Dominion and Potomac Falls have always been known as the two biggest rivals this side of Route 7, but now, the two teams have joined under one ice hockey team now appropriately being nicknamed, “DomFalls Hockey.”

The Dominion and Potomac Falls Hockey teams are an unlikely matchup, given their rivalry and history, but manager Chris McHale feels otherwise, “since DHS had to match up with another school, I thought PFHS was a natural fit because of how close the two schools are. Many of the players knew each other prior, so it made the transition much easier,” McHale said.

Potomac Falls senior and captain, Brendan Connelly, agrees, “The rivalry you’ve seen all over Twitter and at sporting events is nonexistent in the locker room. Many of us grew up playing together, so we don’t see each other as Titans or as Panthers. We just see each other as teammates who always work together even when our student section may be divided,” Connelly said.

At first, Dominion and Potomac Falls players had to get to know each other in order to play well together, and players found the transition to be somewhat difficult at first. “We’ve bonded pretty well. It was hard at first but then we got to know each other,” Ashton Rogers, captain, said.

Unlike other sports who practice almost every day, Dominion and Potomac Falls are given limited ice time, and were only able to practice five times together as a team before the start of the first game. “With such a limited number of practices and jumping right into the season, there isn’t much opportunity to teach the players,” McHale said.

Despite the limited practice schedule, the players adjusted famously, and the first game was the first win of the historic rivalry matchup, with the Titans and Panthers prevailing over the PVI Panthers 5-3. Connor Vasofsky, fourth in the league in scoring, contributed to the win with his hat-trick, as well as an additional goal from both Ashton Rogers and Julian Bishop.

Former Dominion Hockey Head Coach and now Assistant Coach, Vance Raeside felt the game went well, and was a good start to the season. “We’re off to a good start and there’s mutual respect from both sides being given, so I’m hopeful that continues and we just put any stereotypes aside and focus on being a team and playing hockey,” Raeside said.

Yet, the Titans and Panthers were not able to secure a second win, as the team fell to Tuscarora in their second game of the season.
However, Connelly is optimistic about what is to come for the team. “I expect us to have a fantastic season. Although 1-1 isn’t the best start, we’re hoping that losing won’t become a habit. We all know we need to turn it around very soon,” Connelly said.

The Titans and Panthers are looking forward to a great rest of the season. Most of the games are played at the local Ashburn Ice House, and Raeside encourages fans from both Dominion and Potomac Falls to come out and support the team. “We have the ability to play a finesse game as shown in the PVI game as mentioned, and a physical game with Austin Heiden and Bryce Rogers from DHS dealing out the hits along with Tyler Cowden and John Gallagher from PFHS. Either way, you won’t be disappointed,” Raeside said.

Dominion and Potomac Falls Hockey has three games left in the season, so make sure to come out and support.

Dominion VS. Lake Braddock: Sun Feb 02, 2014 @ 8:10pm, Ashburn Ice House

Dominion VS. Yorktown: Fri Feb 07, 2014 @ 5:30pm, Kettler Iceplex

Dominion VS. Bishop O’Connell/ TC Williams: Sun Feb 09, 2014 @ 8:10pm, Ashburn Ice House