Preview: Men’s hockey team looks forward to fresh 2019-2020 season

Liberty’s men’s DI Hockey team is hoping to remain at the top of their conference in 2019 while integrating eight new players to the roster. 

Last year’s loss to Lindenwood University at the national championship left a bad taste in the team’s mouth, but with a fresh start this year, the team plans to keep its focus on this upcoming season instead of looking back.  The team ended last season 15-1-0 in the conference, leading the conference in points scored. 

“You can expect a veteran team,” Head Coach Kirk Handy said. “A team who has had success – we are seeing a focus effort in trying to help those eight new guys get involved with the rest of the team.” 

Along with the team’s conditioning, a sports psychologist is continuing work with the team to help keep their emotions controlled during game situations. This started last season to help the Flames limit the amount of penalties they get during intense games. 

“We are being helped to reel in our emotion,” forward Brock Thompson said. “I think that is something that has hurt us in the past, and we need to shape up so we can control it. I’ve already seen it help in practice – hopefully it can carry over to games.”

At the end of last year, the two goalies on the team, ranked first and third in their division, graduated and have left the goalie box to two new players. 

This season also marks the beginning of Handy’s 20th season of coaching, and Handy reflected on the many memories he has formed over the years. 

“Every year is exciting,” Handy said. “Every opportunity to work with these guys is always something that I enjoy. It is crazy that 20 years have gone by, but I am excited for this next season to get going.”

For 20 seasons, Handy has made a difference in the lives of his players on and off the ice. They know that it is God first and hockey second in Handy’s life, and his example impacts each player.  

“He has impacted about 80 percent of my life,” senior forward Zachariah Roberts said.  “Off the ice, he’s been like a father figure to me, and I am so glad that I’ve had this time with Kirk.”

The Flames have a strong bond because of the example that Handy has given, and that means even when they face hard teams, they are still united.  The team says that Adrian University might still be their hardest competitor this season, but they are ready to dominate. 

“There is so much potential in the locker room,” Handy said. “They are a special group of guys who want to battle to get where they should be. We battle together to get to where we want to go. We like what we see.”

The team’s new season begins Sep. 20 in the LaHaye Ice Center when they face against Duquesne University at 7 p.m.

“This is the best team we’ve had,” Thompson said. “This year is our time, and if you’re new here, it will be a blast, because we bring it every night.”