BRAKE OUT: Hun School boys’ hockey player Patrick Brake heads up the ice in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, senior forward and assistant captain Brake contributed a goal and two assists as top-seeded Hun defeated eighth-seeded Paul VI in the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals. The two-time defending county champion Raiders, now 13-7-2, are slated to face fourth-seeded Robbinsville in the semis on February 16 with the winner advancing to the title game on February 19 against victor of the semi between second-seeded Notre Dame and sixth-seeded Princeton High. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

While many of the top players for the Hun School boys’ hockey team were rested as the Raiders played overmatched Paul VI in the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals last Wednesday, Patrick Brake wasn’t about to take the night off.

“I was told two weeks ago that I had mono and that I was out for the season, but I got over it in six days,” said senior forward and assistant captain Brake.

“I feel fine now, I really lucked out. I only missed one game. I am just really happy to be here, this feels like borrowed time almost.”

Brake was all over the ice at the Mercer County Park rink, tallying a goal and two assists as top-seeded and two-time defending county champion Hun cruised to an 8-0 win over Paul VI.

“It was a fun game,” said Brake, whose younger brother, junior back-up goalie Thomas, got the start between the pipes and made 15 saves in earning the shutout.

“It was tough missing some of the big kids on our team but it is nice to play.”

Getting a nice feed from sophomore Kyle DePalma, Brake notched a goal early in the second period.

“It was a really good play by DePalma; I just had to finish it,” said Brake. “He played really really well.”

Hun is looking to finish the deal as it goes for its third straight county crown. The Raiders are slated to face fourth-seeded Robbinsville in the semis on February 16 with the winner advancing to the title game on February 19 against victor of the semi between second-seeded Notre Dame and sixth-seeded Princeton High.

“That is what we are looking forward to,” said Brake, referring to Hun’s bid for another country crown.

“Today was just taking care of business and to just keep building up towards the championship.”

While Hun has struggled at times this winter, Brake believes the Raiders can end things on a high note.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs, we have been searching for consistency all year,” said Brake.

“We have had some great games and some bad games. We are trying to win out and boost up our record a little bit.”

Looking to make the most out of his senior year, Brake has boosted his game.

“I have worked on my strength and speed, my vision has gotten a lot better,” said Brake.

“I am a better passer now. I used to shoot the puck a lot. I used to have more goals than assists. It is just experience too.”

The experience of playing on the same line at times with junior star Blake Brown has helped Brake’s stats.

“When I play with Blake Brown, it really helps my game,” added Brake. “I think 13 of my assists were to him. He has definitely helped me out a lot.”

Reflecting on his Hun career, Brake has definitely enjoyed emerging as a leader for the program.

“It has been a great four years, I love playing for this team,” said Brake. “It is an honor to be a captain; I just try to motivate the guys and work hard.”