The varsity hockey team finished regular season in 4th place, and will begin playoffs tomorrow vs Hinsdale at Canlan in Romeoville at 5:50 p.m. The Predators have established themselves as a disciplined and competitive program, with experienced players from all four Plainfield high schools.
According to Head Coach Myke Bangs, the team has performed very well this season, and they are looking to advance in the playoffs.
As the post season continues, the Predators remain focused on execution, consistency and long- term improvement. The team aims to build on its current foundation and finish with continued competitiveness.
“We hope to become state champions as last year we came short,” Landon Porter, senior, said.
One of their primary strengths this season has been their on- ice communication.
Effective puck movement, controlled breakouts, and disciplined line changes have allowed the team to remain competitive against high-level opponents.
“Winning games has brought our team closer together and created new bonds,” Jackson Whitecotton, junior, said.
Offensively, they have demonstrated steady improvement, and now have the most goals scored out of the whole state. The team feels that an emphasis on forechecking, maintaining possession, and creating scoring chances has led to increased offensive production. Multiple players contribute to the scoring effort, while others have made significant impacts through assists, puck battles, and consistent effort.
Defensively, they have limited their opponents’ scoring opportunities through strong positioning and physical yet controlled play in the defensive zone. However, they haven’t always come out on top.
“As we face other teams we sometimes just lose to a team we shouldn’t, but we are keeping our heads up high,” Carson Moranda, senior, said.
Porter emphasizes accountability and development as key priorities for the program. They have prioritized the team’s focus on maintaining discipline, learning from each performance, and making adjustments throughout the season, with Bangs’ coaching.
“We see him as a motivational speaker, and we all look up to him for courage,” Porter said.
The team has demonstrated strong sportsmanship and professionalism, not just at the varsity level, but on the JV team as well, who begin playoffs tonight against Minooka at 7:30 p.m. at Center Dupage Ice Rink, and again tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at All Seasons Ice Rink.
