The Notre Dame boys’ hockey team will hold its home opener against Stevens Point on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The Tritons have won back-to-back state championships and have continued that success early this season. The Tritons are currently 3-0 after a win over Manitowoc and a tournament win in Eau Claire over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Stevens Point also comes into this contest with a record of 3-0 with wins over Bay Port, Ashwaubenon and East-Merrill.
“We have all the capabilities to come out on top,” goaltender Anton Widas explained. “We have the speed and work ethic that will give us the win.”
The team looks different this year after losing a talented group of players.
“I think our team did lose a lot of very good players and important pieces to the hockey team. For us as a team right now it’s about building habits and growing as a group. We have a lot of new faces. In order for us to prove who we are, we have to play the right way, build habits now and grind some games out for sure more than last year,” said Andrew Ostermann.
The team has gained some talented young players and is looking to be right back where they were last season and the one before, in the state tournament.
Owen Atkinson explained, “I feel we are a more skilled and complete team. Our team is extremely faster than other teams and overall, our team is more united together than last year. We are going to prove we are a top team one game at a time.”
Drew Heil added, “By playing the state’s most challenging schedule, we look to gain our identity as a team.”
In last year’s game against Stevens Point, the game went to overtime, and the final score remained tied, 2-2.
“Last year, we came in pretty flat-footed after a tough loss to Gentry Academy. This year, we would like to start faster with more urgency,” said Ostermann.
The team is ready to return to their home rink at Cornerstone and play in front of the home crowd.
Atkinson said, “With Academy Awards being on the same night, we would love to see some fans be at the game. Pack the Barn.”
