​Update on the Patriot Hockey Team

The Patriot hockey team is over halfway through their season and after a mediocre start, they have picked up momentum. The team started the season with a 8-6 win over Madison HS. Junior Aidan Fairchild recorded 4 goals and 3 assists, and Senior Sean Corcoran recorded 3 goals and 1 assist. However, the team went on a losing skid following the win with a 2-1 loss to Yorktown, an embarrassing 6-5 loss to Kettle Run/Liberty, and a forfeit to McLean.
The Team has bounced back with big wins against Fauquier/Highland(11-1), Langley(6-1), and Loudoun Valley/Woodgrove(8-0). Corcoran and Fairchild have continued to dominate with 20 goals and 18 assists between each other. Sophomore Ben Barrett has also become a standout. After missing the first two games, he has scored 7 goals and recorded 1 assist. Other top producers are Seniors Gavin Moore and Nathan Bednarczyk, Sophomore Jacob Wolfrey, and Freshman Amadeo Pivonka. A lot of credit is due to Goaltender Colin Smith.
“Colin is new, but he’s stood on his head all season,” said senior forward Dan Simons.
As a Freshman, he has 1 shutout and only allows 2.55 goals per game in 7 starts. Junior Brady Sullivan and Senior Colin  Palmer have helped Smith with lockdown defense.
“Our D is mostly freshman and they’re great, and our forwards are fun to watch,” Simons said about Smith’s supporting cast.
Even with the absence of fans, the team has enjoyed their season so far. “The team is a dedicated group of guys, everybody works hard and really tries, and it’s a close knit group,” Simons said, “I’m not one of the key players on the team, but it’s a great place and win or loss, play or not, it’s a good time.” With the season’s end nearing, the team can hopefully keep rolling with important matchups against Oakton, division rival Paul VI, and arch-rival Battlefield.