Hockey team seeks playoffs
By Hector Trujillo
The Scripps Ranch High School roller hockey team looks to close out strong and earn another postseason run as it enters the second half of its season.
The Falcons made it all the way to the championship match in 2022 but lost in overtime.
“We got a few new kids so, depth-wise, we’re doing great,” said head coach Greg Friedman. “We’re still pretty much the same team minus not having the top goalie in the league, which makes a big difference because she was winning a bunch of games for us.”
The five-time champion Falcons won back to back championships in 2019-20, with a 41-1 record over that span.
Scripps Ranch got off on the right foot this season after defeating Escondido Charter High School 11-2 on Nov. 28 at the Escondido Sports Center.
The team has gotten all-around great performances so far this season, but it’s the play of defenseman Emile Thibault along with that of forwards Garion Barber and Julian Thibault that have really stood out.
While the absence of Tori Fraser in front of the net has had a noticeable impact, the team has remained competitive throughout.
“The goal is to win the league, make the playoffs and improve game to game,” Friedman said. “The league got a little tougher this year with a few players from other teams. We’ve got like five really good teams up there, but we have most of the same players, so they know what to do to get to the finals.”
The league is currently divided into Metro North and South divisions, with the top 12 advancing to the playoffs in March.
The most notable Scripps Ranch roller hockey alumni is Chad Ruhwedle, who played defenseman for the Pittsburg Penguins of the NHL, helping lead the team to the Stanley Cup in 2017.
The Falcons will play a total of 18 regular season matches this season with their home games taking place at Kit Carson Park in Escondido.
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