When the puck drops to begin Academy first ice hockey game, it will mark the end of a long process to create the program. The idea of ice hockey coming to Academy was first formulated four to five years ago. Finally, it will come to fruition next winter.

The 22nd sport offered at CA will start as a JV team, but plans for a varsity squad are still in the works. Director of Athletics, Dominic Facciolla said, “We want to get up to a level to where we think we can compete with other varsity teams. We can’t assure anyone that that will be in a year or two. But do we aspire to have a varsity team? Sure we do.”

Facciolla also said that 23 students have signed up for the team. Some of the interested players have been playing for other schools, but will now switch to playing for the Vikes. Facciolla explains, “By OHSAA rules, if your school sponsors a sport, you’re not allowed to play that sport at another school.”

The hockey Vikings will compete in the Capital League Conference and hold practices at the Chiller. Yet, many of the program’s basic necessities remain undecided. For example, the team does not even have a coaching staff in place yet. But the players already have high hopes for next year. Sophomore Cole Walker said, “I think it’s really exciting to see all these guys coming out to try a new sport. It should be a great season next year and I think everybody is looking forward to it.”