MONROE — The Monroe co-op hockey team graduated four seniors last season, including offensive spark Blaze Janecke. This year a new senior class will take over, looking to improve the Cheesemakers’ 3-22 overall record.

This ‘good group of guys,’ head coach Barry Einbeck said, is comprised of Seth Brandt (Monroe), Cash Anderson (Monroe), Nolan Bodenstein (New Glarus), Nate Ratke (Dakota, IL) and Easton Dreyfus (New Glarus). 

Brandt was third on the team in points last season behind seniors Janecke and Josh Haight. He scored six goals with nine assists. Bodenstein and Anderson each collected seven points, while Ratke tallied six points — all from goals. 

There are a number of underclassmen and newcomers making their way up to Varsity, which excites Einbeck.

“I think we have a good group of young guys coming up,” Einbeck said. “I can’t wait to see how they fit in and how they will adjust to high school hockey.”

Because the squad has various levels of experience, Einbeck expects his players to be flexible in their roles and work hard at it.

“My expectations are to come to the rink with a smile on your face and be ready to compete every day,” Einbeck said. “I want the guys to be good teammates and to embrace whatever role we ask them to do.”

One area Einbeck looks to improve upon this season is backchecking and the team’s 200-foot game.

“We need to play in our defensive zone, neutral zone and offensive zone,” Einbeck said. “We need to be willing to backcheck every night — to transition from offense to defense. Our forwards should be able to come back and help in the defensive zone.”

Last year, Monroe was 0-10 in conference. Edgewood, on the other hand, was 10-0, and Einbeck anticipates the Crusaders will remain at the top again this year “because they are every year. They have good coaches and players, and they compete every night.”