With the winter chill in the air and the promise of a new semester just around the corner, Cathedral Catholic’s advantageous roller hockey team has started off their season in a most favorable way. Currently undefeated and unanimously expecting a plethora of wins, the team may very well be the best-kept secret on campus.

When a recent announcement about a strongly anticipated hockey game against Saints went up, the most common response from students was, “We have a roller hockey team?” However, the rolling Dons have stacked up a multitude of successes, remaining undefeated through pre-season and continuing the winning streak with four seasonal games.

“Roller hockey in the past years hasn’t been taken too seriously,” said co-assistant team captain, sophomore Michael Leone. “But our coach told us that the team is only as popular as you want it to be. So, we’ve been trying to advertise our sport since, realistically, it isn’t that popular in Southern California. Still, it’s a great game that combines speed and strength, and is also very hard to pick up.”

The team consists of many strong underclassmen backed by returning veterans, resulting in a well-balanced mix of players. “My favorite part of being on the team is our chemistry,” said Michael. “Our relationship as a team off the rink is very strong. The hard part is bonding on the ice since we need time to get used to each other’s style of play, but I believe it will all come together soon.”

Coach Luke Storno is confident in the team’s talent.  He said, “There are many standout players who have and will continue to add to the team’s success. Team captain, senior Nick Sciabarra shows strong leadership on and off the rink, and is a very well rounded player. Senior Mitchell Bondur dominates the corners and comes up big defensively, and sophomore Michael Leone is currently leading the team in scoring,” Coach Storno said.

“I find that our team has a strong bond with each other because we all respect one another, and some of us are well acquainted through club hockey. We are a close team, being that we are a small team, which allows us to get along very easily,” co-assistant team captain, senior Mitchell Bondur said.

The team credits much of their success to their strong dynamic. “I love being part of a team where I can trust everyone around me,” said sophomore Tim Melbourne. In addition to meeting weekly for pasta nights, the boys spend a lot of time bonding off the rink. “We get along very well, and all show great team spirit,” he said.

“This year, the boys’ chemistry is really coming together. We are a very strong offensive-minded team whose combined ability has led us to a great start,” Coach Storno said. “Seeing the team progress and grow stronger as a whole, I feel that we have a legitimate shot at winning CIF.”