Coach Singleton/Arnav E. (Staff)
Before heading Academy’s hockey team, Dan Singleton spent 25 years as the film coach for the Blue Jackets, working with them from the beginning. Excited to work with our players, Singleton saw an opportunity for growth. With a wide range of skill levels on the team, Singleton’s priorities include developing the newer members since most need the basics and habits of playing.
The team’s biggest win so far was against the Storm, winning 3-0 and a shutout win for their goalie. This was a big deal because it was an even matchup. But even with some success, the team has faced tough losses. Their 7-13 record is an improvement, with four more wins than last year and plenty of the season left to play. Plus, the experienced players are starting to score and produce at a level Coach Singleton hoped for.
Singleton says the biggest thing is the ability to play hockey without the price tag attached, because one of the barriers to hockey is the expense of all the equipment and the season’s fees. Due to a rule change, players who go to a high school that does not provide OSHAA hockey can participate at any school within a 20-mile radius of their neighborhood. Three players on our team are from Desales. The goalie is from St. Charles.
Having players from other schools does not affect team chemistry. Singleton said everyone is coming together like one big Academy ice hockey family. The team has also endured some strange events this year, with their backup goalie having to play on the other team. Singleton has never seen this, but this season it has happened three times with the other team’s goalie not being able to play. They gave their backup goalie to the other team to allow them to play the game and not accept a forfeit.
The goals for the rest of the season aren’t about the wins or losses. It is about continuing to develop the players and having enough numbers every year to continue as a team.
The community should look forward to Senior Night against a very good St.Charles on February 1.
