As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, winter sports at Lincoln-Sudbury are still in full swing. On Monday, the Lincoln-Sudbury Girls Hockey Team had their first practice of the season. Although games will not take place until January, hockey practice is a welcome change from the world of hybrid or remote schooling.

Lincoln-Sudbury Girls Hockey head coach Paul Hardy remarks, “I’m mostly looking forward to getting back on the ice with the team. This is one of the most enjoyable teams I’ve ever had. Everyone seems to get along and enjoy each other.” At practice, masks are required at all times, players must enter the rink dressed in their full equipment, and no gatherings can take place at all. Even on the ice, players are separated into cohorts based on age and eventually forward and defensive lines.

When games do return to the Commonwealth, COVID-19 protocols will have a lasting effect. Games will only be played between L-S and teams in the Dual County League, where one team, Westford Academy, has already opted out of the season. This reduces the already shortened schedule from ten to eight games, compared to a normal 20 game season. The positive aspect of this schedule is that the rivalries between Lincoln-Sudbury and the surrounding towns will be amplified. The 4 teams that L-S will be playing are Weston-Wayland, Boston-Latin, Acton-Boxoboro, and Concord-Carlisle. Between the long-running winning streak of the Lincoln-Sudbury Girls Hockey team at Warriors for Warriors against Concord-Carlisle and the well-formed rivalries by teams of the past with the other DCL teams, the games should create a different dynamic than in previous seasons.

Each set of two games will be played between Lincoln-Sudbury and their opponent first at one team’s home rink on Wednesday and then at the opposite team’s rink on Saturday. 

“The biggest change, which those who played in the fall didn’t have to experience, is no fans. The high schools are really focusing on safety rules and having no fans at the games will be different,” comments Coach Hardy. The atmosphere of a fan section will definitely be missed. However, the father of Kimmy Lucier, one of the team’s strongest forwards, plans to record the games so they will be available to watch for all parents, friends, and other fans of the team.

The team’s lineup is looking stronger than ever and everyone is grateful for the opportunity to play together at all this year. In Coach Hardy’s words, “Not only is this one of the most enjoyable teams, but it’s probably the most talented top to bottom. We have skilled experienced players at every position. We also have a great mixture of youth and veterans. I can’t wait to see how the team all works together.” With seven seniors and a full roster of 23 players, including three new additions to last year’s team, there is no doubt that this season’s girls hockey team will leave a lasting impact.