Suey

Before every game the entire team partakes in a game they call “suey”.  The players all stand in a circle and pass a soccer ball around.  The game brings out the players competitive nature and unites the team. 

When asked about “suey”, all boys replied very similarly, “It’s fun to get with the team and have some fun with the boys before we get into a serious moment,” McGinley said.

Many universities have studied the relationships formed within athletics.  Athletes perform better when they form friendships and trust each other.  Games such as “suey” bring the team together and enhance their performance by creating relationships and healthy competitiveness within the team. 

Every player prepares themselves differently, however they come together and unite as a team to win games.  The athletes all get along and they have a lot of fun playing together; the team has become very close due to common interest and their dedication to hockey.

Before games they come together and focus on what they need to do in order to win, “A couple hours before the game there is a lot of energy in the room; we’re all getting excited and prepared for the game. The last half hour before we hit the ice it’s pretty serious [in the locker room], no one is saying much.  We’re all preparing ourselves together as a team,” McGinley said.

No matter how uniquely the athletes prepare themselves, the team chemistry is what is most important.  They all work together and are hopeful for a successful season doing what they love.