Just 13 seconds into the Steamboat Springs hockey home opener, senior Finn Baier had already scored the game-winning goal. 

The Sailors invited the Rampart Rams to town Friday night, earning a lopsided 8-0 win to begin the season. Baier said scoring early and often is a focus for the team this year. 

After the opening puck drop, the Sailors managed to bring it into their offensive zone. When the Rampart goalie came behind his post to play the puck, it was stolen by Baier who managed to come around the net and flick in an easy one for the first of the season. 

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“We always talk about how the first shift matters the most,” Baier explained. “We want to come out skating hard on that first shift to set the tone for the rest of the game and show them that we came to play.” 

Rampart learned of Steamboat’s intentions very quickly as the Sailors managed three goals just six minutes into play. 

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Senior defenseman Angus Frithsen led the team with a hat trick by the middle of the second period. The Steamboat captain was more than happy with the play he saw on the ice Friday night. 

“We are a skilled team, so our game is to beat them with our skill, cycle the puck and work it around with our passing,” Frithsen said. “Obviously we can improve on that, but it’s a good first game of the season and a good win.” 

After the game, Frithsen seemed comfortable with the team’s hopes for the season. The 8-0 win was just more reassurance for him. 

“We want to win states,” he said. “That’s the goal.” 

Other Sailor goals Friday night came off the sticks of Zane Durham, Sawyer Vietanen and Heck Stephenson who had two of his own. 

Steamboat head coach Brian Ripley said the early lead gave him an opportunity to provide his varsity players with similar ice time and get them as many looks as possible as the schedule soon turns to more challenging competition. 

Between periods, he challenged his players to work on different aspects of their games. 

“We talked a lot about possession and how to keep possession, support one another, try to stay away from the one-man-show and the selfish plays, and try to continue to build upon team-oriented hockey,” Ripley said.

The Sailors had a quick turnaround with game two of the season Saturday at home against Air Academy. Steamboat overpowered the visiting Kadets with a 12-0 victory to improve to 2-0 on the season.

The Sailors are now in preparation for Thanksgiving break, but Ripley is not concerned about the team losing focus during the upcoming time off. 

“Coming off the Thanksgiving holiday, we start with a Monday morning 6 a.m. practice, so they will get right back to it right off the bat,” he said. “It’s the mental side and if there’s a lapse, that’s where you’ll see it.”

Rampart 0, Steamboat Springs 8
R: 0 0 0
SS: 3 3 2