The Milford High School hockey team is hoping to build off last year’s season where the team did not have many seniors and won 6 games. Despite some tough losses, the team just kept going at it, and their skills made quite entertaining games for the audience. The team hopes to build off last year’s finish when the games begin in November.
Right Alex Kozar has played for Milford since 2021. He led the team with 34 goals in only 23 games last year and hopes to build off his success during his senior year. He answered a series of questions about his time with the team.
“What is the best thing your team has accomplished?”
“We won two hockey games in a row and we were not favored to win and still pulled out the ‘W.’”
What are the most goals you lost against the other team?” “5!”
What are the best workouts to prepare for hockey?
“Some of my favorite exercises to get me prepared for games are either a good bike ride and light weight training to get blood flow pumping.”
What strategy do you use to score more goals? “My strategy to make more goals on my team is communicating and teamwork.”
Milford usually starts hockey workouts in August and their first major game is usually a scrimmage.
In 2023, one of their biggest victories came against Waterford Kettering, which they won 2-1. The team plays at Bounce Ice Arena in Hartland. Craig Borges was the team’s second leading scorer and had 17 assists. He enjoys being with his teammates.
“My favorite part of the sport is that I get to spend time with everybody on the team.”
It is common for the Milford team to play against South Lyon Unified, Walled Lake United, Walled Lake Western, Pinckney, Lakeland, Lakes Area, and Fenton/Linden.
Goalie Jesse Lee had an astounding 509 saves last year, playing all 23 games. He said he enjoys playing Lakeland the most.
Each year, the team has taken a trip to Sault Ste Marie. There is usually a camera recorder putting out a livestream of Milford playing game. They use a light-up scoreboard, and they play songs at the beginning of each round. People can fill up the stadium at a game, and usually there is a crowd of parents and fans cheering the Mavs on. The team consists of six players on the ice at a time: 3 forwards, 2 defenseman and a goalie.
Sometimes, depending on whether it’s a game or a practice, the parking lots can be nearly packed or completely filled up. It’s definitely a special place to have conversations and see people.
All grades, including 9-12, can play for the high school hockey team. Usually the games are 1.5–2 hours, and the practice is normally between 45 minutes and an hour.
There are penalty boxes for the team if they get a penalty or they break any rules. Milford is hoping to have about 15 players this year.
Altogether, Milford High has an amazing hockey team, and it is great/fun and a bonding experience for people.