By Shane Cepalia – Staff Reporter

The winter sports regular season is wrapping up this week and it’s been a solid season thus far for the Milford Mariners hockey team.

As of March 15, the Mariners are 5-4. Their leading scorer has been Law senior Kyle Kosh.

The Mariners take students from Law, Foran, and Platt Tech, and combine them all into one team that plays for the whole city.

“So far the season has gone as expected,” head coach Ken Mitchell said. “While we are young, we are not short on effort. Once players start to figure out their roles, we could be dangerous. We need to keep improving and learn from our mistakes every day is what my staff and I preach. Mistakes come with a young squad, it’s how you react to them that dictates our success.”

Of course, with everything else, COVID-19 has affected the Mariners ability to practice and play as well.

“COVID-19 has changed practice and games greatly,” Kosh said. “We are usually able to use our own locker room at the Milford Ice Arena for practices and for home games. However, we are no longer using our locker room and must get ready at home or in the parking lot for practices. COVID-19 forms are also filled out and handed in to the coach in order for each player to participate in practice.” 

COVID has also had an impact on the Mariners’ overall schedule. Players have worn masks during games all season.

“Aside from the changes to the look of practices, our game schedule has been reduced from 20 games to 10 games,” Kosh said. “There is an SCC tournament, but no state tournament. We must wear masks while competing in games and at every practice. During games, mask breaks will be provided.”

Kosh said he and his teammates hope to end the season with winning record and to have a shot at the Southern Connecticut Conference Tournament.