With the commencement of the hockey season, the Washington Hockey Club is steadily preparing to take to the rink and gain more awareness.

“More kids seem to be hearing about our hockey club and joining,” senior Liam Forbes said.

The team was formed in 2012 and consists of 12 athletes. The team isn’t sponsored by WHS, which allows students from neighboring schools and towns to join.

“We have some kids that are from Fort Zumwalt West, Union and Saint Charles,” sophomore Kade Uetz said.

However, playing with other students doesn’t cause tension on the team, and the players believe it helps make them stronger.

“[Playing with other students] is really good because you get to meet people around the district and you build up friendships,” Uetz said.

The players also face tough competition being placed in the MOIHA (Missouri Inline Hockey Association) Varsity Tier 3 division.

“We play against teams like Windsor, Wentzville, the Fort Zumwalts and Francis Howells,” Forbes said.

With the hockey club not being school sponsored, it leads to extra expenses for the players.

“The school doesn’t pay for our equipment and the jerseys are bought by the players,” Uetz said. “To be on the team, people need to buy shinguards, skates, a helmet, gloves, etc.”

Having to pay for their own equipment isn’t the only taxing thing for the team members. With practices held at the All American Sport Complex in South County on Wednesdays after school, it also means lots of extra travel for the players.

“My least favorite part about [hockey] is traveling for games and practices,” Forbes said.

Despite the amount of dedication required, Washington’s hockey club is growing and players urge students to get involved.

“People should talk to players on the team or the coaches to get involved,” Uetz said.

Students can also get involved by bringing a crowd to games and supporting the players.

“We don’t have a large fanbase at most games,” Uetz said.

Through Washington’s hockey club, students have expanded their relationships throughout the district and formed close bonds with their teammates.

“My favorite thing about hockey is my teammates,” freshman Blane Forbes said. “I love them.”