As the fall sports season is wrapping up, the winter sports season is kicking off. The varsity hockey team has been practicing since June, skating on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and conditioning off the ice on Mondays and Wednesdays. Practices last for about an hour to an hour and a half. The team’s first game was on Thurs., Nov. 16, against Lake Orion.

Junior alternate captain Jack Kotas feels confident in the readiness of the team.

“We aren’t the biggest guys on the ice, but we have the heart and dedication to win,” Kotas said.

Some think the preseason helps the players to bond with one another.

“We get to know each other better before the season actually starts and grow stronger as a team,” senior captain Merrick Witkowski said.

During the preseason, the team scrimmages with other teams, and these games help them prepare for regular season play.

“Even though the games do not count, we learn how our teammates play and what kind of play is effective in beating other teams,” Kotas said.

Witkowski says that sometimes it can be difficult to balance the busy schedule of school and practice. He warns players to have good time management.

“Homework is just something you have to take into account when you have practice,” Witkowski said.

With the season starting on Nov. 29, freshman Sam Kotas is becoming uneasy, but he is still looking forward to playing.

“I am kind of nervous,” Sam Kotas said. “There’s a lot of pressure, but I think it will be fun.”

On the team this year are brothers, Sam and Jack Kotas. Sam said that it is great having his brother on the team.

“In the locker room and on the ice, we have more time to connect with each other,” he said.

However, Sam Kotas feels there is brotherly competition when the two play together.

“We always try to one-up the other when we play,” he said.

Witkowski says this hockey season should be a good one to come out and support the team. Although the team is looking forward to the upcoming season, they will face difficulties in the wake of losing some skilled seniors from last year’s team. Witkowski remains optimistic about the season.

“We have a bigger team than last year so we aren’t going to be as physical, but this year I feel we are harder working, and that will help us win,” Witkowski said.