Varsity Hockey: Season Outlook

St. Luke’s hockey welcomed a new head coach this season when Emily Walsh took the reins for the Storm.

 

Walsh brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously coached at Westminster School and within the USA hockey development program. Walsh was also a standout player, who served as captain for the University of Vermont in her final two seasons before playing professionally in Dusseldorf, Germany.

 

Walsh values leadership development and promoting both individual and collective growth within the athletic experience. She is excited for the opportunity to coach at St. Luke’s and to be back on the ice: “In my first season as head coach, I look forward to getting to know the team and the program’s culture. Having played at the collegiate level for some outstanding coaches, I believe I possess a strong understanding of what to prioritize and how to help the players grow, both individually and as a group.”

 

Walsh has been impressed with the leadership of captains Jared Kramer ‘22 and Henry Robb ‘22: “Jared and Henry have been a great influence on and off the ice, encouraging the younger players to work hard and showcase their skills as much as possible. We have a lot of young talent on the team. As we move into league play, it will be a huge positive if the underclassmen play with confidence.”

 

The St. Luke’s puck squad has played three preseason scrimmages against Canterbury School, St. Joseph’s High School, and Westminster School. The team had its home opener on Monday, Dec. 13, against Wooster School, picking up a convincing win. Walsh has been thrilled with the four games and looks to implement a certain style of play: “I want our team to play fast and tough. Our plan is to be an aggressive forechecking team. We want to be relentless on both sides of the puck, force turnovers, and convert on all of our scoring opportunities.”

 

The Storm lost a tough game at Rye Country Day School 1-2 in overtime on Thursday, Dec. 16. St. Luke’s led the Wildcats for much of the game following a goal in the first period from Enzo Fredericks ‘25. However, a late Rye strike sent the game into OT before the home team scored the winning goal with just 15 seconds remaining.

 

The puck squad is back on the ice after Winter Break, with the team traveling to Brunswick School on Thursday, Jan. 6. The puck squad then hosts Greenwich Country Day School on Wednesday, Jan. 12, at SoNo Ice House.