They had the best equipment.

What other reason did a young Jaden Hoople need to factor in when choosing to be a goalie for his hockey team.

“I would just sit down in my basement and throw tennis balls against the walls and pretend that I had all the new gear on,” Hoople said of his early preparation for playing goalie.

While the reason behind the Chi-Hi boys hockey team’s goalie’s decision made as a kid may have lacked a ton of thought, it’s clear Hoople made the right choice.

Hoople assumed the reins of goalie for the Cardinals his freshman year in the 2015-16 season and has been a constant in the net while nearing or setting programs records for Chi-Hi goaltenders.

“I think it started his freshman year when he took over and he really when he’s in the nets he’s confident,” Chi-Hi coach Scott Parker said. “In hockey, the term goaltender it really commands a lot of respect and he has earned that respect and he’s played the position to the best of his ability day in and day out. You don’t see him take a day off.”

Slideshow photo by Travis Nyhus