ONALASKA — Like every hockey player who makes the jump from high school to juniors, Coulee Region Chill forward Eddie Matsushima felt a bit daunted early last season.

Matsushima was immersed in a game that was “completely different” from the one he’d felt so comfortable with as a senior at Verona (Wis.) High School.

“It was a big wake-up call,” Matsushima said.

Matsushima’s answer was to put his head down and go to work.

Chill coach A.J. Degenhardt said players were required to put in two weightlifting sessions per week during the season. Matsushima did four. He also sat down with Degenhardt once a week for one-on-one film study.