By Logan Thomas – Sports Editor

Sophomore Nathan Krauss is a member of the Milford Mariners hockey team. Advocate Sports Editor Logan Thomas interviewed Krauss about the hockey season.

Logan Thomas: How has the season been going so far for you and the team?

Nathan Krauss: The season has been going great so far for the team and me. There are places for improvement that we need to work on. Since the start of the season, we use each other during practices to get better every day and prepare for the next game.

LT: What has been the most challenging part of playing at the varsity level this year?

NK: The most challenging part of playing at the varsity level this year is consistency. To be successful on the ice, you need to bring the same energy and work ethic to every shift and keep the pressure on the other team. Being consistent is hard because you don’t know what’s going to happen on your next shift, but no matter what, you need to hustle throughout every shift.

LT: Can you describe a game or moment that really stood out to you this season?

NK: A game or moment that stood out to me would be the first intermission of our last game. We came into the game thinking we already won, and they jumped on us, scoring two in the first period. In the locker room we came together as a team and decided that for the next two periods, we were going to work hard as a team. It stuck out to me because it really showed that we weren’t playing for our parents or coaches but ourselves, and we needed to win for each other.

LT: How do you prepare for games, both physically and mentally?

NK: I prepare myself before games, both physically and mentally, by stretching and being in the locker room. We stretch as a unit before games to prepare our bodies for the game ahead and to start connecting with the team. An hour before game time, I put away my phone and stay in the locker room to lock in with the music and be with my teammates before the game.

LT: What role do you feel you play on the team, and how have you contributed to the team’s success?

NK: I see my role on the team as someone reliable and supportive. I make sure my responsibilities on and off the ice are done to the best of my abilities, and I am willing to help others when needed. I have contributed to the team’s success by being consistent on the ice. When we are all consistent, we are unstoppable because of all the pressure we put on the other team. I see my success in being consistent as the most important for everyone because even if one person lets up for one shift, we lose our momentum.