Making the playoffs has become an established state of affairs for Steamboat Springs High School hockey. 

The team has earned a first-round playoff bye in each of the last three seasons and ranked as high as the 4A No. 2 seed the last two seasons in a row. 

Head coach Brian Ripley knows the team sets a high bar for itself each season but believes that bar can be eclipsed by taking a different approach to measuring its success. 

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“We are really focused on our process and what we are doing as a team,” Ripley explained. “We are focusing on ourselves and making sure we are defensively minded first, we are quick in transition and attacking with support of our teammates on the offensive end. If we do that, the rest takes care of itself.” 

Similar to the last few seasons, the Sailors are senior-heavy this year. Ripley described the group of nine varsity seniors as a solid core of veteran players with “good maturity” and “good leadership qualities.” 

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Steering that ship this season is senior defenseman Angus Frithsen, who was named team captain. 

“Angus brings so much character, integrity, humility and passion for the game,” Ripley said. “He has a kindness and a way about him that is a steadying presence throughout our locker room. He is super-skilled and is a huge asset on the ice. He is a great leader for us.” 

Joining Frithsen as assistant captains are seniors Heck Stephenson and Finn Baier.

Stephenson earned 1st Team All-State honors in his junior season and was “an absolute force” for the Sailors last year, according to Ripley. Baier was an easy selection for assistant captain due to his grit and the energy he brings on the ice. Ripley said he “sets the tone” for all other players. 

Traditionally, the Sailors like to “front stack” the season schedule with tough 5A opponents to test itself against stiff competition from the start. While Ripley’s philosophy on the advantages of that has not changed, the 4A division has expanded, giving the team fewer opportunities to explore 5A competition. 

New to the 4A Mountain League this season are both Aspen and Caprock Academy, putting four additional league games on the Steamboat schedule. 

Prior to getting into league play, the Sailors host their home opener at 7:15 p.m. Friday against Rampart and follow up with a 4:15 p.m. game Saturday against Air Academy. League competition begins Dec. 6 and 7 with games in Durango. 

Ripley said fans can expect a lot of energy and excitement from the boys Friday night. He says they love playing games at home. 

“Playing at Howelsen, affectionately called ‘The Howie Dome,’ we certainly have home ice advantage,” Ripley said. “The students are amazing, they do a great job of turning out the support and so does the rest of the community. I know, and the boys know, that is unique. We don’t see that when we go to other towns and other ice rinks. We know we have something special here, we are very thankful for that. We are looking forward to starting the season at home with a ton of energy, positivity and with a really good outlook for the season.”