The Mirror

The student-run newspaper of Northwood School in Lake Placid.

by: Thiago CesarPosted on:

Hockey and Soccer Share More Than Meets the Eye

Northwood Soccer Squad for 2026-27. Photo by Michael Aldridge.

CO-AUTHORS: Thiago Cesar ’27 and Miles Van Mullen ’27

Hockey and soccer are important parts of Northwood School’s athletic program. Although the sports are played in different environments, both require players to communicate, work together and make quick decisions.

Soccer teams play with 11 players on the field, while hockey teams typically have six players on the ice, including the goaltender. Soccer is played on a larger surface, while hockey’s smaller playing area and boards create a more compact game. The equipment also differs: Hockey players wear extensive protective equipment, while soccer players primarily rely on shin guards.

Director of Soccer Mr. José Coss, who has coached the sport for more than 16 years, said one of soccer’s most enjoyable qualities is the teamwork required to succeed.

“I’d say I enjoy the collectiveness of soccer, as it’s a game where 22 players are involved at the same time and you really have to work on creating an environment where everyone is on the same page,” Coss said.

Although Coss has spent most of his career around soccer, his time in Lake Placid has also helped him develop an appreciation for hockey. He said he admires the “intensity and physicality of hockey,” particularly the way players compete throughout a game.

While soccer players create and use space across a larger field, hockey players must make quick decisions in a smaller area.

Prep Hockey Assistant Coach Mr. Casey Boone said the game’s constant action and competitiveness are among its most exciting qualities.

“My favorite aspects of hockey games would be the competitiveness and pace,” Boone said. “It’s a constant battle for space—either closing space for the opposing team or moving to create space for yours.”

According to Boone, the smaller playing surface also means that every player must remain involved in the action.

“What I like about hockey more than soccer is that everyone in the playing area is involved constantly,” Boone said. “The smaller playing area and boards keep the game in play and compact for high intensity and constant action.”

Despite their differences, hockey and soccer both depend on players understanding their roles and working collectively. Whether competing on the ice or the soccer field, Northwood athletes are brought together by teamwork, competition and a shared passion for their sport.

The Northwood Mirror

The student-run newspaper of Northwood School in Lake Placid

Sports

Hockey and Soccer Share More Than Meets the Eye

Northwood coaches compare the teamwork, pace and use of space that define their sports

By Thiago Cesar

Listen Read this article aloud

Northwood Soccer Squad for 2026-27. Photo by Michael Aldridge.

CO-AUTHORS: Thiago Cesar ’27 and Miles Van Mullen ’27

Hockey and soccer are important parts of Northwood School’s athletic program. Although the sports are played in different environments, both require players to communicate, work together and make quick decisions.

Soccer teams play with 11 players on the field, while hockey teams typically have six players on the ice, including the goaltender. Soccer is played on a larger surface, while hockey’s smaller playing area and boards create a more compact game. The equipment also differs: Hockey players wear extensive protective equipment, while soccer players primarily rely on shin guards.

Director of Soccer Mr. José Coss, who has coached the sport for more than 16 years, said one of soccer’s most enjoyable qualities is the teamwork required to succeed.

“I’d say I enjoy the collectiveness of soccer, as it’s a game where 22 players are involved at the same time and you really have to work on creating an environment where everyone is on the same page,” Coss said.

Although Coss has spent most of his career around soccer, his time in Lake Placid has also helped him develop an appreciation for hockey. He said he admires the “intensity and physicality of hockey,” particularly the way players compete throughout a game.

While soccer players create and use space across a larger field, hockey players must make quick decisions in a smaller area.

Prep Hockey Assistant Coach Mr. Casey Boone said the game’s constant action and competitiveness are among its most exciting qualities.

“My favorite aspects of hockey games would be the competitiveness and pace,” Boone said. “It’s a constant battle for space—either closing space for the opposing team or moving to create space for yours.”

According to Boone, the smaller playing surface also means that every player must remain involved in the action.

“What I like about hockey more than soccer is that everyone in the playing area is involved constantly,” Boone said. “The smaller playing area and boards keep the game in play and compact for high intensity and constant action.”

Despite their differences, hockey and soccer both depend on players understanding their roles and working collectively. Whether competing on the ice or the soccer field, Northwood athletes are brought together by teamwork, competition and a shared passion for their sport.