The Purdue Northwest men’s D1 hockey team, with a current record of 11-7-4, is gearing up for the critical final stretch of the season. 

With eyes set on defending their conference championship and making a deep run at nationals, the team is leaning on its strong team chemistry and commitment to consistent performance to achieve its goals.

The Pride has faced injuries, lineup challenges, and tough competition but remains optimistic. Though three key players represented Team USA at the World University Games in Italy from Jan. 13 to 23 and freshmen have been adjusting to a championship team, the team continues to push forward through the season – and maintain its competitive edge.

“It’s been a wild year,” said Coach Carl Trosien. “We’ve never really had our full roster or our full complement of guys. But I’m excited to see what we do once we’ve got our full team back together.”

He said the team is focused on building on last year’s successes.

After just two years competing in D1, the Pride team won last year’s Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League championship and made it to the Elite Eight of the ACHA national tournament. 

“It really kind of jump-started the competitive fire in the guys,” said Trosien. “It made them see we’re not far from where we want to be.”

Assistant team captain Hayden Masloski agreed.

“We might not have exactly the wins and losses we’re looking for, but I think we’re exactly where we need to be,” he said.

He said the team is motivated by the pressure of defending its GLCHL championship. 

“That pressure is really a privilege,” Masloski said. “We’re lucky enough to have that pressure on us. When expectations are high, that’s what helps us out as athletes.”

Team chemistry remains a cornerstone of the Pride’s success. 

“You really do have brothers for life,” said Masloski. “You go to battle with them every day and then you go to war with them every weekend.” 

Junior wing Michael Clough agreed.

 “We’ve got different ways to create chemistry and bond,” he said “Some of us have been getting together to play Fortnite these past few weeks.”

Looking ahead, the Pride is focused on finishing the regular season strong, with goals of performing well in the conference tournament and making a deeper run at nationals. 

“The main goal is to win the next four games and then focus on our last weekend against Adrian,” Clough said. “Hopefully, the best that we can do is become back-to-back champs.”

For Masloski, the coming games represent an opportunity to savor every moment with the team.

“You’re going to remember hanging out with the guys on the weekends… just have fun, enjoy every day, and be around the guys as much as possible,” he said.