By Dani Kotansky & Cora Aitkenhead – Staff Reporters 

The Milford Mariners hockey team – with a combination of players from Law, Foran, and Platt Tech – is kicking off its season on December 18 against Branford at the Northford Ice Pavilion. 

This year’s captains are seniors Sean Luxeder (Law), Nolan Fortier (Foran), Daniel Lavallee (Foran), and Connor Benz (Foran). Luxeder plans to guide underclassmen as a captain this season. 

“This season, my primary goal is to enhance my leadership abilities,” Luxeder said. “As a captain and senior, I aim to set an example for the underclassmen, helping them grow into stronger hockey players, supportive teammates, and future leaders.”

Joey Kerzner, a junior at Foran, has high expectations for the Mariners as a returning player this season. Milford finished last season with a record of 4-15-1 and is looking to make the playoffs this season. 

“Some goals for the season I look forward to is putting pucks in the back of the net and winning games as a team,” Kerzner said, “We have high standards for our team this year and we are confident that we can be a playoff level team.”

Freshman Blaise Strate (Platt Tech) is looking forward to hitting the ice with his new team. 

“Something that I am looking forward to this season is playing with my new teammates and getting to know them, along with the experience of high school hockey,” Strate said. “A skill I would like to develop more is my speed along with my shot and deceptiveness.”

The Mariners’ first home game will be played on December 21 against Fairfield Co-op at the Milford Ice Pavilion. To see the rest of the Mariners’ schedule, fans can go to @milford_puck on Instagram. 

Fortier plans to lead by example his final year and put the team first. 

“Things that make up a good team are players who are there for each other on and off the ice,” Fortier said. ”I believe a good player puts his teammates first and gives 100% effort no matter what the situation is, and the team this year has a lot of these types of players and I look forward to seeing what we can do this year.”

Junior and goalie Aiden Riker (Law) is ready to begin the season with a few personal goals. 

“One thing I’m trying to improve on and develop is my post plays and following the puck behind the net,” Riker said.