This year’s final hockey game of the season was played this past Friday. With the end of a season, just as in every other sport, there is now time for each of the players and coaches to reflect on the games they played.

These thoughts are not only being shared by the players, however, as fans are starting to speak up about the North hockey team.

Juniors JT Thomas and Tyler Christeson were two of the most dedicated fans throughout the entire Varsity season, missing only a couple of games. The duo never seemed to fail as they would strut into the rink, Tyler with his horn and JT with his cowbell. Their plan of attack: make as much noise as possible to make up for the continuous lack of attendance at the hockey games. Support for hockey is usually an issue at North, as not many students go to the games, but Thomas and Christeson tried to change everyone’s views.

“We get the fans involved and we rile them up,” Tyler Christeson said. “We make people care about the game again.”

As he is concerned with the fans’ emotions and help, Thomas tends to focus more on the players’ performance and encouraging them.

“I hope I build their confidence by showing them they have fans,” he said. “Hopefully the vibe from the fans transfers onto the ice to motivate the players.”

Along with cheering and chants, the two tried to find unique, interesting ways to raise the energy level during the games; hence the cowbell and the horn. For the entire game, the rink would be filled with the echoes of sounds that would lead straight back to Thomas and Christeson – every time. Parents, players, and other fans agree, however, that the boys were not only humorous but enhanced the team’s spirit. All also agree that the only way to keep it up is for more people to come out and show their support.

“I just wish more people would come,” Christeson said. “There are a lot of fun people at the games and it is cool to join and become one as fans.”

Although hockey is not technically a school sponsored sport, and may not be the most popular today, most would think that students would still show up and support their players. Thomas and Christeson hope that all of their work and dedication to the team this year will rub off on other students for the coming season and urge them to come to the games.

“Next year I hope to see more seats filled with people like me cheering on our friends,” Thomas said. “We cheer as hard as they play and we need all the help we can get.”