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Gracie Archibeque

Following a goal, the Prosper ice hockey team comes together to celebrate. Their coach said moments like this happen with each game. "When the kids come together after a win, and they embrace one another, I think that's a pretty cool accomplishment," coach Yev Saidachev said. "It's good for our sport."

Editor’s Note: Due to games played Feb. 16, the hockey team will be in the playoffs. More updates to come.

As the last period of the senior-night game ticks down with less than a minute left on the clock, Coppell breaks the tied score, ending this Feb. 9 game 6-5. Skating off the ice, Prosper ice hockey seniors take their years of dedication and sportsmanship along with them as they enter a new chapter of life. 

Prosper Hockey seniors will take the ice for the last regular season game on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 9 p.m. at the Farmers Branch hockey rink. Prosper hockey’s senior-night game took place at Children’s Health StarCenter in McKinney. Games held Feb. 16, though, helped the team claim an unexpected play-off spot. Playoff details will be released soon.

“Regardless of the (senior-night) loss, we came out and fought hard. I took away that some nights won’t always be perfect,” senior Jacob McGovern from Rock Hill said. “We had to stay together as a team. One of the easiest games to play is the blame game, so taking responsibility for the way that I played is something that I think about every game.”

Prosper’s ice hockey team is a combined team of athletes from Prosper, Rock Hill and homeschooled students within Prosper’s school district. Coach Yev Saidachev said he strives to create a welcoming environment, giving all students the opportunity to feel welcome and pursue a passion for hockey through sportsmanship.

Saidachev spent his youth playing in Khabarovsk, Russia, as well as Tacoma, Washington. Becoming a three-year letterman at Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana, he made Culver’s top team, varsity prep, following up as serving as assistant captain his senior year. Now to continue his career on the ice, Saidachev became varsity head coach and hockey director for Prosper’s program. 

“You have a bunch of people coming together for a common goal,” Saidachev said. “I think hockey players have been the most selfless athletes I’ve been around, so I encourage anyone to at least give it a try.”

As Prosper’s new high school Walnut Grove opens for the 2023-2024 school year, new athletes will build onto the foundation that the upcoming graduating seniors have built for next generation athletes. Senior Will Dispasquale has been playing hockey since the age of 5. He’s played part of that time alongside Hayden Claypoole, who started in the sixth grade. 

“I think it is nice to be able to look back on the success I have found in the program – and how I’ve seen it exponentially grow over time,” Claypoole said.  “Thinking back, I know alumni who are now all over the country that I still keep in contact with, and so I think that hockey is just a great sport, where you meet great people that are always willing to help you no matter what.”

Settling into reality, seniors realize this will be their last playoffs as Prosper hockey players. As emotions set in, athletes said they are looking forward to the upcoming opportunities after graduation. 

“It’s bittersweet for sure, moving on,” Dipesquale said. “I have played hockey since I was 5 years old, but I’m ready for the next chapter.”

This article was updated Feb. 17 .