As Jonathan Trosky goes, so does the North Hills hockey team.
Trosky, a junior forward, is off to a blistering goal-scoring pace in the 2024-25 season, racking up 21 goals in the first 13 games of the year.
It’s happened, in large part, because of an expanded commitment to his game and his health.
“I think it’s a mentality thing,” he said. “I go into the games prepared. I’m eating better before the games. The warmups are well set up this year, and everyone is taking it more seriously. My team sets me up to score more. They’re getting me more passes.”
Last season, Trosky was a bright spot in a difficult season for the Indians, scoring 10 goals and adding 11 assists on a team that finished 1-19 in Class 2A before moving down to Class A this year.
“We’re scoring a lot more,” said Trosky, who has added eight assists to his 21 goals. “We’re working more as a team and communicating a lot more. Now that we’re older, there’s more chemistry throughout the lineup.”
His coach, Jeremy Swegman, has been impressed with Trosky’s dedication.
“Jonathan is a great example of what we’re trying to accomplish at North Hills at the individual level,” Swegman said. “He’s a three-year varsity player, and his role and contributions have grown each year because of his maturity and accountability.
“He embraces competition and has a want to win that isn’t taught. He wants to be the guy the team and coaches look to in big moments. He thrives in that responsibility.”
Trosky has upped his gym regimen off the ice and focuses more on healthy eating now — particularly before games.
“Last year, what I ate was just random,” he said. “But now it’s just chicken and broccoli before every game.”
That dedication has helped Trosky become, even as a junior, physically dominant at times and a player his teammates can rely on at all times.
“We hold him to a high standard,” Swegman said. “At times it may seem we’re picking on him, but you can see when he plays he’s stronger than most. Physically and mentally. So we’re pushing him to reach levels of success we know he’s capable of achieving.”
The fourth-leading goal scorer in Class A entering the week of Jan. 12, Trosky has benefited from a pair of monster performances in high-scoring games against Butler this year.
He put up four goals and an assist in the first meeting with the Golden Tornado and followed that with three goals and two assists in the rematch — both North Hills wins.
“My team just needed me most then,” he said. “I was able to excel then and do what I could for my team. I want to be that person who helps the team win, always.”
After last year’s disappointment, North Hills is in prime position to compete when the Penguins Cup playoffs arrive at the end of February. And Trosky will be the biggest reason why.
“I think we can go all the way and win the Penguin Cup,” he said. “We need to work as a team and communicate more and trust each other. … When we do that, we always play better.”