Hockey Fall-in’

Photo by Noah White

By Noah White

Hockey is typically a winter sport in most school sports, but Pueblo County High School’s hockey team has a different timeline: in the fall season, they are early starters in a preseason league that has already shown their talent and courage. The Hornets made a great start to their fall season, taking two wins and showing both their attacking force and defensive stamina.

The opener was an 8-4 high-scoring win, the team's best, and surprised everyone with their offensive depth and ability to dominate the ice. Along with this strong kicking, the momentum, which was further built up by the team in their second game with a 4-2 win, and the tough defense, which did not allow their opponents to launch a serious attack, were also highlighted.

Coach Jeff King says, “This team is a lot of fun for me to coach because I coached many of the players when they were in the Pueblo Youth Hockey program. It is rewarding to see how the players have grown and developed over the years.”

For Kinley Watada, a junior at PCHS, this fall league has been an excellent opportunity to build chemistry with teammates before the full winter season. Watada, playing right wing, is among the few players at PCHS and is joined by the team's seniors, who are among the leading contributors and attend Pueblo West High School. Though these players come from different schools, Watada points out that the team's unity is one of the best features.

Watada says, "The people on the team are so enjoyable to be around and play with. On the ice, no one is left out; everyone is included." 

The PCHS hockey team, composed of students from different schools, continues to show its impressive ability through its players and specific skills. Playing right wing, Watada's position often puts her in front of the net, but she also defends the goal when needed, providing both offense and defense for the Hornets.

Watada says, “I play right wing, so I mostly go in and try to score goals and clear the puck out of our defensive zone.”

As the year progresses, this fall league will be over, and the winter season will start, with a young core of forwards set to return. The future of the PCHS hockey program appears brighter than ever, ready to build on the foundation laid during their fall season. This fall league, with cold hearts and determination, is here to skate forward into the winter season to sting the ice.