Sherwood players celebrating a goal in their game against Whitman.

by Chase Sondike ‘26

As the season’s final third begins, the Sherwood hockey team looks promising and ready for the playoffs with a steady 5-3 record. They look forward to the latter part of the season with a game set for this Friday against RAM (Rockville and Magruder). The team has started stacking wins, building momentum, and is looking to continue its competitive drive in the back part of the regular season. Last Friday, Sherwood made a bold statement on the ice with a commanding 8-2 victory over Richard Montgomery, demonstrating their offensive firepower and defensive strength. It was a win that energized the team and fans alike, as Sherwood controlled the game from start to finish, leaving no doubt about their potential as a top contender.

Though the record may not fully reflect the team’s potential, the Warriors have demonstrated impressive versatility in their outings thus far. Junior assistant captain and defenseman Tyler Payson, reflecting on the team’s progress, shared that aspects like their determination and perseverance have been key to their success. “The team has strength in its versatility and gritty play,” Payson explained. “Players can seamlessly switch roles when needed.” Payson says that individually, veteran players have shown great leadership, “being an example and setting the tone for the new and younger members of the team.”

Payson’s comments highlight one of the team’s key strengths: their ability to transform on the fly and adapt to different situations, whether it’s changing up lines due to injuries or making on-ice adjustments.

Sherwood’s season so far has been marked by moments of brilliance and some tough losses, many of which boiled down to late third-period blunders. “We’ve had some really close games this year that we lost in the third period, and they came down to small mistakes,” said senior captain Aidan Cook. “How we finish games needs to be the main focus going forward.” The Captain wears the C on his chest with pride, emphasizing the importance of leading by example. “I play the hardest I possibly can at all times, even in practice, because I understand that if I phone it in, why should the rest of them be expected not to follow suit?”

As Sherwood prepares for the puck drop against RAM on Friday, the team is determined to prove themselves. With strong leadership and large aspirations, the Warriors on ice aim to turn their potential into a playoff run that makes a lasting impact on the program and the players.