McKinney Ice Hockey Club Shines on Opening Day of 2025 Leveling

McKINNEY, TX — The arena buzzed with electrifying energy as the McKinney Ice Hockey Club roared into its 2025 season at the AT&T High School Hockey League Leveling Tournament. Fans cheered wildly as all three MIHC squads—Varsity Gold, Varsity Bronze, and Junior Varsity Bronze—hit the ice for adrenaline-pumping debuts, showing off fierce grit, lightning-fast plays, and the authentic hometown pride that makes McKinney hockey truly special.

Varsity Gold Battles Jesuit to the Final Whistle

Varsity Gold showcased tenacity in their opener, taking an early lead thanks to a slick first-period goal from James Gentile III, assisted by Nathan Upvall. Despite McKinney’s pressure and a solid performance in net from goaltender Connor Sender—who turned aside 28 of 31 shots—the team fell 3-1 to a relentless Jesuit squad. The Gold team matched Jesuit stride for stride in the opening frame but faced a surge of shots in the second and third periods. McKinney’s defensive unit, led by Sender’s .903 save percentage, kept the contest close throughout, and late timeouts signaled resilient efforts to even the score.

Final Score:

Varsity Bronze Dominates Arlington/Midlothian in Offensive Display

Varsity Bronze electrified the crowd with a commanding 10-3 victory over Arlington/Midlothian. The team set the tone early, cycling in four first-period goals, and never looked back. Grant Crowley led the scoring barrage with a multi-goal performance and pivotal assists, while Jonah Burke and Preston Larsen delivered key offensive contributions. Goalie Aiden Towers was perfect in his opening minutes, and Connor Sherwood held strong in relief. With 37 shots on net, McKinney controlled possession and tempo, demonstrating depth across all lines.

FINAL SCORE:

JV Bronze Fights Back Against Plano West

Junior Varsity Bronze battled hard in a 4-2 defeat to Plano West, showing a never-give-up spirit highlighted by Ronald Liu’s pair of goals. Despite falling behind early, the team regrouped in the second and third periods, tightening defensive play and generating late scoring chances. Goalie Jacob Lewis anchored the crease with 22 saves, helping keep the scoreline close and giving the team a chance to rally.

FINAL SCORE:

Quotes & Reflections

“We saw incredible effort from all our squads today,” said MIHC Club President Virgil Renz, expressing pride in the club’s teamwork and relentless pursuit of excellence. “Varsity Bronze’s offensive output was lights out, and Varsity Gold and JV showed toughness every shift. These results set the tone for a season of growth and excitement.”

Looking Ahead

The opening weekend results reflect both the talent and camaraderie within MIHC. Each team delivered performances fans can rally behind and lessons to build on as the season progresses. With commitment across the board, McKinney Ice Hockey Club is poised for an impactful season in the High School Hockey League.

For more updates, team photos, and upcoming schedules, stay tuned to our website and follow McKinney Ice Hockey Club on social media including Facebook & Instagram.