For some athletes, superstitions may seem insignificant. For Carson “Louie” St. Louis ’27, a second-year senior at Northwood, following his pregame routine helps him remain calm and focused.

St. Louis was a major contributor to the Northwood Varsity hockey team last season, recording 34 points.

His routine begins as soon as he arrives at the rink. St. Louis first visits the vending machine to purchase a white Monster Energy drink, his signature pregame beverage. He then goes directly to the bench, where he tapes his stick while overlooking the ice.

After taping his stick, St. Louis goes upstairs to warm up with the team. He plays a warmup game called “Sewer” with his teammates before participating in the team’s dynamic warmup. Sewer is a soccer game where players stand in a circle and try to keep the ball in the air using their feet, knees, chest, or head without letting it hit the ground.

St. Louis then gets dressed in the same order before every game. On his way to the ice, he makes sure to fist-bump teammate Treyton Noyce ’28.

Once on the ice, St. Louis goes directly to the blue line and stretches with Jackson Marchione ’27.

After completing the routine, St. Louis feels prepared for the game. Any disruption can affect his concentration.

“It rattles me and throws me off my game,” St. Louis said.