The Lakewood hockey team’s season has been underway for more than two months now, but the team’s focus has remained the same since the beginning. For the rangers, success isn’t solely measured by wins, goals or assists. Instead, it is defined by effort, accountability and the bond shared among teammates.

This year’s team is relatively new to the sport as a group, with many players skating in their first season. Rather than allowing inexperience to become a weakness, the Rangers have embraced it as an opportunity for growth.

Players both new and old have committed themselves to learning a challenging sport that demands dedication through practices, games and activities. Rather than allowing inexperience to become a weakness, the Rangers have embraced it as an opportunity for growth. The team has experienced both success and failure, but head coach Andrew Senkovich said the response has been consistent.

“Our biggest challenge this year is our inexperience,” Senkovich said. “We have a lot of players who are new to the sport, but they have faced it head-on. Every player is willing to put in work to learn how to shoot, pass and sometimes skate. It has been amazing to watch the team grow and improve throughout the season.”

“If I could use two words to describe our team, it would be a ‘fearless family,’” Senkovich said. “Nothing scares them.”

That fearless mindset has helped bring the team closer both on and off the ice. The team consistently supports one another, whether it’s during practices, a game, a challenging moment and even outside of hockey. Players are not afraid to stand up for one another, which has strengthened the team in every aspect.

Entering the season, the Rangers shared a simple goal: “Just have fun and get to play together more,” said freshman Ian Walls. That mindset has shaped the culture of the Lakewood hockey program, allowing players to focus on learning the game and enjoying it rather than stressing about the outcomes. As the season has progressed, the Rangers have grown more confident and connected, showing that enjoyment and effort can coexist.

That first victory became a turning point, boosting confidence and reinforcing belief in one another. Since then, many players have scored their first goals, recorded their first assists and made key defensive stops, all while remaining focused on team success. For a young team still building its identity, these moments have defined the season as one centered on growth, resilience and shared achievement.

The mentality and vision of this team led to many close games, with multiple wins, including three over Brooklyn by scores of 7-3, 2-1 and 9-2. For Senkovich, one moment stands out. “My favorite moment so far this year would have to be watching them put everything together and come away with their first win,” he said.

The team has multiple first-year players, including: Jahari Colon, LJ McNally, Annabelle McBride, Amelie McLaughlin and Delaney Rodgers, who were all highlighted by Senkovich for their progress and how far they have come. With so many developing players, each win represents more than a result in the standings. It reflects the collective effort of the entire team.

“The bond between players is deep. It really is like a big family,” said senior and captain Parker Toke. As the season continues, the Rangers keep growing closer. Wins and losses come and go, but the lessons learned, friendships and confidence gained will last far beyond the final buzzer.