Badger Lightning Girls Hockey Eyes Improvement in Coach Breunig's Second Year

As the Badger Lightning Girls Hockey team prepares for another season, optimism surrounds the squad entering the 2025-26 season. Last year, the team wrapped up with a final record of 9-12 but highlighted their competitive spirit by being seeded 3rd in their sectional, their highest sectional seed in recent years, and winning a home playoff game for the first time since 2015. Led by Head Coach Nate Breunig, entering his second year, looks to build on these achievements along with his assistant coaches, Josh Cone (6th season) and Collin Hagen (2nd season). Despite the loss of key players like Reese Olson, Kayla Garbacz, Emma Diehl and Ryleigh Bychinski to graduation, the team remains hopeful. Returning players like Paige Othmer, Elizabeth Haag, and Olivia Renneberg are set to play pivotal roles this season. Seniors: The senior class features Paige Othmer, Elizabeth Haag, Lily Freeman, Claire Scates and Lila Hess, and they will anchor much of the Lightning’s identity this season. These veterans bring crucial experience and composure to a roster with emerging young talent. Their leadership on and off the ice will be vital as the team looks to continue building a competitive culture. Juniors: The junior class features several players ready to take on bigger roles, Dayana Wade, Jenna Garbacz, Sophie Gesicki and Olivia Renneberg. With another year of experience under their belts, this group will help bring experience and contribute in key situations. Their growth, both in skill and confidence, will likely shape much of the team’s depth and consistency throughout the season. Sophomores: This group is the largest group on the team, with 11 players making up almost half of the team. Returning Sophomores Haydee Meyer, Kjersten Hagen, Kapri Rabine, Violett Fredrickson, Ashlyn Ballweg, Eliana Graham, Cassidy Putz, Caydence Putz and Marley Fischer are joined by first-year Lightning players Kate Brandt and Lakyn Selje. The sophomore class made meaningful strides as freshmen and now looks to elevate their play even further. They have the opportunity to become difference makers this season. Their continued development will be a major factor in the team’s ability to roll multiple lines and sustain energy in tight matchups. Freshman: This is the smallest class on the team, with three players forming the freshman class, Martha Weiss, Lydia Falde and Ally Herbrand. This year’s freshmen bring energy, enthusiasm, and a hunger to make an immediate impact. While adjusting to the speed of high school hockey is always a challenge, their willingness to learn and compete fits perfectly with the culture Coach Breunig is establishing. With a solid mix of veteran leadership, developing talent, and eager newcomers, the Badger Lightning enter the 2025–26 season with confidence and momentum. The foundation built last year has set the stage for continued growth, and this group has the work ethic, depth, and determination to compete every night. As the team embraces a new season and new challenges, one thing remains clear, the Badger Lightning are ready to take another step forward.