The four year conference winless streak is finally over for HHS boys hockey. On January 16th, the royals defeated the Minnetonka Skippers 5-2.

 “Sink the Skippers,” Hopkins fans were cheering throughout the game. Hopkins got off to a quick start on the road as Anthony Degiulio, senior, scored only 1:55 into the game. The Royals struck again, and again in the first period. Only four minutes into the game HHS had a 3-0 lead.

After an early scoring spree, the Royals defended their lead defeating Minnetonka 5-2, earning their first conference win in four years.

Goalie Josh Kuemichael, junior, saved 24 of 26 shots on goal.

The Royals have a record of 7-9 and will face the rest of their conference in the upcoming month.

“We worked hard as a group. Plain and simple. We never gave up even when the calls weren’t going our way. We battled from the drop of the puck to the ending buzzer, it was a great win and I’m proud to say I was a part of it,” said Jack Sandford, senior.

Josh Laven and Jonah Gagnon, juniors,  each scored two goals on the night. Jimmy Copouls, senior captain, had three assists in the game. Copouls has been a key player for Hopkins and leads the team in points for the season.

This victory puts HHS in a tie for first place in the Lake conference.

“It was a good team win and we’re looking forward to a lot more to come,” said Avery Normandin, senior.

Although the Royals have a tough schedule ahead of them, this win will give the team an immense momentum boost going into the end of the season.