By Jack Weaver ’15 | Staff Writer

After receiving a tough draw for this years’ playoffs and only a week of preparation, the boys hockey team is more than ready for a challenging match-up against a number one ranked Trenton team.

These two teams met in South’s home opener at City Arena where Trenton virtually dominated the tempo and pace of the entire game. They would end up defeating South 4-1, but Will Poplowski ’16 said the score will be different this time around.

“We played Trenton to open the season, and we didn’t show them the team we really were,” said Poplowski ’16. “I guess you might be able to say we could have an advantage going into the game with them underestimating us.”

Both teams will be playing to keep their seasons alive in this winner stays alive format, but for South a win would mean so much more. Knocking off the number one team in the state would be a huge statement to the other teams competing, Zach Kohut ’15 said.

“They are the number one team in the state, so with the win we would be able to show the state and other opponents that we are capable of beating any team,” said Kohut ’15. “Plus it would also be a huge confidence booster.”

The sheer skill of this Trenton team, is not the only thing that has contributed to its success. The student body has been known for selling out its home rink on numerous occasions and with a hostile road game it will only make it harder to compete. Yet Captain Andrew Bigham ’14 is far from intimidated and is more than accepting of this challenge.

“Some people may be affected by the crowd, but to me personally I love it. I want the crowd to hate me,” said Bigham ’14. “ I expect it to be a very high pace and physical game. If we play our game then we will have no problem.”

This team was in a very similar situation only two years ago from now, when they had to play a Trenton team ranked 3rd in the state. South would go onto to win that game and finish as state runner-up falling to Brother Rice.

The boy’s hockey team squares off on the road at Trenton tonight at 7:30 p.m. .