DC Stars Hockey Shines Bright

by Thatcher Norton

The DC Stars Hockey Club is a high school hockey team that pulls players from schools across DC that don’t have their own hockey program, like Jackson-Reed, School Without Walls, and Maret. The Stars have built a reputation for their developmental focus and producing disciplined, competitive players.

The DMV has seen a rise in high school hockey players due to its influential players, like Alex Ovechkin, who inspire kids to take up the sport themselves. With this gain in popularity, the Stars has become increasingly essential to fulfill the needs of the community and give players a chance to represent the District.

The Stars promotes camaraderie and give players skills that will stick with them for the rest of their life. The team encourages competition and grit to prepare players for their future. Sophomore varsity player Gabe Schon said he’s “very thankful to have a good group of players that work hard as a team, and it’s really great that we can all get along and push each other to work hard.”

Not only does the team push players to excel in life and at their sport, it also creates memories that players cherish forever. Freshman varsity player Treyson Shi said the “Stars has been one of my favorite parts of being in high school.” Weekday practices and Friday night games create a special bond between players that can only be found in programs like this. The Stars provides players with skills and relationships that stay with them and help them succeed in life.

So far, the Stars have been strong this season, with a 3-2 record and a spot in the upper division, playing in Maryland against schools like Rockville, Sherwood, and Walter Johnson.

The Stars are always looking for new players to increase their already thriving community. Whether you are skilled, or new to hockey, the Stars is a perfect fit for you! 

With 2 practices a week–usually at Fort Dupont–and 1 game, the Stars provides a fun opportunity to skate and shoot some pucks. Shi, who has been to almost every practice and game, says that “the team is very inclusive to everyone, no matter your skill level.”

The team runs off of the amazing volunteers and coaches that make fun, skill developing practices. The players love the team, and it’s hard to beat the community and culture they’ve created. If you want to join, head over to DCStarsIceHockey.org and get ready to play!

---

About the Writer

Thatcher Norton, a sophomore at Jackson Reed plays defense for the DC Stars. This article first appeared in the Jackson Reed Beacon.