The hockey team exceeded expectations this past season achieving its best record in school history with the season ending in a disappointing loss. The team had notable wins over Medfield, Holliston, and its first-ever victory against Medway.

Senior captain Will Pickens said, “I am very proud of the resilience our team showed throughout the season. Whenever we would have a bad game or just a bad shift we would always come back strong.”

The team showed a lot of toughness throughout the season and came back to win games even after losses to Medway and Westwood. These hard-fought wins allowed the team to still have a chance at the TVL at the end of the season.

They ended up coming one win away from its first TVL title after a tough loss to Medway in the final regular season game. The team followed this game with a strong effort in the playoffs, winning their first-round matchup. This perseverance shows the team’s character and determination to compete after losing.

The team’s successful season gained the interest of the student body, having what athletic director Deirdre King said was “the most student support ever in Hopkinton for the hockey team.”

King has attempted to gain student support for several sports teams and increase “Hiller Pride,” which was present throughout the hockey season. At basketball and hockey games, King initiated this by selling shirts to students attending games, in hope of a larger student turnout. The increase in support helped the team according to senior Nic Horgan.

Horgan said, “We play much better with a crowd when there is a lot of energy in the arena. It really gets our guys excited to play.”

Many students showed their support in the playoff game, which the Hillers lost in double overtime, despite a late comeback to tie the game. There were large student sections from both schools, with Hopkinton having a lot of students attend the game to support their team.

After the final game, senior Mitch Karpe said, “It was one of the best hockey games I have ever been to and probably the best high school game I’ve seen. But it was disappointing for our team to end with our team playing so well.”

Although the team suffered a discouraging loss to end their playoff run, their season is seen as a success overall with many Hopkinton records broken. According to the Hiller hockey website, the team had its best record of all time, but is still hoping to show improvement in upcoming seasons.

Junior goalie Dylan O’Leary said, “We can go even farther next year,” setting a goal of making it to the state finals at the TD Garden. The team has very  high hopes for upcoming seasons and has expectations of winning their sectional and even a state title.