Cotter sophomore Austin King-Henke picked a special time to score his first goal as a varsity hockey player.

On Saturday, February 3, the Winona hockey team hosted Fairmont in the 2nd annual outdoor game at Bud King arena’s outdoor rink.

The team was excited for the chance to host this game and earned a 7-2 victory.

“The whole team was really excited because we only get one outdoor game a season. It was senior day, Aiden Kovala is our only senior this year. It was really fun and the weather was perfect, light flurries, no sun, and no wind. Hopes we’re very high and the excitement was tangible. After the game we took pictures of the teams together.”

Austin, who plays center, gathered a rebound to notch his first goal.

“Kyle Meyer and I were coming into the offensive zone and he took a shot. The shot bounced off of the Fairmont goalie’s right pad and I got a quick shot directly off Kyle’s rebound and over the goalie’s stick.”

The outdoor game also brings a good crowd.

“The atmosphere was really good. Not too cold, not windy, and no hot sun to melt the ice and make it too soft to play on.”

Austin has been involed in hockey almost his whole life

“I have been playing since I was2 years old.”

Austin has learned many sport skills through hockey, and also how to respect, cooperate with teammates as well.

He also likes to watch pro hockey and his favorite team is the Washington Capitals.

This year Austin is the only Cotter student who is on the team. It is definitely a brand new experience to him. He often needs to get rides from teammates to practice, since he can’t drive yet, and carrying the hockey equipment poses his own is a challenge for him now.

“Since almost all the guys in my team grew up with me, I don’t really feel uncomfortable to play with them.”

In spring, Austin would participate in boys tennis team; at summer time, diving is what he likes to do. In addition, Austin is also one of the members of marching band at Cotter.

He is also the eldest of five siblings.

Even as the only Cotter player on his team, his first goal at the outdoor game will remain a special memory from the season.

“It was really hard, but I believe that we all could get through it. It is more fun to play outdoors instead of indoors.”