After reaching the state championship game three out of the last four years, expectations are again sky-high for the Stevens Point Area Senior High hockey team.
The Panthers, who have 12 returning letterwinners from last year's state runner-up squad, are No. 1 in the High School Hockey Report's preseason rankings. But Coach Jack Stoskopf, who is retiring from the SPASH post after this season, apparently doesn't care what other people think about his team.
"Although we are the preseason first ranked team, we don't get all caught up in that," Stoskopf said. "It's fun for the fans and gives people things to talk about.
"Our focus is on getting better, becoming a good team, and having a bunch of fun. Combine that with some discipline and high expectations in practice and you should come up with a pretty competitive team. That is what I think we'll have."
The Panthers will kick off their season Tuesday, Nov. 30, against Wisconsin Rapids at the K.B. Willett Arena, a 7 p.m.
SPASH's first line may be one of the best in the state. Senior Noah Johnson (13 goals, 12 assists in 1998-99) is the center, and team captains Justin Danielski (12 goals, 15 assists) and Adam Kostichka (13 goals, 15 assists) will play the forward spots.
"This line should be one of the best in the Valley Conference and one of the best in the state for that matter," Stoskopf said.
Stoskopf calls the Panthers' next line, the gold line, "outstanding." The team's top returning scorer, senior Eric Anderson (17 goals, 16 assists), and Jake Swensen (4 goals, 9 assists) will man the forward spots with junior Marty Schultz (10 goals, 5 assists) at center.
The green line will consist of junior forwards Zach Irons (4 goals, 5 assists) and Josh Kujawa (2 assists), and freshman center Joe Pavelski; and the blue line is comprised of sophomore center Ben Roth with senior Jesse Miech and junior Jake Pazdernik at forwards.
SPASH has three of its top defensemen from last season back for another run - senior Josh Pagel, junior Joe Richter and sophomore Mark Lutz. Senior Derrick Schultz, junior Aaron Erzinger and freshman Nolan Wessell are the team's three new defensemen.
"Our three returning defensemen are three of the best around," Stoskopf said.
Sophomore Shaun Kruzitski returns in the net for SPASH after winning 15 games in goal last year as a freshman. He allowed 32 goals for a 1.66 goals against average, had three shutouts and made 255 saves (89 percent). Sophomore Eric Everson will be the backup.
"Many of the returning players have matured greatly since last season. We have filled in with some big, strong, hardworking new players who all fit in and help us to have another great season," Stoskopf said.
SPASH's returnees do have some shoes to fill both offensively and defensively. The team's top two scorers, David Lee (29 goals, 16 assists) and Brian Oswall (14 goals, 24 assists), are gone from last year's 20-6-0 team. Defensemen Matt Swarthout, Eli Kedrowski and Brian Martzahl will have to be replaced, too.
In the Wisconsin Valley Conference, the Panthers and Wausau West will likely duel for the top spot. The Warriors are ranked No.2 in the state by the High School Hockey Report. Wisconsin Rapids is ranked No. 8 while Antigo and Marshfield are listed as teams to watch.
One thing that gives SPASH an advantage both in the conference race and in the playoffs is the team's experience in big games.
"We have a solid group of experienced players who had the opportunity to experience state championship competition. I think this experience can be very helpful as few people get that opportunity. When you have 12 guys who played in the big one, some of them more than once, it can only be a good thing," Stoskopf said.
"Currently, we have a good team. But like I tell the kids, it's not what you are that matters, it's what you become," he said. "We have the potential to truly become one of the top teams at year's end."