Skating into a new season

Mercy+senior+and+captain+of+the+Mercy+Varsity+Ice+Hockey+Team+%28MVH%29+Sydney+Takla+looks+at+the+hockey+state+championship+banner+strung+high+in+the+gym+as+she+reflects+on+her+past+years+playing+for+the+Marlins.+Photo+by+Carrie+Jefferson

Mercy senior and captain of the Mercy Varsity Ice Hockey Team (MVH) Sydney Takla looks at the hockey state championship banner strung high in the gym as she reflects on her past years playing for the Marlins. Photo by Carrie Jefferson

As hoards of people begin to cram into Eddie Edgar Ice Arena, the Marlins focus on the opponent at hand and set their sights on another victory. Now that the 2019-2020 Mercy hockey season has begun, it means another chance to win a state championship. However, it is a special season for senior Sydney Takla as it is her final year playing for the Marlins. 

“I try not to think about it being my last year,” said Takla. “I have been playing hockey since I was 3 and it is a big part of my life and who I am today.”

The hockey program has been stellar in past years and has even been state champions five times! Although the season began in late November, the girls have had their sights set on state championship number six since last year’s momentous state title win. 

“I don’t feel pressure to win, but I know I would be very disappointed if we didn’t win another state championship,” said Takla. “It truly is the most amazing experience.”

Each year, the competition can differ for the Marlins as new incoming freshmen can help a team in different ways. However, Liggett may be Mercy’s biggest opponent during the 2019-2020 season in the fight for a state title.  As the saying goes, “there is no “i” in team”, which remains true for Mercy’s hockey team.

“My most memorable moments are our team’s unity and the bonding experience,” said Takla.