The Urbana High School ice hockey team has been busy with practice all season. On a cold night, they delivered a performance that has solidified their remarkable 2025–26 campaign. In one of those games that will be forever ingrained into the memory of every player and fan of the Hawks. Urbana defeated their rival, the Oakdale Bears, a win that highlights their strong season and sends a clear message to the rest of the league.
This season, the Hawks are a disciplined powerhouse, playing at a high level and leaving dominant wins in their wake. Success was not built on one superstar, but on a cohesive unit firing on all cylinders. Veterans like RJ Radtke at defense and Jenevie Veillette at forward provided leadership by example and clutch scoring. The consistent play of the team’s defensive corps and dependable goaltending has stifled opposing offenses, resulting in one of the best goals-against records in the Monocacy Valley. The team has placed an emphasis on fundamental hockey in clean breakouts, quality zone entries, and staying out of the penalty box—a formula that has paid huge dividends.
That game against Oakdale is always an extra-intense battle, often referred to as “The Battle of Ijamsville.” The games are intense—both physically and emotionally—in the rink. Going into this pivotal matchup, the Hawks had reflected on prior meetings, particularly their closely contested, sometimes frustrating affairs from past seasons.
The rivalry game once again showed proof of the growth and determination of the Urbana squad. It was electric in the stands, as both fan bases filled the arena. From the opening faceoff, the Hawks came out with a focused intensity that set the tone. It was more than their preparation through practice drills; it was a mental resolve to win.
This was the difference, according to one player after the game: “We wanted it more, and capitalized on most of our chances.” That desire translated directly into execution. Unlike earlier meetings this season, when those close chances may have been lost, Urbana’s forwards were efficient. They controlled the neutral zone, forcing turnovers and launching quick, decisive counterattacks. Players knew their roles, and each played with a heightened sense of urgency.
The victory over Oakdale was more than a single victory; instead, it was symbolic. It was the concrete reward of a season defined by hard work and a team committed to the team as a whole. This triumph has injected the Hawks with immense confidence as the Monocacy Cup and the state playoffs come closer. With their dominant regular season drawing toward its close and a major hurdle now cleared against their bitter rival, the Urbana Hawks are not only on a roll but also playing like champions in the making.
