At 6-foot, 5-inches and 200 pounds, Chelsea High School junior Brad Hepler is hard to miss when he takes the ice.

When the puck drops for the Bulldog hockey team, when he flexes his skills, he’s impossible to miss.

Last year, Hepler scored a Washtenaw County-high 40 points on 15 goals and 25 assists for a Chelsea team that had a historical 2009-10 campaign.

“It was amazing. I worked as hard as I could all year,” said Hepler, who helped the Bulldogs reach the Division 3 state semifinals for the first time in program history.

On the way, Chelsea won the Southeastern Conference White Division and claimed a D3 regional title with a 4-3 comeback win over Riverview Gabriel Richard.

Scoring the game-winner in the regional championship game?

Hepler.

Needless to say, the then-sophomore - part of a senior-heavy team - was an integral part of Chelsea’s magical postseason run, which included an overtime and double-overtime win.

“We talk every day, before every game, about making that run again,” said Hepler. “We want to get it done before OT because those (games) are kind of scary. We all know that we can make it that far again.”

Hepler is not only seen as a catalyst, but a veteran leader for Chelsea this year.

“We have a lot of young kids on our team,” said Hepler, who has just five senior teammates. “I know I have to step up and be a leader this year - me and all the other juniors and seniors on the team.

“I know I have to step up and take control.”

This winter, Hepler will take control from a new position, center forward.

“I think I can make a pretty good center. I’m strong on my stick and I work hard on face-offs,” said the junior, who has lofty expectations for himself and his team this season. “I want to beat all my goals and assists from last year. I just want to get better on my mindset to hit and just work as hard as I’ve ever done.”

And at seasons end?

“We all know we can make it that far again (like last year). We want to get back to Compuware,” said Hepler, referring to the arena in Plymouth where the state semifinals and finals are held.

If Chelsea gets back, Hepler will be easy to spot.