As we enter February and the final stretch of the season, Proctor’s varsity boys hockey team finds itself in the heart of a challenging season in the highly competitive Lakes Region. With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, the Hornets have battled through a demanding schedule that has tested their resilience and determination. The Hornets have showcased their potential throughout the season, notching impressive wins against traditional powerhouses St. Paul's and Phillips Exeter while building momentum through strong performances against top-tier competition.
As they prepare to face Brewster this Wednesday at home, Head Coach Mike Walsh and defensemen Alex Bourque ’26 and Aidan Myers ’25 share their perspectives on a season that has been defined by growth, adaptation, and their commitment to improvement. From early-season jamborees to recent hard-fought Lakes Region contests, their insights reveal a program focused not just on winning games but on developing character and fostering leadership both on and off the ice.
What has the team learned about itself over the last several months of playing together?
Head Coach Mike Walsh: We are a team that needs to play the right way to be successful, commit to the details, and make it hard for our opponents. Also, we need to improve how we react to adversity. Hockey is a game of mistakes, and the team that manages them the best is usually the most successful.
How has the group evolved since early season jamborees?
Head Coach Mike Walsh: We have had success when we have stuck to our plan but also struggled when our efforts were inconsistent. This is typical for a young team, but we are learning from our mistakes as we move forward.
Is there a specific game or practice moment that really exemplified the team's growth and character?
Head Coach Mike Walsh: At this moment, I would say we've had a bunch of growth moments. We went toe to toe with KUA early in their barn, had a comeback win vs St. Paul's at the Ted, and played Thayer tough for all 3 periods in the opening round of the Groton/Lawrence tournament.
Alex ’26: After our game against Exeter, we played them at home. We were the underdog, but our whole team came together, and each of us worked hard. We ended up winning the game 5-2. Knowing what our team was capable of was a great feeling after the game, and the celebration was awesome. That's what makes our team so special -- the ability to come together and work as a group.
Aidan ’25: I think a game that exemplifies our character was our win over New Hampton. It was a home game for us and we knew they were coming in underestimating us. We were able to keep a good team from having much success, and we battled through three periods to secure a win against one of the top teams in our league.
What makes playing home games at the Ted special?
Aidan ’25: No rink in New England has the personality of the Ted. On game days, the Ted really comes to life, whether it’s the color commentating from Kyle and Shugie, the buzz around campus, or the student section, there is certainly an unmatchable energy around hockey.
Alex ’26: Playing home games at the Ted is great for our community; there are always other students showing up to support us, along with faculty members. One faculty member approached me and said her son loves watching our games, and it's so much fun for him. Little things like that make the rink special and motivate me to play hard for the school and the community.
How have older players helped set the tone for the program this year?
Head Coach Mike Walsh: Our leadership has come from many different styles. I think it's been a positive that the older guys have shared the load, and the young players hear different voices.
How do you help maintain team focus and energy through your leadership during the ups and downs of a season in the highly competitive Lakes Region?
Alex ’26: During these ups and downs, it is important to lead with your actions as well as your voice. You can't tell your team what they should do differently while failing to do it yourself. Sometimes, all the team needs is for you to step out on the ice and create a momentum shift.
Aidan ’25: Hockey is certainly a game of ups and downs, and sometimes, it can be difficult to ride the roller coaster of emotions during our games. To maintain our focus during these times, we emphasize the importance of the next shift. It doesn’t matter if we score or if the other team scores, we always know the most important shift is the next one.
What is your focus heading into February?
Head Coach Mike Walsh: February is a very telling month. It provides an opportunity to showcase your commitment to getting better and how hard you have practiced and developed your details and skills. We always have the goal of being a better team in February than we were in November.
Aidan ’25: Our primary goal this year has been taking a step forward every day. In both practices and games, we aim to be better than we were the day before. The most exciting part of the upcoming stretch is going to be battling for a playoff spot. We know we have the capability to reach the playoffs, but it will come down to our dedication and our ability to be unfazed by the adversity we will surely face.
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