By Zack Sulkis – Social Media Editor-In-Chief

Hunter Griffin and Samuel Strate are two of the three hockey captains on the Milford Mariners, the Milford boys hockey co-op high school team. Advocate Social Media Editor-In-Chief Zack Sulkis interviewed both of them about this season.

Zack Sulkis: What are you most looking forward to this season?

Hunter Griffin: What I am looking forward to this season is to have a much better season then last year and win more games.

Samuel Strate: I’m looking forward to rebuilding the culture, rekindling Milford’s love for hockey, and, most importantly, winning.

ZS: What are you looking to improve upon from last season?

HG: I feel like this season will definitely be better because the team has a lot more depth with the new players that have joined us this year.

SS: It’s no secret that the last couple seasons have not gone the way we planned. Not only was it reflected by the scoreboard, but the overall bond of the team. With the new coaching staff and team leadership, I believe we’re going to be able to take large steps to creating better chemistry and on ice success.

ZS: What do you feel the team does best?

HG: I feel that even though we are a co-op team between three different Milford high schools, we are still able to bond really well with each other. 

SS: Our team has some really fast, proficient, skaters. There’s a bunch of guys who can really rip the puck too.

ZS: What are your duties as captains?

HG: My duties as a captain include bringing the team up when they’re down after something goes wrong, making sure all the kids on the team feel included and happy, getting everybody ready for games and bringing up the energy, and helping every kid on the team be a better person and player.

SS: As captain, my main responsibility is not only to lead our team to a successful season, but create a welcoming environment for our players and to promote team chemistry. I ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and mitigate any potential conflict or issues. I also act as a land line between the coaches/officials and the players on my team. As long as I am able to uphold this standard, I am happy with my role as a captain.