{"id":28523,"date":"2006-10-06T23:39:40","date_gmt":"2006-10-07T04:39:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.uscho.com\/2006\/10\/06\/200607-hockey-east-season-preview\/"},"modified":"2010-08-17T19:56:39","modified_gmt":"2010-08-18T00:56:39","slug":"200607-hockey-east-season-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uscho.com\/2006\/10\/06\/200607-hockey-east-season-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"2006-07 Hockey East Season Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"
This year, Hockey East looks like a two- or perhaps three-tier league. It will, of course, continue to feature great top-to-bottom strength and those teams on the bottom trying to move up will strike down the Goliaths on plenty of occasions. That said, there should be a significant gap between the top six teams and the bottom four.<\/p>\n
There are, once again, the four perennial powers: Boston College, Boston University, Maine and New Hampshire. The coaches’ preseason poll pegs these schools for the home ice slots, with Vermont and Providence providing the toughest challenges. National pollsters agree, putting all of the four “usual suspects” within the top 11 teams in the USCHO.com\/CSTV Preseason Poll with Providence and Vermont almost breaking into the top 20.<\/p>\n
The writers of this preview agree for the most part, but differ on the exact ordering. Dave is impressed by the threat posed by Vermont and Providence, but is unable to see the necessary chinks in the four powers’ armors for the two challengers to get home ice. On the other hand, Scott, shaking his head at Dave’s “safe” (almost to the point of cowardice) picks, sees Providence bypassing both UNH and Maine.<\/p>\n
Either way, the coaches, Dave, and Scott all see the same six teams in that upper tier. The other four schools have some catching up to do. Merrimack and Northeastern finished well out of the playoffs last year and thus have the furthest to go. Massachusetts and Massachusetts-Lowell finished last season within striking range, but have big holes to fill, particularly the River Hawks.<\/p>\n
There is, however, a reason why they play the games. Few thought Lowell would struggle so much last season and no one, other than perhaps PC coach Tim Army’s relatives, expected the Friars to spend so much time atop the league standings.<\/p>\n
Here, then, are thumbnail views of each team’s outlook. Click on the links for more details.<\/p>\n
1. Boston College<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Head Coach:<\/b> Jerry York (749-502-75, 34 years overall; 282-157-41, 12 years at BC) 2. Boston University<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Head Coach:<\/b> Jack Parker (742-379-84, 33 years) T-3. New Hampshire<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Head Coach:<\/b> Richard Umile (373-186-61, 16 years) T-3. Maine<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Head Coach:<\/b> Tim Whitehead (207-149-35, 10 years overall; 131-54-24, five years Maine) 5. Providence<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Head Coach:<\/b> Tim Army (17-16-3, 1 year) 6. Vermont<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Head Coach:<\/b> Kevin Sneddon (98-149-32, eight years overall; 48-50-14, three years at Vermont) 7. Northeastern<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Head Coach:<\/b> Greg Cronin (23-37-9, 2 years) 8. Massachusetts<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Head Coach:<\/b> Don Cahoon (260-288-53, 19 years overall; 70-119-17, six years at UMass)
\n2005-2006 Record:<\/b> 26-13-3 (17-8-2, T-2nd HEA)
\n2005-2006 Team Offense:<\/b> 3.48 goals per game, 2nd
\n2005-2006 Team Defense:<\/b> 2.26 goals against per game, T-2nd
\n2005-2006 Power Play:<\/b> 15.1 percent, 8th
\n2005-2006 Penalty Kill:<\/b> 85.9 percent, 4th
\nKey Losses:<\/b> Chris Collins, Peter Harrold and Stephen Gionta<\/b>
\nKey returnees:<\/b> Cory Schneider (2.11 GAA, .929 Sv%), Brian Boyle (22-30–52) and Brett Motherwell (4-19–23)<\/b>
\n2006-2007 Coaches’ Poll:<\/b> 1st
\nIn brief:<\/b> Glass-half-empty BC fans might bemoan the losses of Chris Collins and Peter Harrold, but Cory Schneider and Brian Boyle return as major weapons. Add a year of experience to all those youngsters who last season got to the national title game and you’ve got the makings of a potential juggernaut.
\nCoaches’ pick:<\/b> 1st
\nDave’s pick:<\/b> 1st
\nScott’s pick:<\/b> 1st<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\n2005-2006 Record:<\/b> 26-10-4 (17-7-3, 1st HEA)
\n2005-2006 Team Offense:<\/b> 3.40 goals per game, 2nd
\n2005-2006 Team Defense:<\/b> 2.48 goals against per game, t-5th
\n2005-2006 Power Play:<\/b> 15.6 percent, 6th
\n2005-2006 Penalty Kill:<\/b> 81.9 percent, t-6th
\nKey Losses:<\/b> David Van der Gulik, Dan Spang, Brad Zancanaro, John Laliberte<\/b>
\nKey returnees:<\/b> John Curry (2.24 GAA, .918 Sv%), Pete MacArthur (14-25-39), Kenny Roche (17-14-31), Brandon Yip (9-22-31), Sean Sullivan (3-14-17, +12), and Matt Gilroy (+21)<\/b>
\nIn brief:<\/b> Despite losing their top forward line and an All-American defenseman in Dan Spang, BU figures to be solid in every area and won’t need to rely on many freshmen in key roles. If a few returning players can step up their production, they can contend for the top spot in the league and the nation.
\nCoaches’ pick:<\/b> 2nd
\nDave’s pick:<\/b> 2nd
\nScott’s pick:<\/b> 2nd<\/p>\n
\n2005-2006 Record:<\/b> 20-13-7 (14-7-6, 4th HEA)
\n2005-2006 Team Offense:<\/b> 3.15 goals per game, 4th
\n2005-2006 Team Defense:<\/b> 2.33 goals against per game, 4th
\n2005-2006 Power Play:<\/b> 20.7 percent, 2nd
\n2005-2006 Penalty Kill:<\/b> 85.0 percent, 4th
\nKey Losses:<\/b> Daniel Winnik, Brian Yandle, Jeff Pietrasiak<\/b>
\nKey returnees:<\/b> Jacob Micflikier (16-26-42), Kevin Regan (2.63 GAA, .914 Sv%), Brett Hemingway (19-22-41), Trevor Smith (10-10-20), Craig Switzer (2-14-16), Josh Ciocco (7-11-18)<\/b>
\nIn brief:<\/b> The Wildcats have a talented nucleus, but the early departure of power forward Daniel Winnik on top of outstanding offensive defenseman Brian Yandle means that others will need to come through on the score sheet. Another key factor is whether goaltender Kevin Regan puts up numbers more like his freshman year (15-4-2, 2.35, .928) or last year (8-8-5, 2.63, .914).
\nCoaches’ pick:<\/b> 4th
\nDave’s pick:<\/b> 3rd
\nScott’s pick:<\/b> 5th<\/p>\n
\n2005-2006 Record:<\/b> 28-12-2 (17-8-2, T-2nd HEA)
\n2005-2006 Team Offense:<\/b> 3.40 goals per game, 3rd
\n2005-2006 Team Defense:<\/b> 2.26 goals against per game, T-2nd
\n2005-2006 Power Play:<\/b> 21.9 percent, 1st
\n2005-2006 Penalty Kill:<\/b> 88.9 percent, 1st
\nKey Losses:<\/b> Greg Moore, Derek Damon, John Hopson, Steve Mullin and Travis Wight<\/b>
\nKey returnees:<\/b> Michel L\u00e9veill\u00e9 (16-24–40), Josh Soares (15-26–41), Billy Ryan (10-18–28), Bret Tyler (7-16–23) and Ben Bishop (2.28 GAA, .907 Sv%)<\/b>
\nIn brief:<\/b> All-American Greg Moore leads the group of four forwards who must be replaced along with defensive stalwarts Steve Mullin and Travis Wight. That said, don’t be surprised if sophomore goaltender Ben Bishop takes his game to the next level and leads the Black Bears to another Frozen Four.
\nCoaches’ pick:<\/b> 3rd
\nDave’s pick:<\/b> 4th
\nScott’s pick:<\/b> 4th<\/p>\n
\n2005-2006 Record:<\/b> 17-16-3 (14-10-3, 5th HEA)
\n2005-2006 Team Offense:<\/b> 2.89 goals per game, 5th
\n2005-2006 Team Defense:<\/b> 2.48 goals against per game, t-5th
\n2005-2006 Power Play:<\/b> 17.2 percent, 4th
\n2005-2006 Penalty Kill:<\/b> 85.8 percent, 3rd
\nKey Losses:<\/b> Torry Gajda, James Pemberton, Nate Meyers<\/b>
\nKey returnees:<\/b> Tyler Sims (2.32 GAA, .916 Sv%), Chase Watson (6-27-33), Jon Rheault (16-14-30), Colin McDonald (9-19-28), Cody Wild (6-15-21)<\/b>
\nIn brief:<\/b> After a stellar run in late fall, the Friars faded in the stretch. With more depth this year and few departures, PC should be better equipped to keep the foot on the gas with Tim Army’s aggressive emphasis on attacking the other team’s net in all situations.
\nCoaches’ pick:<\/b> 6th
\nDave’s pick:<\/b> 6th
\nScott’s pick:<\/b> 3rd<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\n2004-2005 Record:<\/b> 18-14-6 (10-11-6, 6th HEA)
\n2004-2005 Team Offense:<\/b> 2.55 goals per game, 7th
\n2004-2005 Team Defense:<\/b> 2.16 goals against per game, 1st
\n2004-2005 Power Play:<\/b> 20.1 percent, 2nd
\n2004-2005 Penalty Kill:<\/b> 86.4 percent, T-2nd
\nKey Losses:<\/b> Brady Leisenring, Jeff Corey and Jaime Sifers<\/b>
\nKey returnees:<\/b> Joe Fallon (2.02 GAA, .907 Sv%), Torrey Mitchell (12-28–40), Dean Strong (9-15–24), Peter Lenes (13-7–20), Kenny Macaulay and Mark Lutz<\/b>
\nIn brief:<\/b> Although Jaime Sifers, Brady Leisenring and Jeff Corey leave behind big holes to fill, a talented core remains. Last year the Catamounts were, in coach Kevin Sneddon’s words, “top five [nationally] in team defense, but top 40 in offense.” Can they maintain the former while improving the latter?
\nCoaches’ pick:<\/b> 5th
\nDave’s pick:<\/b> 5th
\nScott’s pick:<\/b> 6th<\/p>\n
\n2005-2006 Record:<\/b> 6-23-5 (3-24-7, 9th HEA)
\n2005-2006 Team Offense:<\/b> 2.11 goals per game, 9th
\n2005-2006 Team Defense:<\/b> 3.26 goals against per game, 8th
\n2005-2006 Power Play:<\/b> 14.6 percent, 8th
\n2005-2006 Penalty Kill:<\/b> 81.9 percent, t-6th
\nKey Losses:<\/b> Chuck Tomes, Brian Swiniarski<\/b>
\nKey returnees:<\/b> Mike Morris (DNP-Injured), Steve Birnstill (2-14-16), Jimmy Russo (5-13-18), Ryan Ginand (10-6-16) Joe Vitale (8-8-16), Adam Geragosian (3.24 GAA, .902 Sv%)
\nIn brief:<\/b> Coming off a trying 3-24-7 season last year, coach Greg Cronin and company have brought in a horde of talented recruits, including many who were prolific scorers at the junior level. This is a work in progress, but they should make significant strides. The big question is whether star forward Mike Morris is fully recovered from the concussion that forced him to miss all of last season.
\nCoaches’ pick:<\/b> 8th
\nDave’s pick:<\/b> 8th
\nScott’s pick:<\/b> 7th<\/p>\n
\n2005-2006 Record:<\/b> 13-21-2 (10-15-2, 8th HEA)
\n2005-2006 Team Offense:<\/b> 2.14 goals per game, 8th
\n2005-2006 Team Defense:<\/b> 2.86 goals against per game, 7th
\n2005-2006 Power Play:<\/b> 16.2 percent, 7th
\n2005-2006 Penalty Kill:<\/b> 81.1 percent, 8th
\nKey Losses:<\/b> Stephen Werner, Marvin Degon and Gabe Winer<\/b>
\nKey returnees:<\/b> Matt Anderson (7-13–20), Chris Capraro (8-11-19) and Jon Quick (2.98 GAA, .920 Sv%)<\/b>
\nIn brief:<\/b> Mainstays Stephen Werner, Marvin Degon and Gabe Winer have graduated. A few secondary players must rise to the fore, joining Matt Anderson, Chris Capraro and Jon Quick as difference-makers.
\nCoaches’ pick:<\/b> 7th
\nDave’s pick:<\/b> 7th
\nScott’s pick:<\/b> 9th<\/p>\n