McKinney JV White Shows Heart in Tough Matchup vs Plano West

McKinney Ice Hockey Club’s Junior Varsity White

MIHC JVW squad faced Plano West on Sunday in a high-energy contest, falling 6-1 but demonstrating real growth, teamwork, and grit throughout the game. The team’s Hockey IQ and fundamentals shone in every period, laying strong groundwork for the season ahead. 💪

Game Highlights 📊

Plano West jumped out early with two goals in the first period, but McKinney JVW never backed down. Goalie and defense handled a barrage of shots in the opening frame and settled in to keep the game competitive through the second period. In total, McKinney fired 16 shots on goal and kept pressure up with strong cycle and puck possession in the offensive zone. 🚀

Scoring Recap 🥅

 • Plano West’s led off with three goals, building the lead before McKinney answered in the second period.

 • Christian Cassidy (#93) broke through for McKinney, burying a much-needed goal off a crisp pass from Rhett Pierson (#83) and Nolan Anderson (#9).

 • Defensive effort stayed tough, with McKinney keeping the play to the outside and clearing pucks from trouble, but Plano West added three more in the third.

Head Coach Kevin Bakke’s Thoughts 🗣️

“Incredibly proud of the effort today. The Hockey IQ is growing and showing up in live game action. Clearing pucks from danger zones, causing an icing on a long shift to get the change in, clogging the middle of the defensive zone and forcing the play to the outside. Everyone pitched in. We hit the shaft of the goalie stick on 2 different shots that easily could have been goals in our favor, and our cycle and possession in the offensive zone created strong shots from our defense. A strong effort all around and a solid foundation to move forward.” 💬

Defensive Strength & Teamwork 🛡️

McKinney JVW’s group defense kept the Plano West attack in check for most of the contest, icing the puck at key moments to reset and get fresh legs out in tough shifts. Players excelled at clogging the middle and keeping chances to the perimeter, highlighting smart hockey in quick changes. Stick-to-stick passes and support through the middle of the ice helped build momentum into the offensive zone.

Building Momentum for the Season 💙🩶

Win or lose, Sunday’s match showed the team’s dedication, learning, and willingness to battle. The boys pushed through adversity, created quality chances, and showed what it means to be a McKinney hockey player. This effort sets a solid foundation, expect more strong performances as the year unfolds.

McKinney Ice Hockey Club Media