Bodies colliding into the boards, skates digging into the ice, the puck floating slowly into the net.

This is hockey.

For the first time since 2016, the Santa Fe Blue Jackets are back. This year’s team features seven SFHS students: Noah Shandler, Kiefer Fitzgerald, Michael Hutton, Brigit Rivard, Lila Wagner, Hawk Luciano, Declan Killoy, and James Serrano. The team, which is coed, also features players from Santa Fe Prep, St. Mike’s, and ATC. 

The first game of the season is Fri., Nov. 18, at 7:15 p.m. at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center.

The JV team has already played one game, which was a 7-2 victory over the Albuquerque Bears. The next JV game is on Sat., Nov. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the GCCC, also against the Bears.

The coaches are David Gonzales, Devin Killoy, and Joel Meyers.

Varsity team captain Josh Meyers is most excited about “seeing our roster work together, make smart plays, and have a fun season.” He hopes to “win a state championship.”

Assistant captain Hawk Luciano, a Santa Fe High senior, said, “We have a great group of guys that I’m excited to play with.”  He said he is also excited to “play with some fans and hopefully, we can fill the barn and win a state championship.”