After a somewhat disappointing 2017-18 campaign that finished with an 8-16 record, the Baraboo/Portage boys hockey team is eager to improve its game.

Head coach Andy Waldvogel believes the Thunderbirds will be able to do just that this winter, as they return a large number of experienced upperclassmen, a group that features seven seniors and six juniors.

“We have a good core coming back,” Waldvogel said. “And their heads are in the right place. Their attitudes are where they need to be, so I’m excited. It was a fun first week at the rink.”

While Baraboo/Portage returns the majority of last year’s squad, six players were lost to graduation. This includes second-team All-Badger North Conference pick Jack Macdonald, who was second on the team in scoring with 12 goals and 16 assists last season. The T-Birds also lost two strong defensemen in Gabe D’Asto (10 points) and Evan Goethel (5 points). Despite losing a few key players, Waldvogel is confident in the experience his older players possess.

Slideshow photo by Brock Fritz