributing Writer ‘27
Braves Hockey is going through big changes this year. For the first time, Indian Hills has combined teams with Ramsey High School for competitive ice hockey. For both schools, this union is a solution for having a small pool of players. There are some issues that the team will have to reevaluate including the mascot, uniform colors, and a new, shorter name.
Indian Hills Athletic Director Jon Duncan says, “We were having issues with roster numbers with the team, so that’s the reason for the combination.” Luckily, the Braves will still be wearing blue and gold because the Rams have similar school colors.
Luke Festa, junior hockey player, says “I think that this is a good temporary measure, but long-term we should focus on being independent and having our own team.” Festa also says, “I think team chemistry will take a little to get used to, but give it a couple of weeks and I’m confident we’ll be just fine.” Festa’s confidence is just what the new team needs to help them succeed in the upcoming season. The new team needs to work together for a competitive season.
Although this is a short-term solution to a long-term problem, combining the schools’ teams will still allow players to represent their schools. Similarly, Duncan is optimistic about this change, “I am a huge fan of the hockey co-op,” he explains, “Some of the players on each team knew each other and had played with each other since they were little. They have had success on the ice over the summer and in fall leagues so we are excited for what is to come.” There is a lot to look forward to in the upcoming season and putting differences aside, the Ramsey-Indian Hills team is sure to be a success. Terrance O’Neil, head coach from Ramsey,will be the coach for the Ramsey-Indian Hills hockey team because Ramsey is the head school. . One thing for certain is that the blend between the two high schools may very well be challenging, but not at all impossible.Their first game on December 8th is against Mahwah at Ice Vault in Wayne so come cheer them on if you have time, this year will be a little hard since there is new connections to be made with the other school and the players. “The players are looking forward to a successful season ahead,” Duncan says. “There is a ton of energy around the team this season. The season is going to be electric!” This upcoming season will be ‘electric’ so cheer for the Braves (and Ramsey) to victory.
