The music coming from the Holy Angels locker room could be felt before it could be heard. 

The thumping bass of a song emanating from speakers inside the room was an indication to anyone in the arena that the Stars were feeling great after their season opener Thursday night.

“(It’s) a victory song,” senior captain Joe Sullivan said. 

A victory song indeed. The music’s volume was high and so was the Stars’ scoring, as junior forward David Hillen had a hat trick and Sullivan finished with two goals and three assists to help Holy Angels rout Providence Academy 9-1 at Richfield Ice Arena.

The music played in the locker room helps extend the team's euphoria after a victory, Hillen said.

“We just try to make (the song) as pumped up as possible,” Hillen said. “And as positive as possible because there’s nothing greater than getting the ‘W’ out on the ice.”

Hillen had good reason to be pumped up, scoring his three goals in succession to give Holy Angels a 6-0 lead midway through the second period. Hillen showed his excitement by jumping into the glass near the team's bench after netting his third goal, which he tapped home on a beautiful pass from a diving Cooper Sande.

Hillen’s scoring output against the Lions nearly matched his four total goals from last season, an improvement he credits to his mental preparation.

“Before games last year, I didn’t take it as seriously as I should have,” Hillen said. “This year being my senior year, I have to give it my all.”

Hillen’s physical skills have developed in step with the mental side of his game, Sullivan said.

“Over the summer, when he was working out with us, he was like a savage (on the ice),” Sullivan added. 

Hillen has continued to improve by taking advantage of playing opportunities, Stars coach Trent Palm said.

“He scored a goal in his first varsity game last year, and he hasn’t looked back since,” Palm said. “Now, he’s a captain for us.”

First Report

Junior forward David Hillen had a hat trick to lead Holy Angels over Providence Academy 9-1 Thursday night at the Richfield Ice Arena. 

Hillen scored his three goals in a 7-minute span during the second period. His third goal came off a beautiful pass from a diving Cooper Sande to make the score 6-0. 

Junior forward Joseph Sullivan scored two goals and added three assists for the Stars (1-0).

Sande and fellow senior defenseman Patrick Gazich each finished a goal and two assists, while senior forwards Rex Riley and Marshall Barnes had a goal apiece.

Freshman defenseman Jacob Wickham scored the lone goal and freshman goaltender Jacob Sibell stopped 41 shots for the Lions (0-1-0).

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