The Ferguson Twins – Hockey Hard-hitters

This is an interview with Emily and Jack Ferguson ’20, both members of the Girls and Boys Varsity Hockey Team.

Emily Ferguson ’20 – Varsity Girls Hockey (Midfielder/Defender)

Q: What are a few goals that the team has set this year? What about a few personal goals you hope to achieve?

A: I think the team goal is to work hard and create a good team dynamic that will result in a positive season. We need to be resilient and engaged throughout the entire season and come to games and practices prepared to work.

Q: What are you most proud of when it comes to your team? How do you feel you contribute to that unique team spirit?

A: I think that the team works well together. We have so many talented players which makes it easier to move the puck and make plays. I play a supporting role on the team, and having so much talent on the ice makes it easier to do that.

Q: What improvements would you like to work on?

A: I need to work on making my first few steps quicker when I first receive the puck and [making] quicker decisions. Having this step would beneficial for the development of plays.

Q: Do you have a unique way of pregame preparation or ritual that’s different from your teammates?

A: I have a routine to prepare for games. I have a lucky pair of game day socks that I have to wear, I always tie my left skate [and] then the right one, and I have to wear a white hair tie at the top of my braid.

Q: How do you work to improve/maintain the team’s record?

A: Everyone is really committed to the team and is willing to work hard to make the team better. We hold each other accountable and make one another better.

Q: Lastly, is there anything you wish to say to the team’s supporters in the beginning of the season?

The next game is against Millbrook, which is where our coach used to work. There is a little sense of friendly competition there, but every game is equally important. Come out to our games – it’s really helpful to have fans to support us and bring up the energy!

Jack Ferguson ’20 Varsity Boys Hockey

Q: What are a few goals that the team has set this year? What about a few personal goals you hope to achieve?

A: I think this year the team is focusing on coming together as a group to play every game to the best of our ability. We want to play each game with excitement and high intensity.  Personally, I want to be stronger on the defensive side of the game [and] more physical this year.

Q: What aspect of your game comes easiest to you?

A: I would say skating is definitely something that comes easy to me.  I practice a lot of edge work with coaches during the off-season. That being said, there is room for improvement.

Q: What aspect of your game is the most difficult for you to master?

A: An aspect of the game that is probably most difficult for me to master is decision-making. Hockey is a high-paced game and players have to compensate for ever-changing possessions. The window for passing and shooting the puck is so short [that] players usually don’t have more than a few seconds, if not less, to choose their next play.

Q: How do you prepare for games?

A: Everyone has their pre-game rituals, but I don’t have too many that differ from my teammates. Maybe a few things that I do differently is when I tape my stick, I always put a strand of tape over the toe of my blade and then tape over it.  I also wrap the laces of my skates around my ankles once before tying them off. These are just a few small things that have become a habit over the years.

Q: Is the team different from last year?

A: Our team has a lot of positivity and energy this year. In past years, I felt that our attitude was critical and not very constructive, especially during the difficult times. This season, the group is closer and more excited to play for one another. I’m proud to be part of such a tight-knit team, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Q: Any comments on the upcoming game? 

A: Lawrenceville certainly has some skill and grit so they should be a tough opponent.  They are 3-0 as well, so hopefully we can end their winning-streak. Coach Traggio said that we ought to treat every game like it’s the most important game of the season, especially since we only play 25 games.  

Writers Note: The Hotchkiss team beat Lawrenceville 5-2 on 12/8.

Q: Lastly, is there anything you wish to say to the team’s supporters in the beginning of the season?

A: We are very grateful to all the students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and fans [who] support the hockey program and come out to the home games on Shmidt Rink.  I remember feeling so excited by all the cheering fans [during] my first game at Hotchkiss prep year. The atmosphere was and continues to be energetic and thrilling. Thanks again to everyone for coming out to the games, and keep Schmidt loud!