FEED THE WHOLE TEAM SATURDAYS

Vichorek is one of three new boys coaches in the Northland this season, joining Wade Chiodo at Grand Rapids and Andy Fellows at North Shore.

All take over teams that suffered through losing seasons a year ago.

For Vichorek, it was a chance to remain close to home after decades worth of traveling as a player and coach.

“I’ve been doing this most of my life since I was a kid and had been traveling since juniors on and had been gone so much that I thought that it’s time to stay closer to home,” Vichorek said.

“When this job became available, I said, ‘If I get a chance, I’ll take it.’ ” Vichorek, a Moose Lake High School graduate who played college hockey at Lake Supe- rior State, spent seven seasons playing for 12 minor-league teams after signing with the NHL’s Hartford Whalers organization.

Among other stops, he spent four seasons as coach of the Moose Lake Area boys team and several years as a juniors coach in Stevens Point, Wis., and Bozeman, Mont., before serving as an assistant with the Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League last season.

“I still have a passion for it,” Vichorek said. “There’s just something about this game that’s in your blood. To be honest, we’re all nuts. We’re all crazy for doing this for a long period of time. It’s hard to step away from it. It’s nice to give back.”

After 22 years of stability under Brendan Flaherty, the last 18 months have been tough on the Hilltoppers. Flaherty suffered from throat cancer and a subsequent life-threatening brain infection, leading to Bill Owens taking over on an interim basis in 2018-19. Flaherty ultimately resigned last spring.

“Brendan created a legacy here, and it’s always difficult to follow somebody who has created something so successful,” Vichorek said. “Bill was put in a tough spot last year. The legacy that Brendan created is something that makes it tough to fill those shoes. We’re going to be scrutinized, we know we’re going to be looked at. The pressure is on us, too. I feel it a little bit.”

After winning only six games last season, with only 20 skaters in the program, no junior varsity and a Class AA schedule staring at them, it would be easy for Vichorek and his players to lower their expectations on this season.

Yet Vichorek has a goal of winning 15 games this season.

Part of his optimism is having an open mind on the returning players and what they can accomplish.

“It’s good for them and it’s good for us, too,” he said. “There’s no preconceived ideas about who these guys are and what they can do. We’re all starting on the same page, starting fresh.”

COACHES: Page S8