Chatham has announced that Emily Nettesheim will be joining the Cougars women’s hockey coaching staff as a goalie coach.
Nettesheim joins the staff after having played for Trine from 2018 to 2022.
“I am very excited to welcome Emily to our staff,” said Chatham coach Mike O’Grady in a statement. “Her enthusiasm for the sport is contagious. I am excited to have someone with her working knowledge of both the position of goaltending and mental performance within our program. I know she will be a great resource to our goaltenders.”
While at Trine, Nettesheim appeared in 18 games, recording a save percentage of .897 and a goals-against average of 3.59. She graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s in biology and psychology and a minor in psychology and sport.
After her playing career at Trine, Nettesheim entered coaching with positions as a part-time goalie coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins youth organization and assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 14U girls.
Nettesheim currently works as a part-time research assistant in UPMC’s department of psychology.
Elizabeth “Biz” Bauer, a former standout women’s hockey player at Wisconsin-Eau Claire, has been named the full-time assistant coach for the Augsburg women’s hockey team.
In addition, Nicole Neuberger, a two-time all-conference collegiate women’s hockey player, has been named as the Augsburg women’s hockey team’s new graduate fellow assistant coach.
A four-year player for NCAA Division III UW-Eau Claire, Bauer helped lead the Blugolds to their first three national tournament berths, two O’Brien Cup tournament championships, and one WIAC championship while posting an overall record of 80-26-9. With 37 career goals and 66 career assists for 103 total points, Bauer holds the program record for assists and ranks second in school history in points. In 2020, Bauer was named a team captain and earned a spot on the CCM Hockey Division III all-America Second team.
Following her career at UW-Eau Claire, Bauer pursued her dream of playing pro hockey and is currently playing in the PWHPA with the Minnesota region ‘Team Adidas.’
“We are extremely excited to add Biz to our staff,” said Augsburg head coach Michelle McAteer in a statement. “Her experiences and success as a player will help our program as we strive to be our best. She has a great hockey IQ that allows her to teach and read the game well. I’m grateful to have a dedicated staff that can offer new insights, and who are passionate about student athlete success.”
Neuberger will assist in all facets of the Auggie women’s hockey program. Graduate fellows gain knowledge in coaching a college program while also recruiting and providing organizational duties for the team. Neuberger is pursuing her master of arts in leadership degree at Augsburg.
Neuberger was a four-year veteran of the Wisconsin-Stevens Point women’s hockey team as a forward/defender, earning all-WIAC first team honors in both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. Playing in 89 career games, she scored 28 goals with 13 assists for 41 points, including 12 goals and nine assists for 21 points in her senior season. She scored eight power-play goals and had six game-winning goals in her Pointers career.
Since graduating from UW-Stevens Point, Neuberger served as a junior varsity head coach for the Minneapolis girls combined high school team in 2022-23, and as a coach and evaluator for the Minnesota girls’ high school hockey Premier Prep League.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in health promotion and wellness from UW-Stevens Point, earning Dean’s List honors four semesters. She was named as an AHCA/Krampade Divisions II-III all-American scholar in both 2020-21 and 2021-22. At UW-Stevens Point, she also served a strength and conditioning internship in the spring of 2022.
Julian Giantonio has been named the third head coach of the Marian women’s hockey team.
Giantonio joins the Sabres after serving as the head coach at Salem State this past season.
“Congratulations to Julian on his well-deserved hire as the head women’s ice hockey coach,” said Marian director of athletics Tony Draves in a statement. “We’re looking forward to him hitting the ground running on the ice and the recruiting trail. Welcome to Marian, Julian.”
Last season, Giantonio led the Vikings to their winningest season in program history along with a berth in the conference tournament. In the classroom, Salem State had 15 student-athletes earn all-academic recognition.
Giantonio also served as a graduate assistant coach for Western New England’s men’s team from 2020 to 2021.
“I am thrilled to have been selected for this opportunity,” said Gianotonio. “I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to the success of the Marian women’s ice hockey program. As soon as I stepped on campus and met with Coach Draves, it was easy to see the passion and vision for women’s ice hockey. The excitement around athletics was very visible and I cannot wait o get integrated with the staff. It was an easy decision when I saw the resources that were in place for the student-athletes and staff. I’m really looking forward to working with this talented group of student-athletes and making some noise in the highly competitive NCHA.
“I can’t wait to get started.”
Giantonio brings with him a wealth of hockey knowledge after a long coaching career in ACHA hockey. He served as the bench boss at several prestigious programs including Roosevelt, UCLA, Delaware, and Williston State.
While at ACHA D-I Delaware, the Blue Hens went 47-20-3 over two seasons. The 2016-17 season saw Delaware go 25-9-0, earning Giantonio ESCHL coach of the year honors and a finalist for the ACHA Division I coach of the year. In the two years prior, Giantonio served as an associate head coach at Williston State where he helped lead the Buffaloes to back-to-back NJCAA titles. Williston State had 12 all-Americans, 15 players sign professional contracts, and Frozen Four appearances in both seasons under his leadership.
Giantonio had coaching stops at Everett Prep and Becker to begin his coaching career after a long professional and collegiate playing career.
He began his collegiate career at UMass Boston for two seasons. His first season with the Beacons saw him record 22 points from 10 goals and 12 assists in 24 games played. He then spent two seasons at ACHA D-I Arizona before returning to UMass Boston. In his final two seasons as a Beacon, he skated in 25 games, scoring four goals with nine assists for 13 total points.
He currently holds a certification from USA Hockey as a master level five coach.
Giantonio went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree in history from UMass Boston in 2006. He then earned a master of education in coaching from Greenville in 2016 along with a master of science in leadership from Western New England in 2021.
Hosts Jim Connelly and Ed Trefzger are joined by veteran journalist Neil Koepke – who has over 50 years under his belt covering college hockey – to talk about this year’s Michigan State Spartans, Big Ten hockey, and the changing national college hockey scene.
“Chris was a valuable member of the Viking community as a student-athlete and assistant coach, and we are excited to have him return to Salem State to lead the men’s ice hockey program,” said Salem State athletic director Nicolle Wood in a statement. “Chris’ experiences as a coach and an educator are a great fit for our student-athletes and staff and I expect his contributions to the athletic department will be felt immediately.”
MacInnis will become the program’s sixth head ice hockey coach all-time, and its first since 1981.
A four-year player for the Vikings, MacInnis earned all-MASCAC second team honors as a senior in 2010. A consistent and dynamic scorer, MacInnis was a part of two conference championships, and finished his career with over 100 points.
“I am very excited to be here,” MacInnis said. “I was a player here and a coach in 2015 and 2016 and to be named head coach is really special. Bill O’Neill has been a huge mentor to me personally and to be able to continue his legacy. I couldn’t think of a better place to do it.”
The Vikings won back-to-back MASCAC championships in 2015 and 2016 while MacInnis was a part of O’Neill’s coaching staff.
“I want to continue the legacy of Coach O’Neill,” said MacInnis. “We have a great group of returning players and I want to continue to build on that experience. The players are getting someone who cares passionately about Salem State hockey. As a former player and coach here, I have been a part of very successful teams. I will do the best job that I can to get the players prepared and ready to make a run at the MASCAC title.
“I think that first home game on Nov. 9 is going to be pretty special. Just being on the ice with the guys. I came by when the rink was going up… Just the excitement to be back here and start a new era of Salem State hockey is pretty special.”
MacInnis has served in various coaching, recruiting and player development roles throughout the Boston area, most recently serving as an assistant coach at the Boston Hockey Academy. He gained extensive experience in recruiting and game preparation as the hockey director at the North Shore Hockey Academy and as an assistant with the Northern Cyclones junior hockey program.
He will also serve as the facilities manager for Rockett Arena.
Quinnipiac celebrates Jacob Quillan’s OT winner that gave the Bobcats the 2023 national title with a 3-2 win over Minnesota (photo: Jim Rosvold/USCHO.com).
Last year was a perfect capstone for the ECAC Hockey’s previous era.
The league, once taunted, for its inability to win a national championship since 1989, dominated the national headlines and tied the Big Ten for most teams sent to the NCAA tournament. Four teams in total qualified, of which two won their first-round matchups, and one advanced to the Frozen Four. Of those four teams, every corner of the league’s history – the past, the near-recent, and the present and future – told different stories, the most forward of which was Quinnipiac’s 3-2 win over Minnesota after a stretch pass play scored a goal within the first 10 seconds of a sudden death overtime.
It made the league impossible to ignore. Cornell was considered one of the last two at-large teams in the tournament, but the Big Red eliminated top-seeded Denver in the East Regional and ended the Pioneers’ national championship reign before losing a one-goal game to Boston University.
Harvard, the defending Whitelaw Cup champions, rode its best record since the 2016-2017 season to a sixth NCAA tournament berth since 2015.
Colgate, the dark horse nobody saw coming, won its first conference championship in over 30 years and gave head coach Don Vaughan a long-awaited ring before he walked off into the sunset.
And Quinnipiac, the megalith giant that nearly posted a perfect regular season in conference play, won its first national championship for a coach who never stopped believing in the program he built from its humble, Division II roots.
“It’s a life-changing event for sure,” said Bobcats coach Rand Pecknold of life after the championship. “In terms of notoriety, in 7-11s or airports, once in a blue moon, I’ll get recognized because of college hockey. There have been some crazy places where people just come up to me. Certainly, I had a lot of requests to bring the trophy and to speak at different events. I think I said yes to everything, whether it was as big as throwing a pitch at a Red Sox game or doing the New York Stock Exchange or some of the really small events that I did. It’s all about promoting Quinnipiac, and people love the trophy.
“They all wanted to see the trophy.”
ECAC was everywhere, and the gifts were the perfect retirement presents for Vaughan, who won just under 500 games coaching at Colgate and nowhere else, and for commissioner Steve Hagwell, who championed the league’s breakaway from the ECAC organization as the first and only commissioner.
The era walked off into its sunset as triumphantly as possible, but the ending of one day triggered the start of a new day where ECAC is now living as one of the best conferences in college hockey with new faces and new champions ready to carry its torch.
“The league is strong on the ice,” said new commissioner Doug Christiansen during the league’s media day. “It’s my job to help it grow off the ice – growing the brand, generating new revenue, and at the same time making sure that I’m active and out, trying to be forward thinking so that we can move our league forward as the NCAA has with all the different changes.”
The modern era in college hockey isn’t designed for leagues, programs, staffs, or even individuals to celebrate championships for very long, and the ability to capitalize on any forward momentum is crucial at a time when players are increasingly dictating where and how they want to play. Even by itself, the transfer portal forever changed how players navigate their careers, but combining the freedom of movement with name, image, and likeness – the ever-present NIL abbreviation – makes it difficult for any league to rest on its laurels, let alone one where the end of COVID-era impacts took their toll against six programs that couldn’t necessarily jump all over the same luxuries.
“A lot of things have been altered,” said Cornell coach Mike Schafer. “I don’t think that we’re back to normal [roster balance since COVID], but if you look across the country, how many schools have grad students and are out there recruiting? We can’t do that. You’re bringing in a young guy that takes a year or two to transition, which is part of normal college hockey, but a lot of schools can portal themselves out of mistakes and bring guys that are grad students. That luxury that a lot of schools have had over the Ivy League schools, especially, is about to end, and it’s another year where we’re going to be doing that. You’re not going to have that instant senior class that a lot of schools have had.”
“We do have some depth in that they’re also not all grad transfers,” Clarkson coach Casey Jones added. “We’ve added a couple of juniors in there from the transfer portal, but we have a freshman class of six, which has been pretty consistent for us. We tried to get that six-seven [number of recruits], and we didn’t really switch out of that during the COVID years. If we were able to add three grad students to put our classes at [the larger numbers], we’ve added some players underneath to balance the classes off. We got fortunate in that regard, but we did add some mature players and some older players that should give us some stability up front and give us some depth.”
Navigating the murky waters is a big part of why ECAC is going to change in the future, but it’s unlikely that this year is going to unbalance much of what teams offered in the past. Last year’s top half of the conference didn’t change from the 2022 postseason, and the only real switch was when Clarkson fell out of the top-four. It was replaced by St. Lawrence, which used a white hot second half to move into fourth, but the year begins with many of the same questions that dotted last year’s preseason conversation:
— Can the other Ivy League schools navigate their way towards the top of the conference after finishing last year as the bottom four teams?
— Do the Capital District teams at Rensselaer and Union have the mojo to catch the top tier?
— Will anyone stop Cornell from challenging for that top spot, and can Harvard stay in the lofty position created by a resurgent brand?
— Is this finally the year Quinnipiac tumbles out of the top spot?
Sometimes it’s really that simple, even in a year when the Bobcats are defending national champions. The egg hasn’t been cracked, and it likely won’t change until someone upends the apple cart with more than just a single move up or down the standings. It has to be more than just a postseason series win.
The stability within ECAC is real, but the last era is over, and the new ECAC hasn’t even gotten started.
Ryan Bottrill was steady up front as a freshman last season for Brown (photo: Olivia Hokanson).
BROWN
HEAD COACH: Brendan Whittet, entering his 15th season at Brown LAST SEASON: 9-18-3 overall (5-14-3, 20 points, 11th in ECAC) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Ryan Bottrill (So., 6g-15a-21pts); F Jordan Tonelli (Sr., 7g-10a-17pts); D Brett Bliss (Jr., 6g-7a-13pts) KEY LOSSES: D Luke Krys (2g-14a-16pts) ; D James Crossman (9g-3a-12pts); F Cole Quisenberry (5g-7a-12pts); Bradley Cocca (4g-8a-12pts); G Mathieu Caron (8-12-3; 2.49 GAA; .921 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: F Mike Cataldo (Bonnyville Pontiacs, AJHL); G Stephen Chen (Mercer Chiefs, AAA); G Tyler Shea (Tr., Michigan, Big Ten); F Ryan St. Louis (Tr., Northeastern, Hockey East); G Lawton Zacher (Minot Minotauros, NAHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: An injury to goalie Mathieu Caron couldn’t have happened at a worse time for Brown last year. The Bears were in eighth place and on the verge of a massive breakout after beating Harvard at home, and holding wins over Merrimack, Union and RPI at the start of January meant they were pistol hot after beating the Crimson. Home ice was a real possibility, and the end of the season felt manageable with the return trip to RPI and Union preceding the long trip to Princeton first before playing Quinnipiac.
The sports gods didn’t apparently like that idea, and felling Caron touched off a tailspin where Brown earned three points over the year’s final eight games. The team tumbled, and in the new era where the first round of the postseason triggered a one-game playoff, the bus was sent as far as humanly possible for a 5-1 loss to Clarkson.
All of that felt like bad luck, and it erased the fact that Bruno had a real shot at hosting that playoff game. It makes it hard to ignore the Bears as a possible factor this year, and head coach Brendan Whittet assembled a roster that recruited to its holes and gaps. Caron, for example, transferred out, as did Luke Krys and Samuli Niinisari, but a number of goalies and defensemen entered the program to compete for slots. Tyler Shea transferred into Brown from Michigan, and the arrival of Ryan St. Louis from Northeastern gives Brown a hopeful up-front replacement for the losses of Nathan Plessis and Cole Quisenberry.
Having goal scorers should keep Brown from losing some early games while figuring out the back end, but not having the top four defensemen from last season or one of the best goalies arguably in the country is a work-in-progress. Luckily, the early game against Yale is a staple for Ivy League teams figuring out the beginning, and a non-conference schedule that includes Holy Cross, LIU and two games against Stonehill should anchor the first half of the season.
If Brown can tread water through those moments, a second half run isn’t out of the question. It’s just a matter of finding the right pieces for that back end. PREDICTED FINISH: 12th
Dustyn McFaul has the ‘C’ this season for Clarkson (photo: Clarkson Athletics).
CLARKSON
HEAD COACH: Casey Jones, entering his 13th season at Clarkson LAST SEASON: 16-17-4 overall (9-10-3, 31 points, sixth in ECAC) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Ayrton Martino (Jr., 9g-29a-38pts); F Mathieu Gosselin (Sr., 14g-19a-33pts); D Noah Beck (Sr., 6g-17a-23pts); G Ethan Haider (16-16-3, 2.51 GAA, .906 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Alex Campbell (14g-12a-26pts); F Jacob Schmidt-Svejstrup (9g-13a-22pts); F Anthony Callin (11g-8a-19pts) KEY ADDITIONS: G Emmett Croteau (Waterloo Blackhawks, USHL); F Daimon Gardner (Tri City Storm, USHL); D Jack Judson (Tr., Arizona State, D-1 Independent); F Oliver Moberg (Dubuque Fighting Saints, USHL); G Austin Roden (Tr., Providence, Hockey East) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Clarkson opened last season as one of ECAC’s odds-on favorites to win the league. An experienced roster returned enough firepower from championship-caliber teams to make a run at the national tournament, and the burning embers from postseason cancellations over the COVID era left the program with a dangled carrot that hadn’t yet been achieved.
The Golden Knights just never really found their footing, though, and they never truly recovered after starting the season with four straight losses to UNH, Merrimack and Providence, and Mercyhurst. A split against Lake Superior all but ended the mathematical possibility of an at-large bid, and while five straight wins in November helped the team find footing, it also lost too many points to Princeton, Brown, Yale, and St. Lawrence. Plagued by inconsistency, Clarkson entered the postseason without a first-round bye for the first time since 2017, and a second-round trip to Cornell ended the season in straight sets with a pair of losses.
That doesn’t mean the Golden Knights are on the way down, but there are some residual questions worth asking. The preseason coaches poll ranged anywhere from a first-place vote to a fourth-place finish, and the changeover at Colgate left enough non-believers to allow Clarkson to fill the void left by St. Lawrence’s expected drop.
Much of the firepower is still there, but Clarkson needs to develop its trademark consistency in the early non-conference games. Home games against Penn State and Vermont will help, and late October visits from Lake Superior State and Michigan Tech flank a road trip to Merrimack. A holiday trip to Lake Placid for a holiday tournament against Arizona State, Cornell and UMass should add to the fun, and a January swing against Atlantic Hockey should sharpen the iron a bit before the second half kicks into gear.
Clarkson could be in great shape if everything feeds itself in those early months, but another early season stumble could make that first half feel like an up-and-down, hilly climb. It would be great if the road to a bye didn’t hinge on the season-ending road trip to Quinnipiac and Princeton when the first game is against the Bobcats and the second game is the season’s longest trip. PREDICTED FINISH: Third
Carter Gylander looks to again be Colgate’s No. 1 netminder this season (photo: Justin Wolford).
COLGATE
HEAD COACH: Mike Harder, entering his first year at Colgate LAST SEASON: 19-16-5 overall (11-8-3, 36 points, fifth in ECAC) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: D Nick Anderson (3g-26a-29pts); F Ross Mitton (9g-18a-27pts); F Alex DiPaolo (11g-15a-26pts); F Ethan Manderville (9g-18a-27pts); G Carter Gylander (19-5-5, 2.46 GAA, .914 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Alex Young (21g-18a-39pts); F Matt Verboon (16g-19a-35pts); F Colton Young (11g-17a-28pts) KEY ADDITIONS: F Niko Rexine (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL); D Dom Foglia (Philadelphia Rebels, NAHL); F Ryan Sullivan (Camrose Kodiaks, AJHL); F Jake Schneider (Prince George Spruce Kings, BCHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Last year’s Colgate team wasn’t the best team in the league, but winning the 2023 conference championship tournament showcased the very best of why and how the Raiders set the pace for the rest of the league after Quinnipiac ran away with the regular season crown. The team that started hot, slowed down, then finished hot in 2022 kept true to its nature, but a slow start turned into a hot middle of the season. The Raiders still hit their lull, but they caught lightning in a bottle at the right time and found ways to tread water with the right matchups at the right times.
They earned extra points in shootout wins over Cornell, Clarkson and Brown, which in turn allowed Colgate to host 12th place Dartmouth in the first round. A win sent them to St. Lawrence to play a team they swept during the regular season, and even the Quinnipiac matchup in the semifinal wasn’t daunting for a team that was responsible for one of the two losses against the Bobcats in the season.
It was a wonderful run, and it ended with Don Vaughan’s first championship over a 30-plus year career at the university. Colgate went to its first national tournament in nine years, and not even the blowout against Michigan diminished what the team accomplished in what became a swan song.
Now comes the next part. Mike Harder was the logical selection and the right choice to succeed Vaughan after spending the last 10 years as an assistant coach, and the former Raider is a legend in Hamilton, New York. He’s the right fit for building the program to its next stage, but the interim time period might have its growing pains.
He’ll have to find a way to replace 50 goals, and the relatively-small recruiting class means much of the build is going to happen within the team. Carter Gylander returning is a big help in the back, but the Raiders still allowed 109 goals last year, which was fourth most in the conference.
Colgate shouldn’t drop too far down the standings, but asking the Raiders to repeat as conference champions in a league with the top-end, top-flight teams is a tall order. As always, the possibility of a deep run is there, but the team just might not set the pace like it did over the last two seasons. PREDICTED FINISH: Seventh
Cornell goalie Ian Shane figures to be a key cog in the Big Red defense this season (photo: Chip DeLorenzo/Chip Shots Sports Photography).
CORNELL
HEAD COACH: Mike Schafer, entering his 29th season at Cornell LAST SEASON: 21-11-2 overall (15-6-1, 47 points, third in ECAC) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Gabriel Seger (Sr., 7g-23a-30pts); F Dalton Bancroft (So., 9g-12a-21pts); F Nick DeSantis (So, 9g-11a-20pts); G Ian Shane (Jr., 20-10-1, 1.72 GAA, .916 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Ben Berard (11g-17a-28pts); D Sam Malinski (8g-18a-26pts); F Max Andreev (8g-16a-22pts) KEY ADDITIONS: F Luke Devlin (West Kelowna Warriors, BCHL); D George Fegaras (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL); D Hoyt Stanley (Victoria Grizzlies, BCHL); F Ryan Walsh (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, USHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Death, taxes, and Cornell turning over its roster from one year to another with enough talent to make a run at the top of the league.
The Big Red entered this year needing to replace three 20-point scorers without the benefit of the transfer portal, so head coach Mike Schafer did what he does best: recruited talented freshmen who could rebuild the team’s identity. Four of those incoming first years – Luke Devlin, George Fegaras, and Hoyt Stanley – are NHL draft picks, and the large bulk bring the physical tools needed to augment a style that always seems to work.
The returning production makes it easy to slot the new players into the lineup, and Ian Shane’s presence all but guarantees Cleary Cup potential behind an all-everything goalie. It’s about what everyone’s come to expect from Cornell, which has a system that works and a head coach that knows how to execute it.
It’s the one program that’s never been fazed by the Ivy League’s overall restrictions, and the runway won’t really change when the Big Red hit the ice with their Ancient Eight brethren in late October. Minnesota-Duluth’s trip to Lynah Rink is headlining material for college hockey in general, but the next two weeks are against Ivy opponents. That should give enough time for takeoff before the November trip to Quinnipiac and the annual Red Hot Hockey matchup at Madison Square Garden (this year against Boston University).
It’s hard to expect anything less than another solid year out of Cornell, and it really doesn’t require much analysis. Unless something weird happens, the only question is if Quinnipiac regressed enough for the Big Red to catch the front unless, that is, Clarkson and Harvard have the engine to overcome their own perceived mismatches. PREDICTED FINISH: Second
Dartmouth players gather prior to a game last season (photo: Doug Austin).
DARTMOUTH
HEAD COACH: Reid Cashman, entering his third season at Dartmouth LAST SEASON: 5-24-1 overall (4-17-1, 16 points, 12th in ECAC) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Braiden Dorfman (Jr., 7g-10a-17pts); F Luke Haymes (So., 11g-5a-16pts); F Sean Chisholm (Jr., 7g-7a-14pts); G Cooper Black (So., 5-23-1, 3.07 GAA, .899 SV%) KEY LOSSES: D Tanner Palocsik (4g-18a-22pts); F Matt Hubbarde (5g-11a-16pts) KEY ADDITIONS: D Eric Charpentier (New Jersey Jr. Titans, NAHL); G Roan Clarke (Vernon Vipers, BCHL); Oskari Vuorio (Jokerit U-20, Finland) 2023-24 PREDICTION: There were times last year when Dartmouth felt like a spunky upstart ready to take its next step, but earning the occasional win and playing a hard game wasn’t enough to prevent the Big Green from occupying the league’s bottom slot. Like some of the other Ivy League schools, it was all part of a necessary reboot, but anyone who watched Dartmouth couldn’t help but feel like the team left some meat on the bone.
There is something still brewing in New Hampshire, though, and there isn’t much turnover to a roster that’s spent the last two years rebuilding the infrastructure under head coach Reid Cashman. The very real effort transitioned a program out of the COVID era by rewiring its entire genetic code, and the parity and wide-open nature of the league’s bottom half means that a natural progression could easily have the Big Green battling for home ice like what Yale did last year.
It’s likely going to happen after a rocky start that includes games against Harvard, Quinnipiac, and Cornell, along with a nonconference game against UConn, a team that could be Hockey East’s dark horse. It’s a far cry from the second half, which opens with a trip to Yale and Brown and ends with a majority of home games against middle-tier or lower-tier teams from a year ago, including a return trip from the Bears and Bulldogs to end the season.
Assuming Dartmouth takes a step forward, that means the Big Green could be rolling into the postseason, and any combination of positive vibes from the first month would accelerate the process. Three teams finished tied for seventh on points last year. If anything breaks, the hole that opens is enough for this team to finally start sliding upwards into those spots. PREDICTED FINISH: Ninth
Joe Miller takes the ice last season (photo: Gil Talbot).
HARVARD
HEAD COACH: Ted Donato, entering his 19th season at Harvard LAST SEASON: 24-8-2 overall (18-4-0, 49 points, second in ECAC) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Joe Miller (So., 13g-15a-28pts); D Ian Moore (Jr., 1g-18a-19pts); F Marek Hejduk (So., 6g-7a-13pts); G Derek Mullahy (5-0-0, 1.70 GAA, .929 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Sean Farrell (20g-33a-53pts); F Alex Laferriere (21g-21a-42pts); F Matthew Coronato (20g-16a-36pts); F Henry Thrun (7g-24a-31pts); F John Farinacci (5g-15a-20pts); D Ryan Siedem (1g-16a-17pts); G Mitchell Gibson (18-7-2, 2.25 GAA, .919 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: F Michael Callow (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL); D David Hejduk (Wenatchee Wild, BCHL); F Ben McDonald (West Kelowna Warriors, BCHL); D Matthew Morden (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Harvard enters this season walking a balance beam between transitioning eras and not dropping too far down the standings. Players that helped the Crimson avoid missing any beats from the COVID era are gone, and success is now falling to players who hypothetically step easily into the roles vacated by those who left.
It’s nearly impossible to predict how all of this falls. Losing virtually all of the top line production from last year is a major negative, but Joe Miller’s logical development slots him into that next phase of the program’s future. Marek Hejduk had 13 points as a first year, but he’ll receive way more opportunities and shifts with Alex Laferriere, Matthew Coronato, and Sean Farrell all signed to NHL franchises.
It would’ve been nice to get more years out of guys with eligibility, but it’s obvious why their NHL teams made sure they didn’t return to college. That’s part of what it is at Harvard, especially over the last couple of years, and it’s why the current crop shouldn’t let the team drop too far.
That said, replacing players in a league where two very talented teams returned a good amount of firepower is going to make it hard to compete for the Cleary Cup. It won’t help that Harvard only plays three of its first dozen games at home, and one of those is against Quinnipiac, which is the defending national champion. It does mean that the Crimson should push forward into the second half of the year as things gel, but it might not translate to as good of a regular season run.
More likely to Harvard is a strong trophy season, especially since the Beanpot means the Quinnipiac road game is the only game the team plays over that weekend in February. A manageable last month, coupled with home games against the North Country and a lone trip to the Capital District, all but means the Crimson could do something like what Colgate did last year – just maybe without the second half cold stretch. PREDICTED FINISH: Fourth
Ian Murphy was a bright spot on offense last season for Princeton (photo: Shelley M. Szwast).
PRINCETON
HEAD COACH: Ron Fogarty, entering his 10th season at Princeton LAST SEASON: 13-19-0 overall (8-14-0, 26 points, T-7th in ECAC) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Ian Murphy (Sr., 15g-15a-30pts); F Brendan Gorman (So., 5g-15a-20pts); F Jack Cronin (Jr., 12g-6a-18pts); D Noah de la Durantaye (Jr., 4g-13a-17pts); G Ethan Pearson (11-9-0, 2.71 GAA, .903 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Liam Gorman (12g-10a-22pts); D Pito Walton (7g-14a-21pts) KEY ADDITIONS: F Carson Buydens (Lincoln Stars, USHL); D Ian Devlin (Coquitlam Express, BCHL); G Arthur Smith (Lone Star Brahamas, NAHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: The first glance of ECAC standings made it look like Princeton started the year at the top of the table before backsliding out of home ice advantage in the first round, but the Tigers had played three more games than Colgate and Cornell when they were tied for third at the start of the 2023 calendar year.
Maybe it made the season look like a mirage in a way, but it bears mentioning because Princeton was really a consistent team last year. The Tigers won as many games as Union and RPI, and they came within a puck bounce or two of threatening Clarkson for fifth despite having a roster that was unquestionably finishing its transition out of the ECAC championship era.
The 2018 team that won a banner didn’t finish higher than seventh, which is where the Tigers ultimately slotted last year, but even that team was within a bounce or two of threatening for a top-four spot. Given the way ECAC is going through a shuffle, there’s a good chance, then, that Princeton breaks out of the pack and jumps up towards Harvard for fourth.
The schedule is manageable enough because playing as Quinnipiac’s travel partner means the Bobcats are a home-and-home across a January weekend. The Ivy League’s late start means Harvard opens the year, and the way the Beanpot forces schedule shuffling in February further means the Tigers play a one-off weekend against the Crimson around New Year’s Eve. There really aren’t too many pitfalls, so a team that further develops its core has an opportunity to balance its way forward.
And what of that team? Well, yes, it did lose two of its leading scorers, but adding goaltenders to a stable headlined by one of the league’s best-kept secrets is a huge win. There are also talented bodies coming into the program from the junior level, and the large bulk of production returns. Consider me buying Princeton stock this year. PREDICTED FINISH: Fifth
Sam Lipkin will be a go-to player this season for Quinnipiac (photo: Rob Rasmussen/P8Photos.com).
QUINNIPIAC
HEAD COACH: Rand Pecknold, entering his 30th season at Quinnipiac LAST SEASON: 34-4-3 overall (20-2-0, 60 points, first in ECAC) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Collin Graf (Jr., 21g-38a-59pts); F Sam Lipkin (So., 14g-29a-43pts); F Jacob Quillan (Jr., 19g-19a-38pts) KEY LOSSES: F Ethan de Jong (19g-21a-40pts); D Zach Metsa (9g-28a-37pts); F Skyler Brind’Amour (14g-18a-32pts); F TJ Friedmann (11g-11a-22pts); F Michael Lombardi (10g-12a-22pts); D Jacob Nordqvist (0g-11a-11pts); G Yaniv Perets (34-4-3, 1.49 GAA, .931 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: F Mason Marcellus (Lincoln Stars, USHL); G Vinny Duplessis (Tr., Boston University, Hockey East); D Cooper Moore (Tr., North Dakota, NCHC); D Davis Pennington (Tr., Omaha, NCHC); F Travis Treloar (Tr., Ohio State, Big Ten) 2023-24 PREDICTION: I somehow predicted Quinnipiac to finish fourth last season, and the Bobcats rewarded me by borderline running the table in conference play before advancing to the Frozen Four and winning their first national championship in program history. I don’t know if Rand Pecknold reads this space – or even cares what’s written about him and his team – but I think I need to wear that one with a big, fat cone on my head.
Maybe this actually is the year that the Bobcats go backwards, but Quinnipiac went 20-2 in ECAC play last year and won its national title after starting the year with a roster that lost one of its starting goaltenders and had to turnover a roster with a dozen-plus departures, including three top scorers.
The story itself won’t change for this year after nine to 10 key contributors from last year’s team left the program. Most graduated, but the replacements all carry the type of experience necessary to compete and win. Goalie Yaniv Perets, the backstop of the championship program, is gone, but he’s replaced by Vinny Duplessis, a transfer from BU that played over 1,000 minutes over a three-year span.
Skyler Brind’Amour, T.J. Friedmann, Joey Cipollone, and Michael Lombardi are gone from the forwards. Zach Metsa and Jacob Nordqvist are off the defensive line. Ethan De Jong graduated. They’re rightfully replaced either by in-house bodies or transfers like Cooper Moore, a former fifth round pick of Detroit who returned home to Connecticut after starting his college career at North Dakota, and Travis Treloar, a two-time 20-point scorer who was on the Ohio State team that lost to Quinnipiac in the NCAA tournament.
That’s not to say there aren’t questions, but a non-conference schedule featuring Boston College, American International, New Hampshire and Maine should provide a good understanding of this team prior to its November matchup with Harvard. Three games against Dartmouth, Brown, and Yale should help lead directly into the Cornell matchup, which is at home, and we’ll know if the matchup with Boston University before Thanksgiving is a preview of the national championship or just a really good way to get ready for turkey dinner.
I made a mistake last year by thinking Quinnipiac would fall behind Cornell, Harvard, and Clarkson. I won’t make that mistake this year. The champs are the champs until someone knocks them out of the postseason. PREDICTED FINISH: First
Sutter Muzzatti enters his sophomore season with the Engineers (photo: Perry Laskaris).
RENSSEALER
HEAD COACH: Dave Smith, entering his seventh season at RPI LAST SEASON: 14-20-1 overall (9-13-0, 26 points, T-7th in ECAC) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Jakob Lee (Sr., 10g-12a-22pts); F Sutter Muzzatti (So., 7g-15a-22pts); F Austin Heidemann (Sr., 10g-10a-20pts); G Jack Watson (13-15-1, 3.08 GAA, .895 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Ryan Mahshie (15g-7a-22pts); F TJ Walsh (7g-10a-17pts); F Jake Gagnon (6g-10a-16pts) KEY ADDITIONS: F Nathan Sullivan (Camrose Kodiaks, AJHL); F Ryan Brushett (Tr., UMass Lowell, Hockey East); D CJ Regula (Tr., Ohio State, Big Ten) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Last year was supposed to be the year that RPI dropped off and fell off the map after losing far too much production from the 2021-2022 season. The Engineers had about a dozen different spots to slot new players into roles, and the general parity and returning experience around them in the standings meant they weren’t supposed to slide into the expected pack.
What a difference a year makes.
It might still take the team one more year to fully move forward, but head coach Dave Smith matured his roster into a seventh-place finish last year before Yale induced a first round exit in the new single-game elimination format. It’s easy to play “What If?” and ask if the Engineers would have won the series with the old, best-of-three format, but the team moved into the right hole at a time when it easily could have dodge, dived, ducked, dipped, and dodged its way into a first-round road game.
What does all of this mean for this year? It’s hard to tell. The season’s start is a brutal run through New England that includes two games at Maine and games at Boston College and Providence, and the two later games against Northeastern precede Quinnipiac’s visit to Albany. Minnesota State should be better than the Mavericks’ predicted finish in the CCHA, and the second half of the year features the annual Mayor’s Cup nonconference game against Union along with the Princeton-Quinnipiac and Colgate-Cornell road trips.
I would hate to be the team that plays RPI in the playoffs, and RPI is absolutely going to run up the league before it’s too late…don’t hate me for this, but it’s more about what happens around RPI and not an indictment of the actual hockey team. PREDICTED FINISH: Ninth
Luc Salem will serve as St. Lawrence’s captain this season (photo: C A Hill Photo).
ST. LAWRENCE
HEAD COACH: Brent Brekke, entering his fifth season at St. Lawrence LAST SEASON: 17-19-0 overall (12-10-0, 37 points, 4th in ECAC) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Luc Salem (Sr., 10g-17a-27pts); F Ty Naaykens (Jr., 3g-13a-16pts); D Mason Waite (Jr., 3g-13a-16pts); F Jan Lasak (So., 4g-11a-15pts); F Max Dorrington (Sr., 7g-7a-14pts) KEY LOSSES: F Cameron Buhl (9g-9a-18pts); G Emil Zetterquist (17-19-0, 2.64 GAA, .899 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: G Mason Kucenski (Madison Capitols, USHL); F Gunnar Thoreson (Minnesota Wilderness, NAHL); G Cameron Smith (PAL Junior Islanders, NCDC); G Ben Kraws (Tr., Arizona State, DI-Independent) 2023-24 PREDICTION: St. Lawrence is always going to be a factor in ECAC. Brent Brekke is one of the league’s best coaches, and nearly every major contributor except one or two players returned. The roster was deep enough to produce the team was deep enough last year to produce 16 different players with at least three goals, and significant victories down the stretch boosted the Saints into a first-round bye (see also: a 1-0 win at Cornell and the pair of 4-2 wins over Clarkson).
Based on all of that, it’s perfectly reasonable to expect St. Lawrence to earn another top-four spot and battle for a coveted first round bye seed in the ECAC postseason this year, but actually getting to that point should depend on several different factors. Even if the Saints stay exactly the same, the swirling winds around them are going to change, and the fact that they broke into the top four with a worse overall record than fifth-seeded Colgate was more dependent on the new-age mathematics of the modern era.
It didn’t hurt, either, that Clarkson dropped to sixth when it was supposed to contend for a league championship, but beyond debating the merits of a three-point, shootout structure, the fact remains that St. Lawrence did all the right things to gain a top-four spot.
The only question is if it can catch the right lightning in a bottle for a second time. Emil Zetterquist’s departure from playing thousands of minutes for the program created a well-expected hole, but Ben Kraws is a well-traveled goalie that won 12 games for Arizona State in 2021-2022 after starting his career with Miami. His last year of eligibility should help patch the position over until either Mason Kucenski or Camerson Smith, who posted a 2.23 GAA with a .940 save percentage last year in juniors, takes over.
Other than that, SLU is basically back, and Gunnar Thoreson, a former 60-point scorer in juniors, already looks like a logical current or future replacement for Cameron Buhl.
Couple it all with a schedule that’s backloaded with brutal weekends, and it stands to reason that the Saints will march their way right back into the ECAC mix. The fact that their year ends by going Cornell-Colgate on the road, Quinnipiac-Princeton at home, Harvard-Dartmouth on the road, Colgate-Cornell at home, and Princeton-Quinnipiac on the road is enough to maybe knock them down a couple of pegs into the end, though. PREDICTED FINISH: Sixth
Union players celebrate a goal in the Garnet Chargers’ 6-0 win over Army this past Sunday (photo: Army West Point Athletics).
UNION
HEAD COACH: Josh Hauge, entering his second season at Union LAST SEASON: 14-19-2 overall (8-13-1, 26 points, T-7th in ECAC) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: D John Prokop (So., 4g-19a-23pts); F Nate Hanley (So., 5g-16a-21pts); F Tyler Watkins (Sr., 9g-10a-19pts); F Josh Nixon (Jr., 11g-5a-16pts); D Cal Mell (So., 3g-12a-15pts) KEY LOSSES: G Connor Murphy (12-17-1, 3.34 GAA, .888 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: F Eli Pilosof (Pickering Panthers, OJHL); D Joey Potter (Fairbanks Ice Dogs, NAHL); G Aksel Reid (Springfield Jr. Blues, NAHL); F Cole Kodsi (Tr., Bentley University, Atlantic Hockey) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Union is a lot like a rebranded label this year where the newly-named Garnet Chargers are looking for the new look with that same great taste. This is a team that lost virtually nobody from its stat sheet or line chart – Nic Petruolo was the only transfer out of Schenectady that had considerable playing time in the program besides Chris Theodore, who transferred into Union from Atlantic Hockey’s AIC before leaving after his senior season this past year – and a team with its young leadership should at least ruffle some feathers during this year’s hockey season.
Is it enough to gain traction for something more than a first-round home game? That’s hard to tell, and it’s hard to judge much from last year because Josh Hauge was in his first year. Some of the losses might be attributable to growing pains for a young team learning how to gel with one another, so giving the entire program a chance to take a step forward is going to be fun to watch.
The opening game win over Army West Point was a statement, but there will be more to learn about Union when it hosts Connecticut at the end of October. The schedule to start the year is frisky in favor of the Garnet Chargers (almost typed Dutchmen there…sorry, there’s a learning curve for everyone), so there’s no way to count them out until we see what happens in those opening weeks. PREDICTED FINISH: Eighth
Bayard Hall will be an anchor on the Yale blue line this season (photo: Steve Musco).
YALE
HEAD COACH: Keith Allain, entering his 18th season at Yale LAST SEASON: 8-20-4 overall (6-14-2, 22 points, 10th in ECAC) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Ian Carpentier (Sr., 9g-8a-17pts); F David Chen (So., 8g-7a-15pts); F Briggs Gammill (4g-10a-14pts); F Reilly Connors (Sr., 7g-5a-12pts); D Bayard Hall (So., 2g-4a-6pts); G Luke Pearson (Jr., 5-9-4, 2.42 GAA, .918 SV%); G Nathan Reid (3-7-0, 2.88 GAA, .909 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Cole Donhauser (6g-7a-13pts); D Brandon Tabakin (2g-4a-6pts); D Michael Young (0g-5a-5pts); D Ryan Carmichael (2g-0a-2pts) KEY ADDITIONS: F David Andreychuk (Northeast Generals, NAHL); D Rhys Bentham (Cranbrook Bucks, BCHL); D Owen Forester (Milton Menace, OJHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Last year’s season in New Haven can be summarized along a very specific line of demarcation at the holiday break: anything prior to the Christmas-New Year’s Eve timeframe was essentially a loss with five points earned strictly from the first game’s win over Brown and the last game’s shootout win over Clarkson, and anything after the first of the year was a ridiculously competitive team that found its juice after resetting and looking internally at what worked and what failed.
I honestly remember talking to Keith Allain around the time that Yale had the overtime exhibition loss to the United States National Team Development Program. For four-plus games, the Bulldogs hadn’t scored, but they’d internally analyzed what happened by simply going back to the original starting point. It was a very serious inflection point, and from that moment, Yale started playing significantly better by beating Army, tying Merrimack, beating RPI and sweeping a home weekend against Clarkson and St. Lawrence.
Even down the stretch, a 4-0 win over Princeton and a 4-2 win over Colgate wasn’t anything to ignore, and of all those first round matchups, the No. 10 seed walked into Albany and soundly grabbed a 4-1 win before getting swept by Quinnipiac one round later.
An upward trajectory should have Yale in the hunt for home ice advantage, and with the right amount of risers and shakers in the league, the Bulldogs should decisively grab some wins where they’re decidedly overlooked by experts. As is the case with Ivy League schools, the front-loaded conference schedule is a trial-by-fire before a two-game swing out to Denver to play the Pioneers, but the December nonconference schedule against LIU, Merrimack, LIU again, and Boston University should show what Yale has to do to grab its next brass ring.
Nobody should be sleeping on Yale this year, and it looks like the post-COVID rebuild is both balanced and ready to swing into a second gear. Whether or not that allows the team to revisit its top echelon status yet is a debate, but pity the team that sees the Bulldogs slot into their postseason matchup, regardless of location. PREDICTED FINISH: 10th
Justen Close emerged as Minnesota’s No. 1 goaltender last season (photo: Minnesota Athletics).
The Big Ten made big strides last season, with a 55-21-2 record in nonconference play, the best winning percentage (.718) in D-I interleague play.
From top to nearly bottom, Big Ten Hockey was a force to be reckoned with, and four of the conference’s seven teams played their way into the NCAA tournament.
As the tournament unfolded, it was clear that the path to the national championship went through the Big Ten – “through” being the operative term.
To win their first-ever national championship last April, Quinnipiac first went through Michigan in a 5-2 semifinal match before toppling Minnesota 3-2 in overtime in the title game.
The Wolverines and Golden Gophers each made their second consecutive Frozen Four appearances last season. In 2022, both teams bowed out in semifinal action.
Minnesota coach Bob Motzko said his veterans know what it takes to play the last weekend of the season.
“They’ve been to two Frozen Fours, three straight tournaments,” said Motzko with this caveat: “We’ve got to get back in the tournament.”
“That is the fight. We can talk April all we want, but we have to take care of October first. Those are the games that help set you up to get into that thing.”
Given the talent that Minnesota is returning this season, there’s little doubt that the Gophers will work their way into the NCAA tournament next March, but will they run away with the Big Ten regular season title like they did last year?
Chasing Minnesota
The Big Ten coaches voted Minnesota No. 1 in their preseason poll for one very good reason: the Golden Gophers return nearly intact the team that everyone in B1G Hockey was chasing last year. One-third of the 18 players honored by the league in preseason are Golden Gophers.
Last year, the Gophers finished Big Ten play 19 points ahead of second-place Michigan, and they did that with 10 freshmen. Nine of last year’s rookies are returning.
“That’s a third of our team that is a year older,” said Motzko. “We’re way more efficient than we were a year ago at the start. Our communication’s on. It’s kind of more lively right now because we have more of a veteran group. There’s been an uptick in our start. I hope that carries through.”
And everyone else?
While Minnesota was running away with last year’s Big Ten title, five other conference teams beat spent the season beating each other up. Four points separated second-place Michigan from Michigan State and Penn State, who tied for fifth. In between were Ohio State and Notre Dame.
Like the Gophers, the Wolverines return a veteran team loaded with talent. Picked second in the preseason poll, Michigan may also be better for having last year’s Frozen Four experience.
Coach Brandon Naurato said that the Wolverines learned a valuable lesson in their 5-2 semifinal loss to Quinnipiac. Michigan had the second-best offense nationally last season but the 43rd-best defense.
Said Naurato, “We’re trying to clean up some stuff defensively and take more pride in that and be hard away from the puck.”
Picked third in the preseason poll, Michigan State gained respect for improvements under Adam Nightingale last year. Nightingale said that the Spartans are striving to build on that progress, which saw Michigan State finish above last place for the first time in two seasons, only the second time since 2015-16.
“One of the reasons we have a little bit of momentum is that our guys improved last year,” said Nightingale. “You can feel it. It’s exciting.”
With 10 freshmen and five transfers, half the Spartan team is new.
“I think the biggest task in any sport for any coach is trying to get the group to become a team,” said Nightingale. “We really like the group. They’re a competitive group. We wanted to add some speed and we felt like we’ve added some speed.”
Picked fourth, Notre Dame also welcomes many new faces this season. While the Fighting Irish are always solid defensively, coach Jeff Jackson hopes that newcomers will add depth to offense.
“We’re going to have seven, potentially eight freshmen in the lineup,” said Jackson. “Our young guys have given us more speed and energy early on.”
Ohio State is another team with many new faces. The Buckeyes, picked to finish last, have eight freshmen and seven transfers.
“I think they’re willing to put the work in,” said OSU coach Steve Rohlik. “To me, that’s the thing I look forward to. We’re just going to get better as the year goes on. I think we’ve got to be relentless.”
Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky is looking for the Nittany Lions to build on progress they made last season after two disappointing years.
“We’re saying it’s going to be a great year,” said Gadowsky, whose Nittany Lions were picked to finish sixth. “We’re either going to put it all together and have another precedent-setting season or we’re going to prepare to have a precedent-setting season. Either way, it’s going to be good.”
Not last, perhaps, and certainly not least
Mike Hastings became Wisconsin’s head coach after Tony Granato was let go at the end of last season, and the buzz surrounding Wisconsin hockey at the start of the year is justified. Hastings has posted winning seasons everywhere he’s served as head coach.
That may be one reason why the Badgers – who’d only had two winning seasons in Granato’s seven-year tenure – were picked to finish fifth by Big Ten coaches this season.
Hastings said there is another.
“The cupboards aren’t bare here,” said Hastings. “There’s good hockey players in this program.”
Hastings is optimistic about the season.
“I see a group of young men that want to get better,” he said. “They’re willing to do the work. We’re just trying to break down some barriers on how hard they have to work to be successful every day.
“I like the group. I think that they’re willing. I also like that they’re selfless and they care about their teammates.”
Gavin Brindley looks to be a top player this season for the Wolverines (photo: Michigan Photography).
MICHIGAN
HEAD COACH: Brandon Naurato (second season) LAST SEASON: 26-12-3, 12-10-2 B1G (2nd) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Gavin Brindley (So., 12-26—38), T.J. Hughes (So., 13-23—36), Frank Nazar (So., 2-5—7), Rutger McGroarty (So., 18-21—39); D Seamus Casey (So., 8-21—29), Steven Holtz (Sr., 1-6—7), Jacob Truscott (Sr., 4-12—16) KEY LOSSES: F Adam Fantilli (30-35—65), Mackie Samoskevich (20-23—43); D Luke Hughes (10-38—48), G Erik Portillo (25-11-2, 3.00 GAA, .908 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: F Nick Moldenhauer (USHL), Garrett Schifsky (USHL); D Tyler Duke (Ohio State), Marshall Warren (Boston College); G Andrew Albano (Norwich), Jacob Barczewski (Canisius) 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Wolverines were the most exciting team to watch in all of college hockey last season. Fast, high-scoring, and able to come from behind – and having to come from behind because their defense was so porous. Even without the combined 50 goals lost with the departure of Adam Fantilli and Mackie Samoskevich, Michigan returns an impressive offense. That defense, though, needs to play better end-to-end. As the season begins, three veteran goaltenders grace the roster – including two new transfers – and that may be the biggest factor in how Michigan’s season plays out. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 3rd
Michigan State players celebrate a goal last Saturday against Lake Superior State (photo: Take Your Shot Photography).
MICHIGAN STATE
HEAD COACH: Adam Nightingale (second season) LAST SEASON:18-18-2, 10-12-2 B1G (tied 5th) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Jeremy Davidson (Jr., 10-11—21), Karsen Dorwart (So., 10-17—27), Daniel Russell (8-22—30); D Matt Basgall (So., 4-13—17), David Gucciardi (Jr., 4-6—10), Nash Nienhuis (4-15—19) KEY LOSSES: F Jagger Joshua (13-11—34), Nicolas Muller (9-25—34); D Kole Krygier (6-10—16), Michael Underwood (1-4—5); G Dylan St. Cyr (17-18-2, 2.77 GAA, .918 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: F Isaac Howard (Minnesota Duluth), Owen Baker (USHL), Griffin Jurecki (USHL), Joey Larson (Northern Michigan), Reed Lebster (UMass), Gavin O’Connell (USHL), Red Savage (Miami); D James Crossman (Brown), Maxim Stbrak (USHL); G Trey Augustine (USNTDP) 2023-24 PREDICTION: I’m beginning to think that Adam Nightingale is a magician – or a talented alchemist, at the very least. Nightingale made the most of his team in his first season, significantly improving the Spartans in every aspect of play. This year, he makes the most of the portal, snagging impressive talent from a number of teams and making the most of his well-earned reputation as a developer of talent. One of Michigan State’s most exciting newcomers is freshman goaltender Trey Augustine, a Michigan native and second-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings. The Spartans will be solid everywhere – and they’ll match or outwork every team they play. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 2nd
Minnesota’s Jimmy Snuggerud scored four goals in a game last season (photo: Minnesota Athletics).
MINNESOTA
HEAD COACH: Bob Motzko (sixth season) LAST SEASON: 29-10-1, 19-4-1 B1G (1st) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Bryce Brodzinski (Gr., 19-12—31), F Jaxon Nelson (Gr., 10-17—27), Rhett Pitlick (Jr., 11-14—25), Mason Nevers (Sr., 10-13—23), Jimmy Snuggerud (So., 21-29—50); D Mike Koster (Sr., 6-23—29) and Luke Mittelstadt (So., 5-16—21); G Justen Close (Gr., 26-10-1, 2.02 GAA, .927) KEY LOSSES: F Logan Cooley (22-38—60); D Brock Faber (4-23—27), Jackson LaCombe (9-26—35) KEY ADDITIONS: F Jimmy Clark (USHL), Nick Michel (St. John’s University), Oliver Moore (USHL); D Sam Rinzel (USHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Golden Gophers return too many players from their excellent team a year ago to think that they won’t repeat their first-place Big Ten finish. In fact, they have an excellent chance of returning to the Frozen Four for their third consecutive year, especially hungry because they’re hosting in St. Paul. They return the core of the most productive and consistent offense in the NCAA last season and while the Gophers’ defense is young, it’s talented. If Minnesota doesn’t run away with the Big Ten again this season, it’ll be because other teams will have elevated their own games. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 1st
Notre Dame goalie Ryan Bischel was a finalist for the 2023 Mike Richter Award as the nation’s top goaltender (photo: Notre Dame Athletics).
NOTRE DAME
HEAD COACH: Jeff Jackson (19th season) LAST SEASON:16-16-5, 10-10-4 B1G (4th) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Justin Janicke (So., 7-7—14), Trevor Janicke (Gr., 8-14—22), Landon Slaggert (Sr., 7-6—13), D Drew Bavaro (Sr., 6-13—19), G Ryan Bischel (Gr., 16-16-4, 2.39 GAA, .931 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Chayse Primeau (8-15—23), Ryder Rolston (7-13—20); D Nick Leivermann (6-14—20) KEY ADDITIONS: F Patrick Moynihan (Providence), Brennan Ali (USHL), Cole Knuble (USHL), Danny Nelson (USHL); D Paul Fischer (USHL), Ryan Siedem (Harvard) 2023-24 PREDICTION: With Ryan Bischel in net, the Fighting Irish are in every game they play. He’s that good. Notre Dame plays solid team defense in front of Bischel – every Jeff Jackson team plays solid team defense – but to make noise this season, the Irish need scoring and a bit more speed. They think they have that with solid transfers and a trio of rookie forwards, including Cole Knuble (how he didn’t go higher than the fourth round of the 2023 NHL draft is a mystery). If the Irish can score as well as they can defend this season, they’ll be in the mix at the top of the Big Ten standings. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 5TH
Cam Thiesing looks to make a play during Ohio State’s weekend sweep over Michigan State last January (photo: Jay LaPrete).
OHIO STATE
HEAD COACH: Steve Rohlik (11th season) LAST SEASON: 21-16-3, 11-11-2 B1G (3rd) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Davis Burnside (14-7—21), Joe Dunlap (13-9—22), Steven Halliday (So., 9-32—41), Cam Thiesing (So., 15-5—20); D Scooter Brickey (Gr., 3-11—14) KEY LOSSES: F Tate Singleton (11-16—27), Jake Wise (12-27—39), D Tyler Duke (4-8—12), Cole McWard (9-12—21), Mason Lohrei (4-28—32), G Jakub Dobes (21-16-3, 2.31 GAA, .918 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: F Caden Brown (Wisconsin/USHL), Sam Deckhut (USHL), Riley Hughes (Northeastern), Max Montes (USHL); D Damien Carfagna (New Hampshire), Mason Klee (RPI), Brett Johnson (North Dakota), Nathan McBrayer (USHL), Theo Wallberg (Sweden J20 SuperElit); G Logan Terness (UConn) 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Buckeyes are picked to finish last in the Big Ten preseason coaches’ poll because someone has to be picked to finish last – and because Ohio State may have a few more unanswered questions than other B1G teams do. Goaltending is the big unknown for the Buckeyes after Jakub Dobes’ departure. Even with some offensive losses, Ohio State returns real talent up front, and the Buckeyes may have made excellent use of the portal to plug some gaps. There’s talent there, but is there chemistry? That’s another question. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 7th
Liam Souliere will be the No. 1 goalie this season for the Nittany Lions (Photo: Penn State Athletics).
PENN STATE
HEAD COACH: Guy Gadowsky (12th season) LAST SEASON: 22-16-1, 10-13-1 (tied 5th) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Xander Lamppa (Sr., 6-13—19), Ryan Kirwan (So., 8-9—17), Christian Sarlo (Sr., 7-10—17); D Christian Berger (Sr., 5-15—20), Jimmy Dowd (Sr., 4-15—19); G Liam Souliere (Sr., 19-15-1, 2.43 GAA, .917 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Ture Linden (11-18—29), Connor MacEachern (12-15—27), Connor McMenamin (9-15—24), Kevin Wall (17-14—31); D Paul DeNaples (3-7—10) KEY ADDITIONS: F Jacques Bouquot (Vermont), Matt DeMarsico (USHL), Dane Dowiak (USHL), Aiden Fink (AJHL), Tanner Palocsik (Dartmouth) 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Nittany Lions looked like their old selves again last year, like the high-flying, risk-taking, confident team they were pre-COVID. They’re returning a good core of talented players, too, with some promising newcomers and transfers to round out their roster. If I had to guess, I’d say the Big Ten coaches picked Penn State to finish low because they’re waiting to see if the Nittany Lions can sustain that progress. I like everything about this team, from the net out. Two things may put Penn State near the bottom of the Big Ten standings this season. The first is a lack of consistency. Even if the Nittany Lions play consistently good hockey this year, they may find themselves on the wrong side of a point or two, which is all that may separate teams in the end. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 6th
Wisconsin opened the 2023-24 season at home Oct. 7 with a win over Augustana (photo: Tom Lynn).
WISCONSIN
HEAD COACH: Mike Hastings (first season) LAST SEASON: 13-23-0, 6-18-0 (7th) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Cruz Lucius (So., 11-23—34), Mathieu De St. Phalle (Sr., 13-17—30); D Tyson Jugnauth (So., 5-10—15), Daniel Laatsch (Jr., 1-6—7); G Kyle McClellan (Sr., 3-6-0, 3.57 GAA, .883 SV%) KEY LOSSES: D Corson Ceulemans (8-15—23), G Jared Moe (10-17-0, 3.31 GAA, .898 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: F Christian Fitzgerald (Minnesota State), David Silye (Minnesota State), William Whitelaw (USHL); D Brady Cleveland (USNTDP), Zach Schulz (USNTDP); G William Gramme (NAHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: There is so much to like about this Wisconsin team. The Badgers may have had just six conference wins last season, but half of them came in their last three regular-season series, one each against Minnesota, Michigan State and Penn State, games in which they limited their opponents to a collective four goals. They also forced Michigan to come from behind in the first game of the B1G playoffs, and although they lost that game and the series, the Badgers scored nine goals in two games against the Wolverines. Now Wisconsin can build on that momentum with a coach who’s never had a losing season in his 25-year career. There are holes to fill – in net, especially – but there is talent and Wisconsin can score. I’m not betting against them. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 4th
Cutter Gauthier was a star freshman last season for Boston College (photo: John Quackenbos).
Boston has always been the geographic hub and spiritual home of Hockey East.
The city hosts the conference championship every spring, three of its member schools are located right in the city and four more are less than an hour away.
This year Boston could very well be where the best hockey in the league is played. The top four in the men’s coaches’ preseason poll features the three city schools — Boston University (No. 1), Boston College (2) and Northeastern (4) — with the fourth, Merrimack (3), located just up Rte. 28 in North Andover. The top-ranked Terriers also got the nod as the No. 1 team in the country in the preseason USCHO.com D-I poll.
Commissioner Steve Metcalf, now in his fourth year at the helm as Hockey East marks its fourth decade of existence, said that while success is gauged in numerous ways other than what’s on the scoreboard, it’s the way the conference performs on the ice that will ultimately prove its standing nationally.
“We feel we have a really deep and strong league,” said Metcalf. “Lots of good return players, some real superstars coming into the league.”
BU took the conference’s hope for its eighth NCAA championship since 2000 all the way to the Frozen Four last year, losing to Minnesota 6-2 in the national semifinal in Tampa. The Terriers were led by Lane Hutson, Hockey East’s top scorer as a freshman with nine goals and 25 assists. Hutson, along with Merrimack’s Alex Jeffries (13-17-30 in 2022-23), Northeastern’s Justin Hryckowian (14-15-29) and BC’s Cutter Gauthier (12-13-25) are among the returning stars expected to have lengthy stays atop the Hockey East scoring leaders.
With six teams in the USCHO.com top 20 in the first week of Dec. 2022, Hockey East was cruising and poised to send a glut of teams to the NCAA tournament. Then the league, collectively, hit a skid with numerous non-conference losses. It was a hole Hockey East couldn’t climb out of and wound up sending only two schools — BU and Merrimack — to the 16-team NCAA tournament field.
It’s a scenario Metcalf would like to see Hockey East avoid this year.
“We really have to make hay at the beginning of the year with some of our non-conference games, and make sure we take care of the games we’re favored in and get some results on the road, which will pay dividends throughout the year,” he said. “Then we can realistically get more excited about what success will look like.”
While Hockey East lost a bona fide superstar in Northeastern goalie Devon Levi, who won the Mike Richter award as the nation’s top goalie in 2021-22 and currently minding the net for Buffalo of the NHL, there remains plenty of goaltending talent in the league. UMass Lowell’s Henry Welsch was second to Levi in goals-against average in conference play (1.87) while Merrimack’s Hugo Ollas was second (to Levi) in save percentage (.929). The pair joins Maine’s Victor Osman as netminders to watch this season.
As for coaches, Jay Pandolfo and Greg Brown each enter their second seasons at BU and BC, respectively, while Maine’s Ben Barr is now in his third season. Steve Wiedler takes over at Vermont on an interim basis after the sudden removal of Todd Woodcroft, and has a chance at the job on a permanent basis, according to UVM athletic department officials.
Eamon Powell will serve as BC’s captain this season (photo: John Quackenbos).
BOSTON COLLEGE
HEAD COACH: Greg Brown (second season) LAST SEASON: 14-16-6 (8-11-5 Hockey East, eighth, lost in quarterfinals of conference tournament) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sophomore forwards Cutter Gauthier (18-21-37) and Andre Gasseau (10-19-29), and sophomore defenseman Lukas Gustafsson (3-16-19) KEY LOSSES: Forward Nikita Nesterenko (13-21-34) and Cam Burke (2-8-10) and goalie Mitch Benson (14-15-0, .904, 2.82) KEY ADDITIONS: Freshman forwards Ryan Leonard, Gabriel Perreault and Will Smith (USA Hockey’s NTDP) 2023-24 PREDICTION: A significant influx of new talent will bode well for the Eagles this season, coach Greg Brown’s second after taking over for longtime skipper Jerry York. Three first-round 2023 NHL Draft picks highlight BC’s freshman class — Will Smith (4th, San Jose), Ryan Leonard (8th, Washington) and Gabriel Perreault (23rd, NY Rangers). Cutter Gauthier — drafted fifth overall by Philadelphia in last year’s NHL Draft — makes a strong case as the player to watch in Hockey East. JD’s PREDICTION: Second
Lane Hutson had a phenomenal rookie season at BU in 2022-23 (photo: Matt Woolverton).
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
HEAD COACH: Jay Pandolfo (second season) LAST SEASON: 29-11-0 (18-6-0 Hockey East, first, won conference tournament, lost in national semifinals) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Grad student defenseman Case McCarthy (3-12-15), sophomore forwards Devin Kaplan (10-13-23), Quinn Hutson (15-13-28) and Ryan Greene (9-22-31), junior defenseman Ty Gallagher (3-18-21), sophomore defenseman Lane Hutson (15-33-48), senior forward Nick Zabaneh (8-4-12), and grad student forward Sam Stevens (8-10-18) KEY LOSSES: Forwards Matt Brown (16-31-47) and Wilmer Skoog (16-15-31), defenseman Domenick Fensore (9-22-31), and goalie Drew Commesso (24-8-0, .913, 2.46) KEY ADDITIONS: Freshman forward Macklin Celebrini (Chicago, USHL) and freshman defenseman Aiden Celebrini (Brooks, AJHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Nothing short of a return trip to the Frozen Four is the goal for the Terriers this season — anointed the preseason No. 1 team in the conference and the country — in their second year under Jay Pandolfo. BU is loaded with returners, including last year’s league scoring champ and tournament MVP Lane Hutson and Ryan Greene who, with Hutson, was an all-rookie team selection in 2022-23. JD’s PREDICTION: First
Matthew Wood was a first-round pick of Nashville this past summer (photo: UConn Athletics).
CONNECTICUT
HEAD COACH: Mike Cavanaugh (11th season) LAST SEASON: 20-12-2 (13-9-2, fourth, lost in quarterfinals of conference tournament) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Junior forward Chase Bradley (10-10-20), senior defenseman Andrew Lucas (2-22-24), senior forward Hudson Schandor (11-21-32) and sophomore forward Matthew Wood 11-23-24) KEY LOSSES: Forward Ryan Tverberg (15-15-30) KEY ADDITIONS: Senior goalie Ethan Haider (Clarkson, ECAC Hockey) 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Huskies return their top two scorers from last season in Matthew Wood and Hudson Schandor. Ethan Haider, one of the top goalies in the transfer portal, was 16-16-3 at Clarkson with a 2.51 goals-against average and .906 save percentage, will compete for ice time with sophomore Arsenii Sergeev. Defensively, UConn will be anchored by Andrew Lucas, who had 22 assists last season. JD’s PREDICTION: Fourth
Nolan Renwick put up 20 points last season for Maine (photo: Sophia Santamaria).
MAINE
HEAD COACH: Ben Barr (third season) LAST SEASON: 15-16-4 (9-11-3 Hockey East, seventh, lost in conference tourney first round). KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Graduate forward Ben Poisson (9-17-26), senior forwards Donavan Villenueve-Houle (9-20-19) and Lynden Breen (21-15-36), senior goalie Victor Ostman (14-12-4, 2.21, .918), junior forward Nolan Renwick (9-11-20) and sophomore defenseman Grayson Arnott (2-9-11) KEY LOSSES: Defenseman Jakub Sirota (6-10-16) KEY ADDITIONS: Freshman forward Bradly Nadeau (Penticton, BCHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Perhaps no team in Hockey East exceeded expectations in 2022-23 more than the Black Bears. Picked to finish near the bottom of the pack, Maine fell one game short of a .500 season. Maine returns three of its top four scorers from last season, plus a veteran goalie in Victor Ostman. JD’s PREDICTION: Seventh
UMass’ Scott Morrow gets the TD Garden crowd going in the Minutemen’s win over UMass Lowell in a Hockey East semifinal matchup in March 2022 (photo: Rich Gagnon).
MASSACHUSETTS
HEAD COACH: Greg Carvel (eighth season). LAST SEASON: 13-17-5 (7-14-3, ninth, lost in conference tourney first round). KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Junior forward Taylor Makar (10-2-12), sophomore forwards Kenny Connors (9-17-26) and Cole O’Hara (4-13-17), goalie Cole Brady (4-5-0, 3.10, .907), and junior defensemen Ryan Ufko (8-16-24) and Scott Morrow (9-22-31). KEY LOSSES: Goalie Luke Pavicich (8-10-4, 2.75, .920). KEY ADDITIONS: Freshman forwards Dans Locmelis (Luleå HF J20) and Aydar Suniev (Penticton, BCHL). 2023-24 PREDICTION: Things got off to a promising start for the Minutemen last season with back-to-back wins over then-defending national champion Denver. The team then hit a skid in late fall and never recovered. To get back to prominence they will look to Scott Morrow and Ryan Ufko for defensive reinforcement, and a bevy of highly touted newcomers. JD’s PREDICTION: Ninth.
Henry Welsch will be the go-to goaltender this season for UML (photo: Rich Gagnon/UMass Lowell Athletics).
UMASS LOWELL
HEAD COACH: Norm Bazin (13th season)
LAST SEASON: 18-15-3 (11-10-3 Hockey East, fifth, lost in conference tournament semifinals).
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sophomore forward Scout Truman (8-6-14), senior defenseman Ben Meehan (4-13-17), junior defenseman Isac Jonsson (5-12-17) and senior goalie Henry Welsch (6-6-1, 2.25, 916).
KEY LOSSES: Goalie Gustavs Davis Grigals (12-9-2, 2.05, .924) and forward Carl Berglund (12-15-27).
KEY ADDITIONS: Junior goalie Luke Pavicich (UMass-Amherst)
2023-24 PREDICTION: Lowell lost a big chunk of its scoring punch from last season and could struggle putting up numbers against some of the league’s heavy hitters. The River Hawks will get help between the pipes from intra-state transfer Luke Pavicich, who went 9-11-4 in two seasons for UMass with a 2.75 GAA and .920 save percentage last year. Isac Jonsson is a strong defensive anchor.
JD’s PREDICTION: Eighth.
Zach Borgiel earned 13 wins for Merrimack in 2022-23 (photo: Jim Stankiewicz).
MERRIMACK
HEAD COACH: Scott Borek (sixth season) LAST SEASON: 23-14-1 (16-8-0, second, lost in conference tournament final, lost in first round of NCAA tournament) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Junior goalie Hugo Ollas (10-9-0, 2.32, .915), senior goalie Zach Borgiel (13-5-1, 2.08, .919), senior defenseman Christian Felton (2-4-6), grad student forward Ben Brar (14-12-26), senior forward Alex Jefferies (14-27-41) and junior forward Matt Copponi (14-15-29) KEY LOSSES: Defenseman Slava Demin (3-13-16) KEY ADDITIONS: Grad student forward Chase Stevenson (UNH, Hockey East) 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Warriors’ look to make it back-to-back trips to the Division I NCAA tournament for the first time in program history. Helping their cause will be the team’s top three scorers from last season — Alex Jefferies, Matt Copponi and Ben Brar. Also back for the ride are the goaltending tandem of Hugo Ollas and Zach Borgiel. JD’s PREDICTION: Third
Colton Huard has proven to be a steady force on the back end for UNH (photo: Chris Wong).
NEW HAMPSHIRE
HEAD COACH: Mike Souza (sixth season) LAST SEASON: 11-21-2 (6-15-2 Hockey East, 10th) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior defenseman Nikolai Jenson (1-9-10), junior defensemen Alex Gagne (1-8-9) and Colton Huard (3-16-19), sophomore forward Cy LeClerc (13-7-20), junior forward Liam Devlin (12-12-24) and sophomore goalie Tyler Muszelik (4-7-2, 3.24, .883) KEY LOSSES: Forwards Chase Stevenson (12-8-20), Jake Dunlap (3-4-7) and Kristaps Skrastins (3-3-6), goalie David Fessenden (7-14-1, 2.65, .911) and defenseman Damien Carfagna (6-10-16) KEY ADDITIONS: Junior goalie Jakob Hellsten (North Dakota, NCHC) 2023-24 PREDICTION: It’s hard to believe it has been 10 seasons since UNH, once a conference heavyweight, has posted a winning season in Hockey East play. To reverse that trend, the Wildcats will rely on last year’s top two scorers, Cy LeClerc and Liam Devlin and defensive key Colton Huard. JD’s PREDICTION: Ninth
Justin Hryckowian will be an impact forward for Northeastern (photo: Rich Gagnon).
NORTHEASTERN
HEAD COACH: Jerry Keefe (third season) LAST SEASON: 17-13-5 (14-7-3 Hockey East, third, lost in conference tournament quarterfinals) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (10-20-30), sophomore forwards Jack Williams (6-11-17) and Cam Lund (7-16-23), sophomore defenseman Hunter McDonald (1-13-14) and junior forward Justin Hryckowian (15-21-36). KEY LOSSES: Forward Aiden McDonough (20-18-38) and goalie Devon Levi (17-12-5, 2.24, .933) KEY ADDITIONS: Grad student Matthew Staudacher (Minnesota) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Despite losing two megastars in Aiden McDonough (the team’s top scorer and the league’s fourth last year), the Huskies still have a lot left in the cupboard with Justin Hryckowian (tied for fourth in league scoring with his teammate McDonough last year), Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and Cam Lund among the scoring threats. JD’s PREDICTION: Fifth.
Brady Berard figures to be a major cog in the Providence offense this season (photo: Lydia Vigneau).
PROVIDENCE
HEAD COACH: Nate Leaman (13th season) LAST SEASON: 16-14-7 (9-9-6 Hockey East, sixth, lost in conference tournament semifinals) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sophomore defenseman Austen May (3-1-4), junior defenseman Taige Harding (4-13-17), sophomore forwards Brady Berard (1-2-3) and Bennett Schimek (11-9-20), sophomore goalie Philip Svedebäck (14-11-7, 2.18, .909). KEY LOSSES: Forwards Brett Berard (10-14-24) and Parker Ford (12-14-26) and defenseman Max Crozier (3-21-24) KEY ADDITIONS: Junior forward Matt Hubbarde (Dartmouth, ECAC Hockey), grad student Cal Kiefiuk (UMass, Hockey East) 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Friars lost their top three scorers from last season, which will be tough to overcome, but still feature a solid offensive core with Taige Harding and Bennett Schimek expected to lead the charge. Philip Svedebäck provides veteran leadership in goal. JD’s PREDICTION: Sixth
Will Zapernick looks to have a solid senior season for the Catamounts (photo: Ed Wolfstein).
VERMONT
HEAD COACH: Steve Wiedler (first season) LAST SEASON: 11-20-5 (5-16-3, 11th, lost in conference tourney quarterfinals) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sophomore forward Jens Richards (3-1-4), senior forward Will Zapernick (6-10-16) and senior goalie Gabe Carriere (9-12-3, 2.49, .914) KEY LOSSES: Defenseman Robbie Stucker (3-11-14) and forward Isak Walther (9-10-19) KEY ADDITIONS: Grad student defenseman Jérémie Bucheler (Northeastern, Hockey East) 2023-24 PREDICTION: It will be a rebuilding year for the Catamounts, who hope to use a surprise upset in the first round of last year’s conference tourney as a springboard of continued improvement under first-year coach Steve Wiedler. Will Zapernick is always a scoring threat and Gabe Carriere has the makings of a solid netminder. JD’s PREDICTION: Eleventh
Minnesota played host to Bemidji State in an exhibition matchup on Oct. 8 at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, Minn. (photo: Jim Rosvold/USCHO.com).
Each week during the season, we look at the big events and big games around Division I men’s college hockey in Tuesday Morning Quarterback.
Jim: To Dan – and all of our readers – welcome back to college hockey season!
It’s great to have the first weekend of play in back of us for many college hockey teams. And what a way to begin the season than to have a top-10 battle between defending national champion Quinnipiac and perennial power Boston College go to overtime.
Ultimately, the Eagles prevailed on a late goal by Cutter Gauthier, putting a slight damper on the banner-raising night for the Bobcats, but that was a heck of a way to kick off the season.
I felt like it was a weekend of great storylines. In addition to that battle in Hamden, you had Mike Hastings coaching his first two games at Wisconsin and his Badgers earning two shutouts over Augustana. You had the return of Robert Morris to Division I hockey after a two-year absence with a weekend split with Bowling Green.
And you had the nation’s top recruit, Macklin Celebrini, needing about 27 minutes to notch what will probably be his first of many collegiate goals in No. 1 Boston University’s 3-2 overtime win against Bentley.
What stood out most for you? Or are you simply happy just to have college hockey back?
Dan: First of all, a good hearty good season to you and all of us who are back on this wonderful journey to a national championship.
I think the feeling I had when I walked into the Bentley Arena on Saturday told me everything. Seeing people I hadn’t seen in months, looking at familiar logos and uniforms, seeing the warmups – it all felt new and fresh while remaining familiar. I was overjoyed, and the fact that Boston University – the No. 1 team in the nation – was there made it all the more special, especially since I grew up going to games at Walter Brown Arena. I wished I could have bottled the feeling, especially since I was overexhausted from some residuals from being sick.
But what stood out for me was simply the unknown. Coaches preach about how every season is brand new, but it’s always been more than just coachspeak cliches for me. No team starts the season in an exact continuation of what happened last year, and the progression and changeover is what makes the first days so unclear. I’d love to sit back and say that we all knew Boston College was going to bring some thump to the defending national champions, but we didn’t know – nor do we still know – if BC is going to be that good or if Quinnipiac is taking a step back or if there’s any championship hangover or anything. We don’t know any of that.
I guess that’s why I don’t ever put a ton of stock in these first couple of weeks. A team like St. Thomas can beat St. Cloud, but that doesn’t mean the Tommies are championship material, nor does it mean that the sky’s falling on St. Cloud. Bentley can take BU to overtime, and it doesn’t mean that the Terriers are a paper No. 1 or that Andy Jones solved the missing riddles for an Atlantic Hockey team. Alaska-Anchorage can beat UMass-Lowell, and it’s not much more than a good feeling in the Great White North. It’s a time to be happy – or unhappy – and nothing more than that to me.
That said, the first weekend gave us at least a few things for good, quality overreactions. Give me your hottest take and your biggest overreaction from the first weekend – mostly so I can hold it against you in three months.
Jim: Oh, I love that you’re asking for blackmail material this early in the season, but I’ll take the bait.
Both my takes come from the Big Ten. First, and I said this on the Weekend Review podcast yesterday, I think Michigan State is the most improved team in the country. Adam Nightingale has done a fantastic job tapping into the recruiting pipeline and brought in a very strong freshman class. That take, though, isn’t that sexy given that USCHO poll voters already had the Spartans a top ten team in the preseason poll.
The take that is definitely an overreaction relates to Sparty’s natural rival, Michigan. A 4-2 loss at home to open the season on Saturday was followed up with a 5-1 lead nearly slipping away (Michigan did hold on for a 5-4 win) the next day is a little concerning. Allowing four goals per game on the weekend makes me think one thing: Erik Portillo is no longer in net.
Now, I should give Michigan’s opponent Providence some credit. I think the Friars might be the best sixth-place team in any conference’s preseason coaches poll. But you asked for an overreaction, so I gave you one.
Now, I’ll put you on the spot. And you need to be original. Give me your takes from week one that I’ll remind you of in April in St. Paul when it crashes and burns.
Dan: Here’s a blistering take for you…
Remember when we had the Frozen Four in Boston a couple of years ago? I made a joke about how ironic it was to have four western teams playing for a national championship in Boston. I’ll never forget the electricity of watching BU play for the title in the Garden since it felt like an extra home rink for that team, and the fact that it was an all-Hockey East final that year with Providence, which won the title, added to the down-home sell-out crowd feeling.
We were robbed of that when we had an all-Minnesota semifinal game between Minnesota State and the Gophers and a second game between Denver and Michigan that wound up going to overtime. No matter how good those games were, and that was a fun final, I can’t imagine what would’ve happened if there were multiple Beanpot schools playing for the title in that scenario.
So here’s the take: an all-eastern final in Minnesota this year. I legitimately think Hockey East could run six or seven teams deep this year, and even if it’s only four or five that get into the tournament, I think the league is loaded compared to last year when there were two teams in the tournament. I think BC and BU are both playing with immense pressure and expectations that they could conceivably live up to, and Northeastern is separating itself as a perennial powerhouse capable of going on runs. Merrimack went to the tournament last year and is emerging from the pack, and we all know that UMass is bound to rebound from last year’s struggle. Count Providence and UMass Lowell in there, and you’ve got a league capable of slapping four or five teams into the tournament.
But remember what I said here – an all-eastern final. And while I don’t think Quinnipiac is going to have the same magic as last season, I think Cornell has the back end capable of dominating teams. Clarkson should be significantly better than last year and has the core of a team that should have competed for a championship last year, and Harvard is always a factor. Count a step forward, and ECAC is still a league capable of swiping three or four spots in the tournament.
The Big Ten is always going to be a factor, but I think the tide is shifting back east. Bold statement: we’re all going to Minnesota to crash the “pahty” with a heavy dose of Dunkin.’
Imagine what the “state of hockey” would do if the four Beanpot schools made the Frozen Four.
Jim: Well, if when you and I write TMQ the readers didn’t think we had an eastern bias, they do now. Nice job, Skippy.
Bringing things back west a little, two western teams that earned sweeps that we should discuss are Wisconsin and Denver. We mentioned the Badgers a bit already, but it impresses me that the Mike Hastings school of defense lived on in weekend one with the Badgers. And Denver made the long trip to Fairbanks and came away with two ‘W’s.
I really like this year’s Denver team. David Carle has put out a consistent product in his entire career as head coach and this year’s club has a lot on both sides of the puck.
Are they your favorite in the NCHC or are you ready to go in another direction?
Dan: I adhere to a major line of thinking when it comes to conference preseasons: the champion is always the champion until someone says otherwise.
That doesn’t devalue the regular season by any stretch, but it does mean that Denver opens the season as the league’s favorite until someone proves to me that they’re ready to step to the forefront of the conference race.
Trips up to Alaska are significantly more difficult than people realize. Fairbanks, especially, is isolated from the rest of the college hockey world, and the Nanooks play particularly well on home ice. Heading up there requires a bit of travel for everyone, and success in early weeks at Alaska is a good way to forge a team’s individual culture. Denver entered the year as the favorite, but the way that team won the games this weekend is a potential sign of things to come.
Dominant as usual, I feel like Denver rolled last year right into this year with that straight line of offseason tinkering and improvement, and it’s going to be a tough sled for anyone to unseat the team in the NCHC.
That, I guess, brings me to the last point. It’s early, so the missive for the upcoming season is towards the rest of the NCHC. We know Denver is going to be very good, but I feel like the rest of the league needs to close the gap over the course of the season. The conference has been lights out since it started in 2013, but last year was an awkward shift to the Big Ten, ECAC and Hockey East over the NCHC’s usual dominance. It was the first time the league didn’t produce a Frozen Four team, and it felt like a few teams spun their wheels in the mud as the season went along.
Again, we’re early, but that HAS to be the mission this year. Denver is going to be very good, but the only way to catch that lot is to claw and close the gap. Nobody, especially tough eastern leagues, is going to open the door (shoutout my eastern bias again).
I know the talent is there. I’m interested to see what happens in these early weeks with Minnesota Duluth playing Northern Michigan this week and North Dakota heading to the Ice Breaker. St. Cloud split with St. Thomas last week, but the series against Minnesota State this weekend could push some momentum. Western Michigan-Ferris, Union-Colorado College, even Miami-Canisius. These are all important games for the league’s overall profile for this season.
Hosts Jim Connelly, Derek Schooley, and Ed Trefzger discuss the results of the weekend and the news of the week on the October 9, 2023 edition of USCHO Weekend Review:
• No. 6 Boston College spoils No. 2 Quinnipiac’s banner-raising night with a 2-1 overtime win in Hamden.
• No. 18 Providence and No. 5 Michigan split their two-game series in Ann Arbor
• No. 1 Boston University requires OT to survive on the road at Bentley, 3-2
• Michigan State swept Lake Superior State, 5-2, 4-2
• Robert Morris returns after two-year absence
St. Thomas impressive in 5-4 OT win, 1-0 loss vs. No. 8 St. Cloud State
• Wisconsin gets first two wins of Mike Hastings era with two shutouts of Augustana
Niagara’s Shane Ott has enjoyed two solid seasons on Monteagle Ridge (photo: Niagara Athletics).
As Atlantic Hockey kicks off its 21st season, more changes are in store.
Robert Morris returns after a two-year absence, restoring the number of programs to 11. This means a new scheduling plan as well as a new playoff format.
There are also changes in administration, with a new commissioner and a new supervisor of officials.
New beginnings with an old friend
On Oct. 7, Robert Morris hosts Bowling Green in its return to the NCAA Division I ranks after a two-year absence.
Coach Derek Schooley built a team from scratch once before, in 2004-05, his first as head coach.
This time, he has a couple of additional tools: the transfer portal and process, which doesn’t require transfers to sit out a year as it once did, as well as a fifth year of eligibility granted to players impacted by COVID-shortened seasons.
His team has been assembled from a trio of players from the 2020-21 squad that stayed at RMU, three more who joined last year and redshirted, 10 transfers, and 13 freshmen.
Another big difference from the first time Schooley built a team is the winning tradition that he and RMU have established, something that took several years. How long it will take this time remains to be seen.
“We’re picked 10th, but I think we can challenge for a first-round bye,” said Schooley. “Do I think it’s going to take a while (to get back to where the program was)? I don’t know if it is.”
New faces at the top
New Atlantic Hockey (and College Hockey America) commission Michelle Morgan formally took over the helm on Aug. 1, after being selected to replace original commissioner Bob DeGregorio, who retired after 20 seasons leading the conference.
Morgan plans to streamline operations by merging the CHA and AHA, which already share staff. There are plans for a rebranding once the merger occurs.
“The merger will include a comprehensive brand audit,” said Morgan. “A new brand identity and a little bit of a facelift for the logo.”
Morgan says she looks forward to “opportunities to better tell our stories, showcasing the special things that our league is doing.”
The conference’s strength is its diversity, according to the new commissioner.
“We have large, we have small,” Morgan said. “We have service academies, we have public, we have private. In addition to the traditional geographic footprint, there are a lot of demographic differences. However, the common thread that brings us all together is the support and the love for the game of hockey.”
As for what happens on the ice, Morgan points to the parity in the league as a strength.
“We’re one of the most balanced leagues in college hockey,” she said. “This season, its are as wide open as it’s ever been. We have four teams receiving first votes in our league’s preseason poll, and also four teams receiving votes in the USCHO preseason poll.”
Also new to the league’s administrative staff is Eugene Binda, Jr., who took over as supervisor of officials on July 1. Binda Jr. succeeds his father, Eugene Binda, Sr., who also retired at the end of last season.
“We’re delighted to bring on another Binda,” said Morgan. “He brings a lot of experience as a formal official who spent a lot of time on the ice in different leagues at different levels.”
Tenure track
Mercyhurst coach Rick Gotkin is entering his 36th season as the Lakers’ coach, the longest tenure of any active Division I Hockey coach. Bob Daniels at Ferris State (32 years) and Quinnipiac’s Rand Pecknold (30 years) are next.
In all, Atlantic Hockey coaches have a combined 172 years of coaching experience (which is down from last season due to Ryan Soderquist leaving Bentley after 21 seasons).
Besides Gotkin, coaches in the league with 20 years or more of experience as a head coach include Frank Serratore (27 years at Air Force and four years at Denver), Wayne Wilson (25 years at RIT), and Brian Riley (20 years at Army West Point).
For comparison, Atlantic Hockey’s average of 15.63 years per school is tops in Division I behind ECAC (15.09 years) and the Big Ten (15.00 years).
Everybody’s back in
Now back to 11 teams, the league will move on from last year’s playoff format that limited its postseason tournament to the top eight teams in the standings. Last year Atlantic Hockey also eliminated the neutral site, final four format for the semifinals and championship. All rounds were held on campus.
This season, all eleven teams will make the conference tournament, which will again be entirely on campus. This adds another weekend to the postseason.
The opening round will be single elimination between seeds six through 11 on March 2, with the winners advancing to the quarterfinal round, which will be March 8-10 at seeds one through four.
The semifinal round is also best-of-three, taking place at the highest remaining seeds on March 15-17, with the single-game championship hosted by the highest surviving seed on March 23.
Luke Rowe will again serve as a co-captain this season for Air Force (photo: Air Force Athletics).
AIR FORCE
HEAD COACH: Frank Serratore (27th season at Air Force) LAST SEASON: 12-22-2, 8-17-1 (10th in Atlantic Hockey) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Will Gavin (Sr., 11g-11a-22pts); D Luke Rowe (Sr., 7g-17a-24pts); G Guy Blessing (Jr., 6-8-1, 3.23 GAA, .888 SV%); G Maiszon Balboa (Jr., 4-6, 3.07 GAA, .894 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Willie Reim (11g-15a-26pts); D Brandon Koch (6g-18a-24pts) KEY ADDITIONS: D James Callahan (Springfield Jr. Blues, NAHL); D Will Starling (Dubuque Fighting Saints, USHL); G Dominik Wasik (Steinback Pistons, MJHL), G Carter Clafton (Amarillo Wranglers, NAHL), F Brendon Gibbons (Maine Nordiques, NAHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: The 2021-22 season was supposed to be rough for a young Falcons squad, which defied expectations and made it to the Atlantic Hockey championship game.
But last season was a return to earth, culminating in a last-place finish.
But with only a few key losses, including all-league defenseman Brandon Koch, who transferred to Minnesota State for his fifth year, expect the Falcons to be better.
“Obviously we didn’t have the year we wanted to and that’s on us,” said Serratore. “Looking at what’s coming back and coming in, we’ve got 11 freshmen, but we’ve also got nine seniors.” 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: Eighth
Eric Lang is entering his ninth season behind the AIC bench (USCHO file photo).
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL
HEAD COACH: Eric Lang (ninth season) LAST SEASON: 18-14-7, 14-8-4 (2nd in Atlantic Hockey) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Jordan Biro (Sr., 11g-20a-31pts); D Brian Kramer (Sr., 6g-17a-23pts); F Timofei Khokhlachev (So., 7g-5a-12pts); D Evan Stella (2g-13a-15pts) KEY LOSSES: F Blake Bennett (22g-13a-35pts); F Nick Cardelli (11g-11a-22pts); G Jarred Fiske (10-8-6, 2.38 GAA,.923 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: F Hunter Longhi (Minot Minotauros, NAHL); F Dario Beljo (Brooks Bandits, AJHL); F Logan Jenuwine (Lake Superior State, transfer); F Blake Wells (UMass Lowell, transfer) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Last year was more of a reload than a rebuild for the Yellow Jackets, who fell short of their bid for a fifth consecutive regular season and fourth straight playoff title but still finished second in the standings.
Lang says that there’s more stability on his roster this year, as well as some key new additions.
“We’re returning 80% of our goal-scoring from last season,” he said. “And getting back to our international roots with 12 players from Europe.”
Senior forward Jordan Biro (31 points) and classmate, defenseman Brian Kramer (23 points), pace the returners.
For the first time in five seasons, the Yellow Jackets will be the hunters and not the hunted.
“It’s a bit of a change in attitude,” said Lang. “It’s about finding our competitive advantage.” 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: Second
Army West Point goalie Gavin Abric has been stellar in recent times for the Black Knights (photo: Army Athletics).
ARMY WEST POINT
HEAD COACH: Brian Riley (20th season) LAST SEASON: 14-19-4, 12-12-2 (5th in Atlantic Hockey) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Max Itagaki (So., 4g-29a-33pts); G Gavin Abric (Sr., 7-14-3; 3.23 GAA; .901 SV%); F Joey Baez (Jr., 21g-7a-28pts); F Ricky Lyle (Sr., 13g-11a-24pts) KEY LOSSES: D Anthony Firriolo (5g-24a-29pts); F John Keranen (11g-17a-28pts); G Justin Evenson (7-5-1, 2.65 GAA, .911 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: F Pierce Patterson (Amarillo Wranglers, NAHL); F Jacob Hewitt (Nanaimo Clippers, BCHL); G Gus Holt (Victoria Grizzlies, BCHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Black Knights will again be a very young squad but return two of their top three scorers in junior Joey Baez (21 goals last season) and reigning Rookie of the Year, playmaker Max Itagaki (33 points).
“(Itagaki) has a vision (of the ice) better than anyone I’ve coached,” said Riley. “He finds people. You better be ready.”
But Riley’s young team may need time to come around.
“This is the youngest team in the league, maybe in the country,” he said. “We have 23 undergrads. If we played tomorrow, 14 or 15 would be in the lineup.
“It’s a talented group. The more experience they get we’ll reap the rewards down the road.” 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: Sixth
Ethan Harrison excels on and off the ice for the Falcons (photo: Bentley Athletics).
BENTLEY
HEAD COACH: Andy Jones (first season) LAST SEASON: 11-21-2, 8-16-2 (9th in Atlantic Hockey) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: D Nick Bochen (Sr.,5g-15a-20pts); F Stephen Castagna (Sr., 7-8a-15pts); G Connor Hasley (6-10-2, 2.95 GAA, .910 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Nicholas Niemo (8g-14a-22pts); F Cole Kodsi (7g-9a-16pts); F Lucas Vanroboys (4g-16a-20pts) KEY ADDITIONS: F Peter Kramer (Green Bay Gamblers, USHL); Jimmy Doyle (Janesville Jets, NAHL); Kellan Hjartarson (Cranbrook Bucks, BCHL); Garrett Horsager (Oklahoma Warriors, NAHL); Jonathan Bendorf (Mercyhurst, transfer) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Bentley will have a different look this season with 12 new players (four transfers and eight freshmen) as well as a new coach, as Jones takes over from Ryan Soderquist, who departed in the offseason after 21 years at the helm.
“It’s been hectic,” Jones acknowledged. “A short offseason to prepare. The guys are eager to build some chemistry.”
With six of their top ten scorers from last season moving on, the Falcons have some work to do. Senior defenseman Nick Bochen is Bentley’s top returning scorer (20 points last season).
Jones’ team will be tested early with opening games against Boston University and Northeastern.
“We’re trying to be prepared (for those games) and certainly respect those programs,” said Jones. “But we’re focusing on what we’re trying to establish. We’re going to keep the focus even from game to game.” 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 11th
David Melaragni is back for his fifth season with Canisius (photo: tomwolf.smugmug.com).
CANISIUS
HEAD COACH: Trevor Large (seventh season) LAST SEASON: 20-19-3, 13-10-3 (4th in Atlantic Hockey) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: D David Melaragni (Gr., 4g-21a-25pts); F Randy Hernandez (Sr., 8g-13a-21pts); F Max Kouznetsov (Sr., 6g-12a-18pts) KEY LOSSES: F Keaton Mastrodonato (16g-20a-35pts); F Ryan Miotto (17g-18a-35pts); G Jacob Barczewski (16-15-1, 2.64 GAA, .918 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: F Matteo Giampa (Bonnyville Pontiacs, AJHL); D Powell Connor (Michigan State transfer); G David Fessenden (New Hampshire transfer) 2023-24 PREDICTION: With 13 new players on the roster, it may take some time for the Griffins to gel in their quest to repeat as conference champions.
“We know how we want to play,” said Large. “It’s how you blend everyone together.”
Preseason all-star David Melaragni returns on defense after entering the transfer portal at the end of last season but decided to return for his final year of eligibility.
The biggest question mark for Canisius will be in goal, with mainstay Jacob Barczewski transferring to Michigan for his final season.
“In net, obviously we’re new,” said Large. “The opportunity there for our goaltenders.
“It’s early, but David Fessenden (New Hampshire transfer) is going to get the first opportunity. He’s experienced and prepared.”
Last year’s title has increased interest at Canisius, says Large.
“There’s a buzz on campus,” he said. “We’re excited to get going.” 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: Fifth
Jack Ricketts looks to be a top player up front for Holy Cross this season (photo: Mark Seliger Photography).
HOLY CROSS
HEAD COACH: Bill Riga (third season) LAST SEASON: 17-21-3, 12-12-2 (7th in Atlantic Hockey) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Jack Ricketts (Sr., 16g-16a-32pts); F Liam McLinskey (Jr., 21g-4a-25pts); D Mack Oliphant (2g-10a-12pts); G Jason Grande (Sr., 12-7-1, 2.33 GAA, .911 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Alex Peterson (5g-14a-19pts); D Nick Hale (7g-10a-17pts) KEY ADDITIONS: F Will Elias (Cowichan Capitals, BCHL); D Will Troutwine (Janesville, NAHL); F Michael Hodge (Union transfer); D Nic Petruolo (Union transfer) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Picked to finish last in the 2022-23 preseason poll, the Crusaders made it all the way to the league’s championship game before bowing out to Canisius.
This time around, Holy Cross is predicted to finish fourth, picking up a first-place vote in the preseason coaches poll.
Preseason all-star Jack Ricketts leads an offense that also features junior Liam McLinskey, a Quinnipiac transfer who scored nine of his 21 goals in the postseason.
“(McLinskey’s) pushed himself to another level,” said Riga. “He’s done all the work to take that next step.”
That’s the Crusaders’ goal, the next step.
“We want to get to the end of the road and win one more game,” said Riga. “We’re hungry to get a different outcome.” 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: Fourth
Owen Say will look to be the No. 1 goalie for the Lakers this season (photo: Ed Mailliard).
MERCYHURST
HEAD COACH: Rick Gotkin (36th season) LAST SEASON: 10-23-3, 9-14-3 (8th in Atlantic Hockey) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Mickey Burns (Sr., 11g-7a-18pts); F Steven Agriogianis (4g-15a-19pts); G Owen Say (4-6-0, 3.38 GAA, .903 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Eric Esposito (17g-15a-32pts); F Rylee St. Onge (8g-7a-15pts); G Tyler Harmon (6-16-2, 3.16 GAA, .915 SV%) KEY ADDITIONS: G Simon Bucheler (Shreveport Mudbugs, NAHL); F Boris Skalos (Fargo Force, USHL); F Sean James (Smiths Falls Bears, CCHL) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Gotkin, entering his 36th season in Erie, knows that there can be a fine line between success and failure in this league, evidenced by his team’s record last year.
“We were in 14 one-goal games last season,” he said. “Nine in overtime.”
Mercyhurst went 5-9 in those games, including 2-7 in games decided in overtime. A few extra goals and instead of finishing in seventh, the Lakers would have contended for home ice.
“We have a lot of new players, but the makings of a pretty good hockey team,” said Gotkin.
Sophomore Owen Say, last season’s all-rookie goaltender, will get the first looks in net.
“Right now, he’s our guy,” said Gotkin. “Our plan is to start him and hopefully he runs with it.” 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 10th
Carter Randklev will be a go-to forward again this season for the Purple Eagles (photo: Buffalo Bisons).
NIAGARA
HEAD COACH: Jason Lammers (seventh season) LAST SEASON: 19-18-3, 10-13-3 (6th in Atlantic Hockey) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Shane Ott (Jr., 10g-18a-28pts); F Carter Randklev (Sr., 13g-11a-24pts); D Josef Mysak (Sr., 3g-14a-17pts) KEY LOSSES: G Chad Veltri (18-16-3, 2.78 GAA, .906 SV%); F Casey Carreau (10g-21a-31pts) F Ryan Cox (14g-14a-28pts) KEY ADDITIONS: F Aron Jessli (Pickering Panthers, OJHL); F Jack Richard (Burlington Cougars, OJHL); F Tyler Wallace (Blackfalds Bulldogs, AJHL); G Jarrett Fiske (American International transfer) 2023-24 PREDICTION: Last season, the Purple Eagles posted a league-best 6-2 record out of conference and advanced to the AHA semifinals.
Mainstay goaltender Chad Veltri is gone, but Niagara reloaded in net, picking up transfer Jarrett Fiske from AIC, who led the conference in save percentage (.923) and was second in goals against (2.38).
“We’re excited for what (Fiske) can bring, how he plays, and why he’s here,” said Lammers. “We feel like we have more depth this year.”
Niagara will look to reproduce last season’s non-conference success, which paid dividends throughout the season.
“It gave our guys incredible confidence that carried on through the year,” Lammers said. “But every year’s a new year. We’re focused on winning today and not past success.” PREDICTED FINISH: Seventh
Tommy Scarfone makes a save in a game last season for RIT (photo: Caroline Sherman).
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
HEAD COACH: Wayne Wilson (25th season) LAST SEASON: 25-13-1, 18-7-1 (1st in Atlantic Hockey) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Carter Wilkie (Jr., 14g-26a-40pts); D Gianfranco Cassaro (Gr., 14g-18a-32pts), D Aiden Hansen-Bukata (Sr., 2g-30a-32pts); G Tommy Scarfone (Jr., 22-11-1, 2.41 GAA, .934 SV%) KEY LOSSES: F Kobe Walker (12g-11a-23pts); F Andrew Petrucci (3g-5a-8pts); D Spencer Berry (1g-6a-7pts) KEY ADDITIONS: F Christian Catalano (Maryland Black Bears, NAHL); F Tyler Fukakusa (Toronto Jr. Canadiens, OJHL); D Kevin Scott (Fargo Force, USHL); G Luke Lush (Sacred Heart transfer) 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Tigers are favored to repeat as regular-season champions, and it’s easy to see why.
RIT returns Carter Wilkie, the Atlantic Hockey player of the year (40 points last season) as well as preseason all-league defenseman Gianfranco Cassaro (32 points) and goaltender Tommy Scarfone (Jr., 22-11-1; 2.41 GAA; .934 SV%).
“I really like the team we have coming back,” said Wilson. “We’re returning a number of all-league players.”
The Tigers have ended their season in the conference semifinals the past two years. RIT was upset by Holy Cross in a three-game series last season.
“It’s a very competitive league, we saw that in the playoffs last season,” said Wilson. “We’re looking to take the next step.” PREDICTED FINISH: First
Derek Schooley was first hired by Robert Morris in 2003 and will continue behind the bench in 2023-24 (photo: Robert Morris Athletics).
ROBERT MORRIS
HEAD COACH: Derek Schooley (18th season) LAST SEASON: Did not play KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Did not play in 2021-22 and 2022-23 KEY LOSSES: Did not play in 2021-22 and 2022-23 KEY ADDITIONS: F Jackson Reineke (Anchorage Wolverines, NAHL); F McKay Hayes (Markam Royals, OJHL); F George Krotiris (Cobourg Cougars, OJHL); D Tom Gangl (Smiths Falls Bears, CCHL); D Michael Craig (Nanaimo Clippers, BCHL); G Chad Veltri (Niagara transfer); F Rylee St. Onge (Mercyhurst transfer); F Luke Johnson (Minnesota-Duluth transfer); F Logan Ganie (Michigan Tech transfer); F Dallas Tulik (Ferris State transfer); D Cade Townend (Mercyhurst transfer) 2023-24 PREDICTION: It’s a new dawn for the Colonials. Robert Morris abruptly canceled its men’s and women’s programs at the end of the 2020-21 season, but the school and community rallied to get them restored.
Schooley had to start almost from scratch, but the transfer portal has helped his team ramp up quickly.
Chad Veltri, a four-year starter in net for Niagara, transferred in for his fifth season of eligibility.
“It was a priority to get a veteran presence (in goaltender),” said Schooley. “We’re excited to see him play his fifth year in Pittsburgh in front of family and friends.
“Lots of teams think they have the best goalie in the league. I think we do.” 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: Ninth
Sacred Heart looks to be one of the teams in Atlantic Hockey (photo: Greg Vasil).
SACRED HEART
HEAD COACH: C.J. Marottolo (15th season) LAST SEASON: 17-17-3, 14-9-3 (3rd in Atlantic Hockey) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Kevin Lombardi (Gr., 14g-14a-28pts); F Marcus Joughin (So., 8g-17a-25pts); F Braeden Tuck (Gr., 5g-15a-20pts) KEY LOSSES: F Neil Shea (14g-16a-30pts); G Luke Lush (14-16-3; 2.69 GAA; .899 SV%); F Austin Magera (8g-20a-28pts); F Todd Goehring (11g-11a-22pts) KEY ADDITIONS: F Brendan Dumas (New Jersey Titan, NAHL); F Jake Bongo (Surrey Eagles, BCHL), G Cullen DeYoung (Northeast Generals, NAHL); F T.J. Walsh (RPI transfer); G Chase Clark (Quinnipiac transfer) 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Pioneers return most of the nucleus of a team that spent last season near the top of the league, including forward Braeden Tuck, who returns for a fifth season.
This will be the first full season for Sacred Heart in the Martire Family Arena, which opened in January.
“I underestimated how hard that was going to be for our group,” said Marottolo. “Everything was new, the type of home crowds that we garnered. We had played a home game on our campus.
“(This season) we’re settled in and know what to expect.” PREDICTED FINISH: Third
For the rest of the top 10, Michigan is down one to No. 6, North Dakota remains seventh, Michigan State is up one to No. 8, Michigan Tech is up one to No. 9, and St. Cloud State falls two spots to sit 10th in this week’s rankings.
Just one new team enters the rankings this week as Connecticut sits 20th.
In addition to the top 20 teams, 18 other teams received votes this week.
The USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll is compiled weekly and consists of 50 voters, including coaches and media professionals from across the country. Media outlets may republish this poll as long as USCHO.com is credited.
Andre Ghantous looks to be a go-to player up front this season for Northern Michigan (photo: NMU Athletics).
It was an unusually active offseason, at least by CCHA standards.
A coaching change at Minnesota State kicked off the summer, with Mike Hastings leaving for Wisconsin and taking four players and most of his coaching staff with him.
Then the summer ended with the situation in Bowling Green that saw head coach Ty Eigner and three as-yet-unknown players suspended for an alleged hazing incident that is still being investigated. Austen Swankler, the CCHA coaches and media’s preseason player of the year, decided to transfer from Bowling Green to Michigan Tech as a result.
Both events have contributed to the general uncertainty around the league this season: For the first time since realignment, it appears that Minnesota State is not going to be a front-runner for the MacNaughton Cup.
“This is my 23rd year as a head coach, and I don’t think I’ve ever been in a tighter league,” Bemidji State coach Tom Serratore said during the league’s virtual media day last month. “You can take a look at the preseason polls – and they’re just preseason polls – but, how tight everything is with the voting. It just tells you that even the coaches, we don’t know. I’m trying to figure things out every year. I think, in our league, it wouldn’t surprise me if any one of the eight teams won this league.”
The team that most coaches and media thinks is going to win it all, Michigan Tech, returns 20 players from a season that saw them nearly beat Minnesota State on the last day of the regular season to nick the MacNaughton Cup, including All-American goaltender Blake Pietila, CCHA rookie of the year Kyle Kukkonen, and all-league forward Ryland Mosley.
“We have significant players returning at key positions. When you return an All-American in Blake Pietila, that’s a good place to start,” Michigan Tech coach Joe Shawhan said.
The team the Huskies are looking to unseat from the top spot – the one they came so close to defeating last season – will look much different, both behind the bench and on the ice. Luke Strand takes over as the new head coach at Minnesota State and will have some big shoes to fill in Mankato, where Hastings won eight MacNughton Cups (six in the WCHA and two in the CCHA), guided the Mavericks to eight NCAA tournament appearances and two Frozen Fours.
Strand said he knows what sort of legacy he is inheriting with the Minnesota State program and knows that his players are motivated to prove the doubters wrong. MSU was picked to finish fourth and sixth by the media and coaches, respectively, after losing 11 key players to the portal, the pros or graduation.
“I think the polls are an opportunity for us to take everyone else’s opinion and what they think of the guys that stayed, the guys the came in the staff that came in, so if that’s their poll position for us, then it’s our job to make sure they’re incorrect,” said Strand, who was an assistant at Ohio State last season and has a long history as head coach of the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers. “We’re not chasing the polls; we’re chasing the last game of the year.”
The other big offseason story has yet to be fully resolved. As Saturday’s start of the season approaches, we’re no closer to figuring out what happened in Bowling Green. Eigner, as of this writing, remains suspended, and assistant coach Curtis Carr will take over a team that all of a sudden is without arguably the best player in the league.
Carr, who was asked during the media conference how the team has handled the upheaval within the program, would not take specific questions about either the suspensions or Swankler.
“The main message is to control what we can control and just make sure we’re coming to the rink with positive energy and still focused on our daily objectives and getting better,” said Carr when asked generally about the controversies within the program. “Just make sure we’re here doing the best that we can to continue to move forward.”
The Falcons were picked to finish third by both the media and the coaches, but those polls were conducted before the news of the incident broke, and while Swankler was still on the team.
Finally, there is officially another new member of the CCHA (and a new program in Division I hockey). First-year program Augustana will play its first games this weekend against Mike Hastings’ Wisconsin. The Vikings, coached by former Minnesota assistant coach Garrett Raboin, are not playing a full league schedule in their first two seasons of Division I, so their games will not count towards the CCHA standings, although they will count in the Pairwise Rankings.
“We’re brand new, and we have 27 new players. We had two with us on campus last year that didn’t compete, but this is our start. We’re excited to play a game, heavy with non-conference opponents, but we’ll be able to learn a lot about our league and their members,” Raboin said. “We’re at the very beginning, so we’re getting our fundamentals in, getting comfortable with each other. And it goes both ways — us with the players on the ice, the players with us on the ice — and we’re just really looking forward to competing and growing.”
Mattias Sholl has been steady in net the past few seasons for Bemidji State (photo: BSU Photo Services).
BEMIDJI STATE
HEAD COACH: Tom Serratore (entering his 23rd season at BSU) LAST SEASON: 14-17-5 (12-11-3 for fifth in CCHA) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Lleyton Roed (So., 13g-18a-31pts); D Kyle Looft (Sr., 5g-3a-8pts); G Mattias Sholl (Jr., 11-13-5, .908SV%; 2.26 GAA); F Jere Vaisanen (Jr., 7g-10a-17pts). KEY LOSSES: D Elias Rosen (4-24-28); F Ross Armour (14-8-22); D Will Zmolek (4-17-21); F Mitchell Martan (8-10-18). KEY ADDITIONS: D Erik Pohlklamp (Cedar Rapids, USHL); F Liam Engström (Örebro HK, Sweden); F Rhys Chiddenton (Georgetown Raiders, OJHL). 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Beavers are one of the few teams to lose absolutely nobody to the transfer portal–something that’s increasingly becoming a rarity in the modern college hockey world. They did, however, lose two big contributors to graduation. Their defensive pairing of Elias Rosen and Will Zmolek–both fifth year seniors who played countless minutes together in their time in Bemidji–won’t be easy to replace, from an experience or a points standpoint. Still, BSU has nearly every other defender back, plus highly-touted San Jose Sharks draft pick Erik Pohlkamp, who was named the league’s rookie of the year and is one of the most promising prospects to suit up for the Beavers in a long time. Expect BSU to be competing for home ice this year. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 4th
Bowling Green players celebrate a win during the 2022-23 season (photo: Chad Huffman/BGSU Athletics).
BOWLING GREEN
HEAD COACH: Ty Eigner (entering his fifth season at BSU; is suspended pending an investigation, team will be coached by assistant Curtis Carr in the interim) LAST SEASON: 15-19-2 (12-12-2 for third in CCHA) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Ryan O’Hara (11g-19a-30pts); F Ethan Scardinia (11g-5a-16pts); D Ben Wozney (2g-13a-15pts); G Christian Stoever (11-17-2; .914 SV%, and 2.86n GAA). KEY LOSSES: F Austen Swankler (16g-25a-44pts); F Chase Grescock (11g-20a-3pts1); F Nathan Burke (17g-12a-29pts). KEY ADDITIONS: F Josh Nodler (UMass, Hockey East), F Spencer Kersten (Princeton, ECAC), F Owen Ozar (Denver, NCHC); F Ben Doran (Sioux City, USHL). 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Falcons’ situation is very much in flux. Just after the CCHA announced its preseason awards and predictions last month, it was reported that BG head coach Ty Eigner and three unknown players were suspended pending an investigation into an alleged hazing incident involving they hockey team. That same day, it was also announced that Austen Swankler, the team’s leading scorer and the man picked to be the CCHA’s preseason player of the year by both the coaches and the media, announced he was transferring out of the program. With all that uncertainty, it’s really tough to know where the Falcons are going to end up. They weren’t all about Swankler last season – they had a number of offensive options who are back this year – but interim head coach Curtis Carr is certainly going to have a very difficult job as the program tries to figure out exactly what happened. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 6th
Brenden MacLaren is back this season for Ferris State (photo: Ferris State Athletics).
FERRIS STATE
HEAD COACH: Bob Daniels (entering his 32nd season at FSU) LAST SEASON: 14-19-4 (9-14-3 for sixth in CCHA) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Jason Brancheau (13g-18a-21pts); F Stepan Pokorny (6g-15a-21pts); F Antonio Venuto (6g-9a-15pts); D Brendan MacLaren (4g-11a-15pts); F Tyler Schleppe (9g-6a-15). KEY LOSSES: F Bradley Marek (7g-10a-17pts); D Blake Evennou (1g-14a-15pts); F Mitch Deelstra (7g-6a-13pts). KEY ADDITIONS: D Nick Hale (Holy Cross, AHA); F Holden Doell (Battlefords, SJHL); F Luigi Benincasa (Spruce Grove, AJHL). 2023-24 PREDICTION: The Bulldogs won 14 games last season and made it out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They were also very close to gaining home ice in the first round of the playoffs, but couldn’t quite get it done down the stretch. Ferris actually has a decent amount of scoring coming back, so I would think they’re going to be in a similar situation this season–fighting for home ice but ultimately coming up short. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 7th
Tyler Williams is entering his senior season for Lake Superior State (photo: LSSU Athletics).
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE
HEAD COACH: Damon Whitten (entering his 10th season at LSSU) LAST SEASON: 9-25-2 (8-17-1 for eighth in CCHA) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Dawson Tritt (9g-8a-17pts); F Harrison Roy (11g-4a-15pts); G Ethan Langenegger (6-15-2, .910 SV%, 2.96 GAA). KEY LOSSES: F Louis Boudon (9g-13a-22pts); D Jacob Bengtsson (1g-20a-21pts); F Brandon Puricelli (6g-8a-14pts). KEY ADDITIONS: D Nate Schweitzer (Colorado College, NCHC); F John Herrington (Prince George, BCHL); F Reagan Milburn (Vernon, BCHL); D Jack Blanchett (Powell, BCHL). 2023-24 PREDICTION: After finishing last place in the conference a season ago, LSSU lost both of its top offensive producers in Louis Boudon (to graduation) and Jacob Bengtsson (to the portal). That opens up some opportunities for different players to contribute, but with 13 newcomers–11 freshmen and two transfers–it might take a little while for the Lakers to gel. I think until they can show that they have come together as a team, I can’t see them competing for home ice just yet. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 8th
Michigan Tech goalie Blake Pietila was the CCHA’s top netminder last season (photo: Michigan Tech Athletics).
MICHIGAN TECH
HEAD COACH: Joe Shawhan (entering his seventh season at Tech) LAST SEASON: 21-11-4 (15-7-4 for second in CCHA) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: G Blake Pietila (23-11-3; .934 SV%; 2.15 GAA); F Kyle Kukkonen (18g-9a-27pts); F Ryland Mosley (12g-19a-31pts); F Logan Pietila (11g-10a-21pts); D Jed Pietila (1g-15a-16pts). KEY LOSSES: F Parker Saretsky (7g-13a-20pts); D Brett Thorne (3g-15a-18pts); F Tristan Ashbrook (10g-7a-17pts). KEY ADDITIONS: F Austen Swankler (Bowling Green, CCHA); D Matthew Campbell (Quinnipiac, ECAC); D Chase Pietila (Lincoln, USHL). 2023-24 PREDICTION: After nearly taking the MacNaughton Cup from Minnesota State a year ago, Michigan Tech has emerged from a lively CCHA offseason as the overwhelming favorites coming into 2023-24. Blake Pietila’s return to the Huskies’ net gives Tech an obvious advantage on defense, but what most are surely going to be looking at this season is just how much better the Huskies’ explosive offense got. Kyle Kukkonen and Ryland Mosley already packed quite the punch last season, but the addition of Austen Swankler in the second semester has goaltenders across the CCHA checking the scheduler twice just to make sure they don’t have to play the Huskies after the holidays. This team has lots of experience and wants to make up for what was a disappointing end to last season, so expect a hungry team who will be the odds-on favorite for the MacNaughton. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 1st
Lucas Sowder figures to be an impact player again this season for Minnesota State (photo: MTU Athletics).
MINNESOTA STATE
HEAD COACH: Luke Strand (entering his first season at MSU) LAST SEASON: 25-13-1 (16-9-1 for first in CCHA) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Lucas Sowder (5g-9a-14pts); F Sam Morton (6g-2a-8pts); G Keenan Rancier (19-10-1, .914 SV%, 1.86 GAA). KEY LOSSES: F David Silye (23-16-39); D Jake Livingstone (8-27-35); Ryan Sandelin (14-15-29); F Christian Fitzgerald (16-13-29); F Brendan Furry (9-19-28); D Akito Hirose (4-23-27). KEY ADDITIONS: F Jordan Steinmetz (St. Lawrence, ECAC); D Brandon Koch (Air Force, AHA); D Jordan Power (Clarkson, ECAC). 2023-24 PREDICTION: It might take until fans actually see them take the ice to realize how different the guys wearing purple and gold are going to look from this season onwards. As we all know, former head coach Mike Hastings went to Wisconsin, taking the bulk of his coaching staff and four players with him. It’s a wonder he didn’t take the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center’s zamboni with him, too. In the eyes of Mavericks fans, he might as well have. But they shouldn’t count out new head coach Luke Strand. Strand, an experienced junior hockey coach who was most recently an assistant at Ohio State, brings a wealth of experience to the job and is poised to remake Minnesota State in his image. I don’t think it will take too long before he puts his stamp on the program, but after 11 years under Hastings, it’s only natural that there will be some growing pains. Considering the fact that MSU lost 11 players to either the pros, graduation or the transfer portal, it might take a while for them to gel. I don’t think they’re going to be title contenders this year, but give it time. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 5th
NMU goalie Beni Halasz will likely see the majority of playing time this season for the Wildcats (photo: Northern Michigan Athletics).
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
HEAD COACH: Grant Potulny (entering his seventh season at NMU) LAST SEASON: 21-17-0 (14-12-0 for fourth in CCHA) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F André Ghantous (13g-25a-38pts); F Artem Shlaine (11g-21a-32pts); F Kristof Papp (11g-15a-26pts); D Josh Zinger (3g-13a-16pts); G Beni Halasz (19-15-0, .919 SV%, 2.32 GAA) KEY LOSSES: F AJ Vanderbeck (13g-19a-32pts); F Joey Larson (13g-14a-27pts). KEY ADDITIONS: F Jack Perbix (Western Michigan, NCHC); F Mitch Deelstra (Ferris State, CCHA); D Jeppe Urup (Sacred Heart, AHA); D Viking Gustafsson Nyberg (Leksands IF, Sweden). 2023-24 PREDICTION: Much like their Michigan Tech rivals, Northern Michigan was also oh-so-close to winning some silverware last season, taking Minnesota State to overtime in the CCHA title game before falling to the Mavericks in Mankato. And like the Huskies, the Wildcats have also reloaded for the 2023-24 season. NMU is (likely) the only other team that will be able to mount a serious challenge for the MacNaughton Cup at season’s end. Not only do the Wildcats return André Ghantous–one of the top scorers in the CCHA–but they also will return to Marquette with their rink slightly smaller. The Berry Events Center is ditching the Olympic-sized ice for a hybrid sheet, which might help them score even more than they did last season–a league-best 3.24 goals a game. Combined with the fact that they return nearly everyone on the blueline and goaltender Beni Halsz, expect the Wildcats to compete for the title this year. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 2nd
Mack Byers scored 14 goals a season ago for the Tommies (photo: St. Thomas Athletics).
ST. THOMAS
HEAD COACH: Rico Blasi (entering his third season at UST) LAST SEASON: 11-23-2 (10-14-2 for seventh in CCHA) KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Mack Byers (18g-8a-26pts); F Lucas Wahlin (6g-15a-21pts), F Luc Laylin (10g-11a-21pts); F Ryan O’Neill (3g-17a-20pts); D Ethan Gauer (3g-3a-6pts). KEY LOSSES: F Josh Eernisse (14g-7a-21pts); F Jarrett Lee (1g-10a-11pts); D Trevor Zins (1g-7a-8pts). KEY ADDITIONS: F Matthew Gleason (Colorado College, NCHC); D James Marooney (Ohio State, Big Ten); D Jake Ratzlaff (Madison, USHL). 2023-24 PREDICTION: Entering just its third season after elevating from Division III, St. Thomas is quickly making itself into one of the better programs in the CCHA. Just look no further than the coaches poll, which saw the Tommies garner a first-place vote from Michigan Tech head coach Joe Shawhan. Despite the fact that the Tommies are picked to finish only fifth in the coaches poll, the Huskies’ coach thinks the Tommies are going to be one of the better teams in the conference. There’s no reason to doubt Shawhan. St. Thomas coach Rico Blasi has helped the Tommies quickly find their footing, bringing in high-caliber recruits and transfers who have made an immediate impact. I actually picked them to finish third in the league–that may or may not happen, but I do expect them to be fighting for home ice at the end of the season. 2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 3rd
Ryan Naumovski was a steady player up front for Niagara during his time with the Purple Eagles (photo: Niagara University).
AUGUSTANA
HEAD COACH: Garrett Raboin (first season) KEY PLAYERS: G Zack Rose (Bowling Green, CCHA); D Anthony Stark (Colgate, ECAC); D Evan McIntyre (Ohio State, Big Ten); F Arnaud Vachon (Colgate, ECAC); F Ryan Naumovski (Niagara, AHA). 2023-24 PREDICTION: I don’t think it’s controversial to say Augustana probably won’t be very good this season. But, much like when St. Thomas elevated to Division 1 two years ago, whether or not the Vikings are “good” isn’t really the point. As a first-year program reliant almost entirely on transfers and freshmen–with the exceptions of sophomores Ben Troumbly and Will Svenddal, who spend their entire freshmen seasons on campus with no team to practice with–figuring out this team’s identity is going to be the most important part of how the Vikings operate in their first few years of existence. And since they aren’t playing a full conference schedule for their first two seasons as a CCHA member, it will be easier for them to build an identity without necessarily worrying about points in the standings. I would say “success” for the Vikings in year one means stealing a win or two from some big-time opponents on the road and playing an exciting brand of hockey in front of the home fans when their on-campus rink opens in 2024, generating even more buzz for the years to come.
Both teams came out flying on Thursday and the game was tied 2-2 before six minutes had elapsed. Sidney Fess put BC up 1-0 after just 99 seconds. Lacey Eden and Sarah Wozniewicz responded over the next two minutes to give UW the 2-1 lead. Sammy Smigliani tied it back at 2-2 and Jade Arnone’s power play goal later in the frame gave the Eagles a 3-2 lead heading into the break. Grace Campbell set a new career high in saves before the second period ended and ended the game with 51. Marianne Picard and Britta Curl scored in the middle frame to put Wisconsin up 4-3 and Chayla Edwards’ goal in the third secured the 5-3 win for the Badgers. On Friday, the reigning national champions raised the banner honoring the win and then built off that energy to put together an absolutely dominant display to earn a 12-2 win and weekend sweep. Nine different Badgers scored in the win – Curl, Eden and Wozniewicz each had two while Cassie Hall, Casey O’Brien, Ava Murphy, Laila Edwards, Vivian Jungels and Kirsten Simms each had one. Katie Pyne and Abby Newhook were the goal-scorers for Boston College.
(11) Penn State at (3) Colgate
Senior Kalty Kaltounková led the Colgate charge in the first game, tallying a hat trick and adding two assists in the Raiders’ 6-2 win over Penn State. She opened the scoring and Danielle Serdachny’s power play goal put Colgate up 2-0. Lyndie Lobdell pulled it back within one just before the end of the period to make it 2-1. Neena Brick’s power play goal in the second extended the Raiders’ lead to 3-1. Kaltounková added her own power play goal to open the third. Karley Garcia scored for the Nittany Lions to make it 4-2, but that’s as close as it would get as Kaltounková completed her hat trick and Dara Grieg topped it off to make it a 6-2 win. In the second game, Penn State had the run of play, holding the Raiders from registering a shot until late in the first and outshooting them 11-4. After a scoreless opening frame, it was once again Kaltounková that got Colgate on the board first. Maggie MacEachern tied the game up at the midpoint and then Sydney Morrow scored her first as a Raider to put them up 2-1. Colgate took advantage of a power play to score 32 seconds into the third to extend the lead to 3-1 thanks to Kaitlyn O’Donohoe. Brianna Brooks claimed one back for Penn State, but the Nittany Lions couldn’t find an equalizer and the Raiders took a 3-2 win and weekend sweep.
(4) Minnesota at RIT
Abbey Murphy stepped up in a big way in the Gophers’ opening game of the season, scoring a power play goal in the final two seconds of the first period and another five minutes into the second. Madeline Wethington added a goal a few minutes later and Minnesota took a 3-0 win in the first game of the series. On Saturday, Maggie Nicholson scored in the opening two minutes of the game to give the Gophers a 1-0 lead and then Murphy added another power play to her weekend tally to make it 2-0in the second. Lindsay Maloney got RIT on the board with an extra attacker goal of her own to cut the lead to 2-1. Madison Kaiser’s goal late in the second put Minnesota back ahead 3-1 at the second intermission. Ella Huber’s shorthanded goal and Ava Lindsay’s power play tally in the third capped off the 5-1 win and sweep.
LIU at (6) Minnesota Duluth
The Bulldogs earned coach Maura Crowell’s 250th career win on Friday on the back of a massive game from graduate senior Mannon McMahon, who had four goals to lead the Bulldogs to a 6-0 win. On Saturday, it was Clara Van Wieren’s turn as the senior scored her first career hat trick to power UMD to a 4-0 win.
(7) Northeastern vs. Boston University
Friday’s game was incredibly close until the end. Allie Lalonde scored for Northeastern and Catherine Foulem scored for Boston University to send the two teams to the locker room tied at one. That held until the final minute of the second frame when Taze Thompson’s power play goal put the Huskies up 2-1. Peyton Anderson scored an empty-netter in the third and Lily Shannon also scored to give Northeastern the 4-1 win. The second game of the weekend was just as close and the Huskies didn’t pull away to earn the sweep until the final frame. Anderson scored to make it 1-0 and Shannon scored an empty-netter to give Northeastern the 2-0 win.
(8) Quinnipiac at New Hampshire
The Bobcats took a 2-0 lead in the second thanks to goals from Madison Chantler and Sadie Peart, but the Wildcats weren’t going down without a fight. Marina Alvarez cut the lead in half with about eight minutes to play. Then Shea Verrier forced overtime with a goal in the final ten seconds of play. Maya Labad forced a turnover at the blue line and fed Nina Steingauf in overtime to earn Quinnipiac a 3-2 win on Friday. In the second game, Labad and Peart each struck on the power play to put the Bobcats up 2-0. Jess Schryver extended the lead to 3-0 midway through the second, but Sydney Leonard responded quickly to make it a 3-1 game. But UNH wasn’t able to close the gap further and Steingauf scored late to give Quinnipiac the 4-1 win and sweep.
9) Clarkson at (13) Vermont
Alaina Tanski put Vermont on the board first, but the lead lasted just :39 as Brooke McQuigge tied the game at one. Clarkson took a 2-1 lead into the first intermission thanks to a goal from Alexie Guay. Dominique Petrie extended the lead to 3-1 a minute into the second. Lily Humphrey responded quickly to keep it a one-goal lead. But the Catamounts couldn’t close the gap and Anne Cherkowski’s third period goal secured the 4-2 win. On Saturday, Natalie Zarcone scored her first career goal with a wrister from deep to put Vermont up 1-0. Clarkson killed a 5:00 major on goalie Michele Pasiechnyk, who also received a game misconduct and Julia Minotti stood strong after coming in cold until midway through the second, when Rebecca Morissette made it a 1-1 game. Lara Beecher scored on an odd-skater rush to put Vermont ahead 2-1. A few minutes later, Clarkson turned a shot off the post into a transition the other direction and Haley Winn tied the game 2-2. Overtime did not decide a winner, but Evelyne Blais-Savoie and Beecher scored in the shootout while Jessie McPherson made two saves to give the Catamounts the shootout win.
(12) St. Cloud State at Mercyhurst
Marielle Parks scored two power play goals 43 seconds apart less than five minutes into the game and then Ena Nystrøm pitched a 26-save shutout to carry Mercyhurst to a 2-0 win. In the second game, Emma Gentry scored on the power play in the closing seconds of the first period to give SCSU a 1-0 lead. Sanni Ahola came up huge in the second, stopping 17 shots on the way to a 28-save shutout and the Huskies took the win and a weekend split.
(15) Providence at St. Lawrence
On Friday, St. Lawrence came out firing and 11 different Saints showed up on the scoresheet as they took a 7-2 win. Julia Gosling had three assists and Mae Batherson scored twice to lead the Saints. Sarah Marchand, Melissa Jeffries, Abby Hustler, Rachel Bjorgen and Gabi Jones all score for St. Lawrence in the win. Brooke Becker and Ashley Clark scored for Providence. On Saturday, Emma-Sofie Nordström recorded her first career shutout and Gosling scored twice to give St. Lawrence a 2-0 win.
Dartmouth has announced the addition of Brian Fahey to the men’s hockey staff as an assistant coach for the 2023-24 season.
Fahey comes to Hanover after spending the 2022-23 season as an assistant coach with UMass Boston.
“We are excited to add Brian Fahey to our staff,” said Dartmouth head coach Reid Cashman in a statement. “He is a hard-working coach that will add tremendous value. Brian has a strong background in skill development, and we believe he will help our players reach new levels.”
Prior to his stint with the Beacons, he spent one year as the director of hockey operations with Union, two years as an assistant coach at Albertus Magnus, along with coaching for the Westchester Express and the New York Apple Core while attending school.
Fahey graduated from Southern New Hampshire in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sports administration.
Before graduating, Fahey played one season of collegiate hockey for Worcester State, appearing in 13 games, scoring two goals and recording one assist.
Adam Ingram (SCSU) and Noah Prokop (UST) take a faceoff over the weekend as the teams split their home-and-home series (photo: St. Cloud State Athletics).
Here is a rundown of how the top 20 teams in the USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll of Sept. 25 fared in games over the weekend of Oct. 7-8.
No. 1 Boston University (1-0-0)
10/07/2023 – No. 1 Boston University 3 at Bentley 2 (OT)
No. 2 Quinnipiac (0-1-0)
10/07/2023 – No. 6 Boston College 2 at No. 2 Quinnipiac 1 (OT)
10/08/2023 – No. 2 Quinnipiac 2 at No. 19 Northeastern 2 (OT, exhibition)
No. 3 Minnesota (0-0-0)
10/08/2023 – RV Bemidji State 2 at No. 3 Minnesota 5
ROCHESTER– It is rare after a two-game series both teams, even the one on the losing side of the weekend, feel like they have achieved something.
Both fourth-ranked Minnesota and RIT, which won only four games last year, can feel good about their series in Rochester.
For Minnesota, it was an opportunity to start their season, two weeks after most of the country, find out what kind of team they have, and grab two wins.
For RIT, it was an opportunity to show they are no longer the team superior opponents can expect to rout and could be a team which can make some noise in the CHA.
Minnesota won 3-0 on Friday and 5-1 on Saturday, but there’s much more behind those scores.
“We’re trying to build our team’s identity and try to figure out who we are and who we are going to be,” Minnesota coach Brad Frost said. “I thought we did a really good job building on our practices. Finally, we’re playing another opponent and having that opportunity. Overall, I was pleased with our effort and our energy.”
“One of the biggest things is we can skate with anybody,” RIT coach Celeste Brown said. “There was actually moments in this (Saturday) game today where we put Minnesota on their backs and controlled play.”
Last season, Minnesota’s Abbey Murphy scored 29 goals, second in the nation … and also second on her team … to Taylor Heise. In fact, two of their top three scorers from 2022-23 graduated. So, Murphy will be relied on a lot.
On Friday, she scored twice and assisted on the other score.
“She’s great,” Frost said. “Just the way she finds those seams and the ability to shoot off the pass. She’s tremendous. She makes us go for sure and she is an incredibly offensive threat.”
The reason for the Gophers late start is a combination of trying to setup nonconference games and the fact the school begins classes after Labor Day.
“So we don’t start practice until eighth, ninth, 10th, so the last thing you want is to practice five days and then start playing,” Frost explains.
It took awhile for Minnesota to get on the scoreboard in their first game. Murphy did her magic in the last second of the first period on the power play. She received a drop pass behind the net from Ella Huber, and as Huber drew the defense to her, Murphy quickly did a wraparound.
Her second goal, on the power play again and with an RIT defender suffering a broken stick, was classic Murphy. With her team passing the puck around, Murphy roamed into the slot, received a pass from Huber, and blasted a quick one-timer.
The assist on the third goal was perhaps her prettiest play. She threaded a pass to Madeline Wethington who one-timed it in.
With a 3-0 lead after two periods, one would have thought Minnesota would ratchet it up and cruise away. Not so fast.
It was RIT who controlled long patches in the third period, creating space and time in the offensive zone.
Frost said, “They built a little momentum in the third, playing us zero, zero. They did a nice job of blocking shots and causing a few more turnovers for us.”
Brown explained, “We took away time and space from them so we could execute our breakout to leave our zone and regroup to go down and play offense.”
Surely now that Minnesota got their game legs under them, Saturday night would be the expected blowout. It started out anything but.
The Gophers did jump out to a quick lead a minute in. Maggie Nicholson banked one off the post.
In perhaps the biggest statement of the series, the Tigers responded with an impressive display of smart, disciplined, gritty hockey.
“They were generating just as many chances as we were, so we knew we had to go back to our game and I thought we did that in the second,” Frost said.
A power play goal early in the second gave Minnesota a 2-0 lead. Murphy, from the left circle, fired in a wrister to the upper far corner.
But once again, RIT refused to fold, scoring their first goal of the weekend with a two-man advantage. After moving the puck around, Lindsay Maloney from the right side down low placed it near side.
Late in the period, Madison Kaiser regained the two-goal lead for Minnesota. After receiving a quick pass from Murphy, Kaiser one-timed it from the slot.
A beautiful shorthanded goal early in the third finally started making Minnesota feel comfortable. Huber single-handedly brought the back into the zone, cut across the net to shake the defenders off her, and backhanded it in.
Ava Lindsay scored her first collegiate goal on the power play. She had an open lane from the high right slot and saw a gap on the far side where she placed it.
“I thought we got better,” Frost said. “Obviously a really tight game there, and in the second just for us to continue to pull away and play better and better and more sound was really encouraging.”
And to see scoring from players other than Murphy pleased the coach: “Obviously, Murph is an incredible talent, but we need others to score if we are going to be successful. So, this was a good night for that for others to step up.”
Murphy (who went 3-2-5 with three penalties on the weekend) was happy about that as well, “We need that. We have a lot of young kids. We had one just score her first goal. It’s going to be the first of many. I think it’s going to be a big thing for us — a lot of goals coming from younger kids.”
Once again, though RIT relied on their outstanding goalkeeper, Sarah Coe, it was the defense that stepped up big. A defense which played smart positionally all weekend, keeping dangerous shots to a minimum.
“Sarah is a stud,” Brown said. “You put her on any team, and she’s a stud. She gives us a chance every single game. But definitely, I think our D and centers did a great job tonight. They are getting better at picking up sticks.”
Shots were 41-17 and 45-19, respectively, in favor of Minnesota. Again, a dual accomplishment — strong performance by Minnesota but far less shots given up than in the past by RIT.
Minnesota accomplished what they set out to do.
“Feel like we were getting teased with a couple of exhibition games,” Murphy said. “Everybody was looking forward to it. Obviously, two wins is a great start to the season.”
Next up is a much shorter trip for Minnesota (2-0-0) as they play St. Thomas, first in the Xcel Center, then at their opponent’s rink.
Murphy said, “They’re fast. They’re gritty. They are tough to play against. Similar game to what we had before with them.”
For RIT, though certainly not happy without getting a win, they made a statement. So much so, that Brown said after the games, “I wish we could play them again.”
Instead, RIT will take their deuces wild record (2-2-2) and host two games next weekend against Union. They will also celebrate the school’s 2011-12 Division III national championship. A team which Celeste Brown played on.
Lane Hutson scores in OT to lift Boston University over Bentley (photo: Matt Woolverton).
In one of several opening night statement games for Hockey East, the No. 1 Boston Terriers survived a comeback on the road against Bentley, winning 3-2 in overtime.
Defenseman Lane Hutson scored on a four-on-three power play at 3:12 in OT, assisted by Shane Lachance, who also assisted on Case McCarthy’s game-opening goal at 11:37 in the first.
The Terriers led 2-0 after rookie Macklin Celebrini scored his first career goal at 6:57 in the second. Bentley freshman Kolby Amici cut the Terriers’ lead in half 10 minutes later with his first career goal, and A.J. Hodges tied the game at 6:25 in the third.
Hutson and Lachance led the Terriers in scoring with two points each. Mathieu Caron gets his first win for the Terriers after transferring from Brown, stopping 21 shots. Connor Hasley made 29 saves for the Falcons.
No. 6 Boston College 2, No. 2 Quinnipiac 1 (OT)
Cutter Gauthier’s goal from Ryan Leonard at 4:51 in overtime gave the Eagles a 2-1 win over the defending championship Bobcats.
Boston College took a 1-0 lead late into the third on Andrew Gasseau’s unassisted, shorthanded first-period goal, but freshman Mason Marcellus’ first career marker at 14:52 in the third forced the OT.
BC rookie Jacob Fowler earned his first win with 29 saves. Vinny Duplessis had 21 saves for Quinnipiac.
St. Thomas 5, No. 8 St. Cloud State 4 (OT)
At 3:52 in overtime, Ryder Donovan gave the Tommies their second lead of the game and the win, as St. Thomas outlasted State Cloud State 5-4.
The Tommies trailed for much of the game, but tying goals from Jake Braccini, Cameron Recchi, and Luke Manning kept St. Thomas in the hunt, as did Aaron Trotter’s play between the pipes. Trotter had 33 saves in the win.
No. 18 Providence 4, No. 5 Michigan 2
After surrendering the first goal of the game midway through the first period, the Friars scored four unanswered and never trailed, beating the Wolverines 4-2 in Ann Arbor.
Four different Friars registered goals and three had multipoint games. Liam Valente’s goal at 12:52 in the second was the game winner.
Friars convert on another odd-man rush as Chmelar feeds Valente and he finishes things off to give us a two-goal lead! pic.twitter.com/CLQxPNodWv
Josh Eernisse gave the Wolverines their only lead of the night at 10:53 in the first, and that lead last less than a minute as Nick Poisson answered for the Friars on the power play at 11:47.
Providence went up 2-1 at 8:13 in the second and took a two-goal lead into the third on Velente’s score. Bennett Schimek put the Friars up by three on an early third-period power play. Gavin Brindley gave the Wolverines a little life midway through the third.
In net for Providence, Philip Svedeback made 30 saves. Noah West had 22 in net for Michigan.
No. 9 Michigan State 5, Lake Superior State 2
The Spartans earned their first win of the season on the night that Michigan State dedicated the rink at Munn Ice Arena to legendary coach Ron Mason. Mason coached the Spartans for 23 years before becoming Michigan State’s athletic director for another six. Mason also coached the Lakers at the start of his career.
The Spartans led 3-0 before the midway point in the second period on goals from Nicolas Muller, Isaac Howard and Nash Nienhuis. Howard’s power-play goal from Muller early in the second was his first career goal for the Spartans. Nienhuis’ goal at 7:06 in the second became the game winner.
Nash Nienhuis gives the Spartans a third on the afternoon, scoring from the dot in the left circle pic.twitter.com/M2DJy41VM2
Tyler Williams and Harrison Roy scored for the Lakers in the second to make it a 3-2 game after two, but Red Savage and Viktor Hertig each added to the Spartans’ scoring in the third.
Freshman Trey Augustine had 29 saves for his first career win. Ethan Langenegger stopped 32 shots for the Lakers.
Bowling Green 3, Robert Morris 0
The Robert Morris Colonels took the ice for the first time since March 14, 2021, two months before the university announced that it was disbanding both the men’s and women’s hockey programs. After significant pressure, RMU reconsidered late in 2021, and both teams returned to play this weekend.
The Colonels’ lost their re-debut to Bowling Green, 3-0. The Falcons scored in the first minute of play on Spencer Kersten’s first career goal for BGSU. Kersten transferred from Princeton.
Bowling Green led 2-0 after one with Dalton Norris’s power-play goal at 12:40. Ben Wozney capped the scoring for the Falcons with an empty-netter late in the third.
The Falcons outshot the Colonels 43-27. Christian Stoever registered his third career shutout for Bowling Green. In his first career appearance for Robert Morris, transfer Chad Veltri (Niagara University) made 40 saves.
Derek Schooley was first hired by Robert Morris in 2003 and will continue behind the bench in 2023-24 (photo: Jason Cohn).
By Mike Prisuta/Special to USCHO.com
As the days dwindled down this week toward the triumphant return of Robert Morris men’s hockey, coach Derek Schooley found himself wrestling with perhaps the only emotion that had escaped him since the men’s and women’s programs had been abruptly terminated in May 2021.
“I wonder if I remember how to win a hockey game,” Schooley acknowledged.
It’s been a minute.
But if history repeats itself as the Colonials are anticipating, confirmation in the affirmative won’t be long in coming.
Schooley, the only coach the Robert Morris men’s program has ever known, won the first game in program history, a 3-1 triumph over Canisius on Oct. 22, 2004, in Buffalo.
His career record of 275-275-8 includes six consecutive trips to Atlantic Hockey’s Final Four, four appearances in the conference championship game, back-to-back AHA regular-season championships, an AHA West Division championship and a 7-3 loss to Minnesota in the 2014 NCAA tournament.
The Colonials’ compete level in that one earned a standing ovation from Gophers fans as RMU left the ice at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
Once the puck drops against Bowling Green on Saturday night on Neville Island, the school’s on-ice home on the Ohio River a little less than 10 miles north of Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle, more emotion is destined to take over.
“I’m gonna cry 20 times this weekend,” Schooley admitted. “Tears of joy.”
Who they were is what they’ll aspire to be again.
A program built from the crease out, sometimes in tandem but almost always with at least one stalwart puck-stopper capable of being leaned upon when needed.
A team with at least one defenseman that can skate and create, whether that be as a power-play quarterback or joining the rush up front.
And a group of forwards that move forward and score goals, more often than not led by at least one player capable of vying for Atlanta Hockey’s goal-scoring and points titles if not conference player of the year honors.
The Colonials had just such a team set to return for 2021-22 minus only two departures from the previous campaign when former RMU president Dr. Chris Howard melted the ice from beneath the men’s and women’s skates.
“We had the ability to win Atlantic Hockey,” Schooley remembered. “We were gonna be really good.”
Now, they’re starting over.
But they aren’t starting from scratch this time.
Back when it all began, Schooley had a desk and a phone but no computer in his new office.
He was once turned down by a recruit who was at least thoughtful enough to thank “Mr. Morris” for the interest.
This time, there was a brand name to sell.
“RMU’s had so much success in the past,” noted goaltender Chad Veltri, a native of nearby Fox Chapel, Pa., and a veteran of four collegiate seasons at Niagara. “It’s nice that the coaching staff is still here because they continue that same work ethic that Robert Morris had in the past.
“The transition, there hasn’t been one. They know what they’re doing.”
Assistant coaches Matt Nicholson and Ryan Durocher worked under Schooley previously at RMU.
The staff has cobbled together a roster that includes 10 transfers with NCAA Division I experience, including Veltri, goaltender Francis Boisvert (St. Lawrence), defensemen Mitch Andres (Boston College), Luke Johnson (Providence), Trevor LeDonne (St. Thomas) and Cade Townend (Mercyhurst), and forwards Logan Ganie (Michigan Tech), Paul Maust (Mercyhurst), captain Rylee St. Onge (Mercyhurst) and Dallas Tulik (Ferris State).
Forwards Gavin Gulash, Cameron Hebert and Mathew Hutton are Colonials’ holdovers from the 2020-21 team.
Chad Veltri played four seasons at Niagara and will play his final season for RMU (photo: Niagara Athletics).
That there’s a team at all might be the biggest achieved by a bunch of Colonials since the American Revolution.
RMU’s Lexington and Concord, the shot heard ’round the world, was then-Steelers General Manager and RMU alum Kevin Colbert’s resignation from the board of trustees after the school’s decision to drop hockey was announced.
That brought attention to the injustice.
The players from both programs, past and present, took it from there. They wouldn’t accept termination without representation. Neither would RMU alumni, the Pittsburgh hockey community, and the community at large.
The Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation and others, as it turned out, had just begun to fight.
Campaigns were staged, funds were raised, pleas for the school to reconsider were made.
The cause even attracted the attention and efforts of former Steelers defensive lineman Brett Keisel, former Pirates second baseman Neil Walker and former Penguins winger Ryan Malone (he had ties to college hockey, having played at St. Cloud State, but like Keisel and Walker had none to Robert Morris).
It was as if Pittsburgh took offense to having the teams taken away.
Against all odds, the programs were eventually reinstated (the women’s team returned with a 5-2 loss on Sept. 29 and a 3-2 win on Sept. 30 at Union).
And Dr. Chris Howard is now employed by Arizona State.
“We had to drive 99.5 yards in a short amount of time,” said Schooley, opting for a football analogy in football-mad western Pennsylvania. “We were at fourth-and-50. Somehow, we got a first down.
“We kept it going.”
Both teams will be celebrated on Saturday.
The women play their first home game at 2 p.m. against Saint Anselm.
The men’s team entertains BGSU at 7 p.m.
A tailgate party is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m., complete with the RMU band, a DJ and food trucks.
And both teams will be escorted on the approximately seven-mile journey from campus in Moon Township to the Island Sports Center by police vehicles and fire trucks (Schooley may even come up with the extra scratch required to have them run the sirens).
A red carpet will be waiting at the rink, just like at the Frozen Four.
In some respects, the programs have never been better.
“We never hid from our past,” Schooley said of the RMU reboot. “We were very open and honest about our history of winning, where we were, where we got to and what happened. You can’t hide from it. We used it as a positive.
“We have more donors, we have more supporters, we have more board of trustee members on our side. We have more people in the community on our side. We’ve sold more season tickets than we ever have before.
“We never lost a kid (recruiting) because of what had happened in the past. We lost kids because they had other options or they didn’t want to come but never were we told it was because they were afraid of what happened previously.”
The only asterisk in this story of redemption is the Atlantic Hockey preseason coaches poll, which projects a 10th-place finish for RMU out of 11.
“That kinda pissed us all off a little bit,” Andres said. “We’re just kinda playing with a chip on our shoulder.
“A hungry dog runs faster.”
That’s not quite “The legs feed the wolf,” but Herb Brooks would no doubt appreciate the sentiment as a rallying cry for the program’s resurrection.
Added Veltri: “Looking from the outside in people have no expectations for us. But from this locker room, we know what we have in here. We’re not just a new program. This is a team and coaching staff that has been established in the past. We have players from many different schools who have proven themselves and a lot of freshmen who are working hard right now and showing that they can be college hockey players.
“We’re just gonna go out every single day and work hard. The results will come.”
