Having the freedom to choose your season schedule is something that comes with being an independent team in Wisconsin high school girls hockey. As for the Onalaska co-op, that means a season filled with state-ranked teams and overall tough competition.

It can mean some peaks and valleys during the regular season, but a battle-tested squad when the tournament rolls around.

The Hilltoppers (6-7-1) have been taking on state-ranked teams since they hit the ice in the beginning of the season and as February tournament-time inches closer, Onalaska continues its stretch of strong opponents.

“The teams we are playing against (in the next few weeks) are not an easy portion of the schedule,” Onalaska coach Mark Thorn said. “We aren’t focused on wins and losses, we’re focused on making ourselves better and focusing on the four or five games in the playoffs.”