Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Theron Peterson, Havre Ice Hawks

There are a lot of things that have been different about sports during the coronavirus pandemic. But the more things change, the more they also stay the same.

And for Havre High junior Theron Peterson, a veteran member of the Havre Ice Hawks high school hockey team, while this season has been challenging, it has still been about hockey. The sport, which is one of four he plays, hasn't really changed, even if the world around hockey has.

"There have been many differences, we haven't been able to get together as a team to watch film, and we haven't had much time before games to get good warmups and talk as a team before the games," Peterson, a junior defensemen for the Ice Hawks, said.

Still, as challenging as some things might be this season, Peterson and his teammates are doing what they love, and they've been doing it pretty well at times, as the Ice Hawks are gearing up for the upcoming Montana High School Big Sky State Tournament.

Havre has four games left in the regular season, including two at home, before state, and Peterson, who, not only shines on defense but has scored a pair of goals this winter, says his team has really come together.

"I think the season has gone pretty well," he said. "For me, I feel I have been playing a lot better, and as a team I think we have formed a strong connection on the ice."

Of course, getting better is something Peterson does every single day because, he literally never stops playing sports.

This past fall, he was a varsity standout and Class A state qualifier on the Havre High golf team, before taking to the ice for another season of hockey. Peterson is also a budding second baseman for the Havre Northstars American Legion baseball club, and his fourth sport, is also the one that comes next, Blue Pony tennis - a sport that was wiped out by the pandemic last spring, and one he very much is looking forward to.

"I would love to (finally) have a full season and not have COVID mess it up," he said "And hopefully qualify for state."

That's his hopes for the tennis season, which starts next month. But first things first, Peterson and the Ice Hawks are focused on finishing this winter strong. They've had a good run as of late, and they'll head to Miles City for two more games this weekend, before wrapping up the regular season against Helena next weekend in the Havre Ice Dome.

So the Havre Daily News caught up with Peterson, who will essentially earn a letter in four varsity sports in 2020-21, all while excelling in the classroom, too, for five more questions.

HDN: You're a defenseman, what do you like most about that position?

Peterson: "I think I like being the last line of defense to make it easier on our goalie, and working harder to keep shots off our net and running a solid breakout from our defensive zone."

HDN: "Your sister was a very good goalie for the Ice Hawks. Did you learn some things from her growing up or did you develop your own game?

Peterson: "I think she has definitely taught me some stuff about the game, but I have developed a lot on my own from her not being able to teach some stuff from differences from goalie to being a player."

HDN: You also play golf and tennis and baseball, which are all very hand-eye coordination sports. Do those sports help you with puck handling, and does hockey help you with those sports as well?

Peterson: "Yeah I think they do help quite a bit with hand eye coordination, but I think these-sports all connect and benefit me throughout all of my sports."

HDN: How much do you enjoy being a four-sport athlete and why?

Peterson: "I enjoy it a lot. It keeps me busy, gives me a chance to always be with friends, and it keeps me active throughout the year."

HDN: What are the Ice Hawk's goals for the remainder of this season?

Peterson: "I think our main goal is to have a good run in state and hopefully win us a championship."