03/03/2026
Now that the 25–26 Baraboo/Portage Thunderbirds season is over, let’s take a look back at some of the great moments we were lucky enough to capture on camera.
This season was centered on growth and development, not the scoreboard. We entered the year with just two seniors, and the majority of our roster had never experienced consistent varsity ice time. With only 12 skaters and a goalie, there was no easing into roles. Everyone was called on. Everyone was needed.
Whether they felt ready or not, our guys answered the challenge. Playing short-benched night after night demands toughness, physically and mentally. Shifts were longer. Situations were bigger. Mistakes had to be learned from quickly. And as the season progressed, you could see the growth happening in real time. Confidence built. Pace improved. Compete level rose.
Our captains (Thomas Sarnow, Wyatt Arnold, Brody Bjorklund) set the tone, leading the way through adversity and showing the younger guys what it means to represent Baraboo/Portage with pride. The underclassmen gained invaluable experience that simply can’t be replicated in practice.
This group may not be defined by its 5-19-0 record, but it will absolutely be defined by its resilience, its development, and the foundation it laid for the future of Thunderbird Hockey.
We’re proud of the way these boys showed up, stuck together, and kept pushing forward. The best chapters are still ahead.
Go Thunderbirds! 🏒 🥅
