While the future is bright for the Notre Dame hockey team, they will definitely miss their three varsity players who will graduate this spring–Xander Roberts, Max McNeil and, especially, Brendan Poshak.

Over the last four years, Poshak has been a huge part of Triton hockey, being named captain for his senior season. After the loss in the state semifinal against Hudson, his career at Notre Dame has come to an end. 

Poshak, who committed to D-I Northern Michigan going into his sophomore year, compiled 151 points (74 goals, and 77 assists) over the course of his four years playing high school hockey.

“I created so many friendships that will last a lifetime and more than just friends and big family,” Poshak said. “Coach McCracken made the biggest impact on my hockey career, and I will never forget that.”

Poshak also recalled playing with his brother, Bryce, during his freshman year as his favorite memory as a Triton.

“I would not be where I am as a person or as a hockey player without him,” Poshak said. ”It was awesome to show our chemistry together on the ice and celebrate a win after a game with him. He means a lot to me, and he taught me a lot about hard work and dedication.

The opportunity to play Division I hockey does not come very often for high school hockey players, but for Poshak, it was no question from the beginning of his career as a Triton that he would go play at the next level. 

“I have been looking forward to (playing hockey at Northern Michigan) for a long time and I cannot wait,” Poshak said. “I was born in Marquette, and both of my parents went there. It’s going to mean a lot when I put the NMU jersey on for me and my family.”

Before this season, Poshak was a part of the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers roster, being one of three 2019-20 Tritons in the league, alongside Jacob Conrad (Sioux Falls) and Sawyer Scholl (Green Bay). Eventually, he returned to the Notre Dame program to play his senior season.

“My time in the USHL was a very fun experience and I learned a lot about myself as a person and as a hockey player,” Poshak said. “The USHL is a very hard league to play in, and I realized when I was there how dedicated you need to be and determined to be great.”

Poshak, along with McNeil and Roberts, earned all-conference honors. He also received conference player of the year honors, sharing the award with Ashwaubenon’s Kole Altergott.