Senior center Mack Dempsey said his teammates senior Nate Buys and junior Jacob Kaercher have been a key reason for the hockey team’s positivity this year.

“Jacob and Nate always stay motivated, which helps the others stay positive and committed,” Dempsey said. “With their strengths, they can change the pace of the game with one play.”

Dempsey believes that is why Kaercher and Buys joined him in being named to the PIHL all-star game. 

This is Dempsey’s second year in a row being an all-star. He is happy to have been chosen to represent Baldwin again.

“It feels great, and I am very glad I was selected,” Dempsey said.

For Kaercher, it is his first time being named an all-star.

“It’s great being named an all-star alongside Nate and Mack,” Kaercher said. “They definitely deserved it, and being named one with them is great.” 

Buys is a first-time all-star as well. He said the honors reflect well on Baldwin.

“It’s awesome to be able to represent my school like that and be rewarded for my hard work,” Buys said.

The players have supported each other throughout the season and recognize one another’s great in-game moments. The Highlanders had a great recent game against Wheeling Park where the all-stars contributed to the win.

Kaercher scored two goals, including the one that sent the game into a shootout. In the shootout, Buys scored the game-winning goal.

“Winning that game showed the whole team that we can come back from being down and how we can’t give up,” Dempsey said.

Buys said his all-star teammates also heavily influenced their victory over Bethel Park.

“Jake locked down on defense, shutting down their best players, and Mack had the game- winning goal and assisted me on a goal,” Buys said.

The all-stars have managed to make a difference when the team has lost, as with their second game against Latrobe.

“Mack had two goals, and Jake played through a broken hand to try to help us win. We ended up falling short, but we still put up a great fight,” Buys said.

The players’ strengths complement each other. 

“I think Jacob’s biggest attribute is his hockey IQ and decision making,” Dempsey said.

Sophomore Austin Klein said Kaercher has provided a sense of authority for the team. He keeps everyone on the same page and in order. 

“He helps a lot by keeping everyone in control,” said Klein. “If anyone’s acting out on the bench, he’s always there.”

Buys, meanwhile, has been a role model to younger players.

“My coaches always push to get the best out of me, and my players look up to me, which makes me want to go even harder for them,” Buys said.

Klein praised Buys for the kindness he showed early in his career.

“He was the captain this year, and he was very welcoming to me. He kind of took me under his wing,” Klein said.

Klein sees Dempsey as a mentor for his impressive work ethic throughout the season. 

“He’s always been someone you can look up to in the way he plays every shift,” Klein said.

The all-star game was supposed to be on Jan. 25, but was cancelled due to the weather. It has yet to be rescheduled.