Prep’s hockey team recently made a historic mark on their 2025 season. They not only made it to the state championship but also made it to nationals in California. Their long run reflected the talent and hard work the team put forth. The season was not without its challenges, but the boys showed fortitude and resilience and didn’t let obstacles get in their way.
“We’ve had our ups and downs this season,” junior Hyatt Hetz shared. “The injuries were an issue for us right off the bat. No matter the struggles and no matter what we went through, we always worked hard and had each other’s backs.”
After Prep’s victory over McDowell, the wheels really got moving for the team. Almost all the injured players were back, and things started to click. The state playoffs required this connection the team was experiencing because of the heightened intensity it brings. The state playoffs itself were new territory for many of the Prep players, as it had been a long time since Prep hockey had made it as far as this team did. The coaches proved to be a key factor in preparing the team for the historic playoff run they were about to make.
“The coaches were key for us because they told us what it took to win,” senior Rylan Sorge said. “Our coaches instilled in us important habits and knowledge we needed to keep a continuous stream of success.”
Through this long and successful journey the boys underwent, they forged many bonds and memories.
“This was the most fun and rewarding experience I’ve ever been a part of,” junior Chris Bruschi shared. “I had a great time playing with this team.”
The team recently came back from a trip to California to close their 2025 season. This served as a monumental end to a successful season.
“The California trip was very fun and bonded our team even further,” senior Charlie McBrier said. “It allowed us to reflect on our hard work and play together as a team one last time before us seniors graduate.”
A huge accomplishment of this 2025 Prep hockey team was their victory in the Penguins Cup. They beat Fox Chapel 5-4 in an intense overtime match. This marked the first time in nine years that the Ramblers claimed victory in the Penguins Cup.
“I will never forget that moment when we won in overtime,” senior forward Ethan Cunningham said. “It was truly special to experience that moment with the people I’ve known for so many years. I will remember this game and this season for the rest of my life. It’s been a brotherhood, and I couldn’t be happier with how the season turned out.”
While the Prep hockey team finished short in the state championship game, their season is one for the ages. History and legacies were created, and these boys have so much to be proud of.
“We battled throughout this whole season,” Ethan shared. “It would’ve been nice to win that state championship game, but I wouldn’t change anything about how we played this season. We worked so hard. I love all my teammates, and I will never forget the memories we made this season.”
