Today is a big day for the Academy hockey team as they face off against their conference rivalry, the Bay Port Pirates. The puck will be dropped at 7:15 p.m. at Cornerstone ice rink. It is the sectional semi-final for the Tritons, and they must win in order to advance to State.

The Tritons have defeated the Pirates twice earlier this season. The first game they defeated the Pirates 5-3. In the second game, Junior Matthew Kini, scored the game winning goal in overtime (4-3), to clinch the Tritons their first conference championship since the team’s 2014-2015 season.

Head coach Cory McCracken and assistant coaches Jim Guinn, Sil Mirao, and Paul Luckowitz serve crucial leadership roles on the NDA Hockey team. In addition, the team is led by senior captain, Jadon Motquin, and assistant captain, junior Michael Gregoire.

Gregoire said, “It should be a great game. It’s always fun to play in that environment.”

Motquin said, “I’m super-duper excited and stoked to get out and play my favorite athletic sport in front of all my fellow classmates.”

Junior Logan Braun, three-year varsity player, said, “We are going to play like it’s just another game and trust the process.”

“It should be a fun environment to play in. Cannot wait to see all of our fans there supporting Triton puck. Roll Tride,” said junior Max Polack.

Freshman Charlie Wied said, “Having it be my first year on the team, I am super excited to play in this game. Looking forward to tomorrow and going in with a do-or-die mentality.”

Senior Stephen Lovell shaved the sides of his head along with senior goaltender Jason Revolinski, who is out with a hamstring injury for the remainder of the season.

“This is the most important game of my life up to this point,” said Lovell. “The rivalry between NDA and Bay Port the last three years is indescribable. I’ve been playing with a few of their seniors since 4th grade, and it’s sad to think that on one side someone’s career will end. I know that I’ll shed a few tears whether I’m on the winning side or the losing side because of how much this has meant to me. It should be fun.”

The team is hoping to see a lot of fans at tonight’s game.

Sophomore Claire Kini said, “It is really fun to watch my brother in such a fast-paced game. I love going to the games, and the Bay Port games are always super intense to watch!”