The Brave News

by Isaac Mays, Sports Editor

The Bosco Braves Hockey team competed at Honda Center, home of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, on Thursday, January 26th, where they dominated Cathedral Catholic High School.

Cathedral Catholic was formerly the leading Division Two team prior to their matchup against Bosco. After their 4-0 victory, the Braves rank near the top the state for Division Three.

The Braves were able to complete this victory in front of their sister school’s very own Saint Joseph’s Cheerleaders. 

“I think it’s really cool that both members of the JV and varsity cheer team were given the opportunity to come out to support the hockey team. We haven’t had this opportunity in such a long time. It’s exciting to see the game firsthand,” senior Varsity Cheer Captain Patricia Schroeder said.

The Braves executed their victory with impressive plays by juniors Patrick Cech and Sebastian Pribula as well as freshman Kaden Curry. Cech held down the right wing on offense, putting some impressive shots in on the Don’s goalie. Pribula, the Brave’s goalie, had a total shutout with no goals coming to the back of the net. Finally, Curry played physical on the defensive end of the ice.

The 2022-2023 season has been prosperous for the Braves, as they stand at the top of the state. The success in key games, such as a victory over the Damien Spartans, the Pacific Ridge Puffins and fellow Trinity League foe JSerra Catholic. Through this, the Braves have solidified their hopes for playoffs. They are now in the process of gearing up for the road ahead of them.

“Getting the opportunity to play for the Bosco Braves and the organization has been a great experience for me,” said senior Michael Gutierrez. “I will never forget and always remember my senior year with Bosco.”

The coaching staff has played a crucial role in the development of the team overall. Head Coach Tomáš Kapusta hails from Zlín, Czech Republic, where he fostered a love for hockey at a young age. Coach Kapusta has earned two silver medals from World Junior Championships in 1985 and 1987. After that, he would be drafted into the NHL by the Edmonton Oilers based in Alberta, Canada. Finally, he participated in the Olympic Games of 1994, helping the Czech Republic National Team earn Bronze.  

Notably, former Bosco Hockey player and alumnus Emmett Croteau was drafted into the NHL this last year. Croteau was the 162nd draft pick for the Montreal Canadiens, where he plays the position of goaltender.

One of the ways the Bosco team is able to be so successful is the establishment of the team as a club, rather than the typical fashion of registering it as a high school sport. This means that the Braves are able to take on players from neighboring schools without breaking any official CIF rulings. The Braves utilize this to ultimately reinforce their squad, given the hockey culture is not relatively strong in the Los Angeles area.

Long Beach Polytechnic High School senior Jeremy Loosmore is a key left wing for the team. Loosmore values his privilege to play as a member of the Braves because his school lacks an official ice hockey team.

“It is an honor to be a part of such a strong program that develops the team to not only be high caliber players, but also successful men down the road,” Jeremy Loosmore said.

Through grit and determination, the hockey team has put themselves on the map as one of Bosco’s more successful sports. Join and support the Braves on this Friday against Capistrano United at Great Park Ice and Fivepoint Arena in Irvine at 4:30 pm.