By Ian Hugo – Sports Editor

Senior hockey captain Brandon Argyros is looking forward to the season ahead and to the challenges it will bring.

Argyros, who has been on varsity since his freshman year, believes that the preparation the team put in during the off season will pay off once their season starts on December 23.

“Yes, I believe we will have a very successful season and make states, due to working hard in practices and playing a painfully tough scrimmage schedule to prepare us for the season,” Argyros said. “Also, we have  talented offense and defense to go with strong work ethic.”

The team worked hard in the offseason to get ready for the season and to make sure they’re prepared for their key matchups against schools such as North Branford, who they play first and who is expected to win the division, North Haven, and West Haven.

“In [the] offseason we worked a lot on conditioning, with running laps before practice and during practice we work on game situations and more conditioning,” Argyros said. “We focus very much on strong defensive play because a good team starts with good defense.”

Argyros and the rest of the squad, comprised of students from Jonathan Law, Joseph A. Foran, and Platt Technical High School, are focused on their goals as a team rather than as individuals.

“As a team our goal is to get eight wins and make states,” Argyros said.

The Indians, who went 10-9-1 in the regular season last year, losing in the first round of states, and who two years ago lost to Amity in the semifinals of the state tournament, are looking to go deep into the tournament this year, according to Argyros.

“We hope to make a deep run into states, based off our sound defense and string offense,” he said.

This hope is looking likely to be fulfilled, with many key players such as Argyros, Tommy Sampson, Jake Comeau, and Nash Ericson from Law, Andrew Gobany from Platt, and Luke Gibbs from Foran.

“They are very talented,” Argyros said. “Gobany is extremely fast, Luke Gibbs is a hard worker, Jake has a hard shot, and Nash holds the blue line down.”

Argyros, the lone captain, is supported by his four assistant captains Gobany, Ericson, Gibbs, and Doug McLenithan (Foran). According to Argyros, head coach Mr. Follo wanted representation from all schools on the team.

“It was fairly easy [in preseason being the only captain] because everyone on the team gives 100% and leaves nothing behind,” Argyros said. “Everyone is there for each other and supporting others to do their best.”

Although Argyros dealt with the responsibilities of the captaincy quite well before his assistants were picked, he says he is glad that he has them by his side.

“I am happy to have assistant captains [because] they all work hard and it’s well deserved,” Argyros said. “Together we create a strong nucleus to set the tone for games.”

The Indians get their season underway December 23 at North Branford at 3:45.

“The boys and I are vibing,” said Argyros. “We’re all really ecstatic”