College Hockey:

ECAC East Season Preview

The interlocking schedule between NESCAC and ECAC East provides hockey fans in the Northeast some of the best match ups anywhere on virtually every weekend between now and the end of February.

In this the last season in its current configuration before the commencement of the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) next year takes Salem State from the East (to be replaced by University of New England) to a new conference, this years competition is expected to be as hotly contested as any race we have seen in the past several years.

Everyone just keeps getting better, noted Southern Maine head coach Jeff Beaney. Even the guys that have lost a lot like Norwich have reloaded — like that military joke there?

Sense of humor aside, coach Beaney seems to be right on as even the coaches have matched last years top four finishes with the same alignment projected for this season. Hard to disagree when you look at the teams on paper but seeing how Babson won the whole thing two years ago from the six spot; I am inclined to think that just about anything can happen in this league with these teams.

We finally get to see some hockey — and before Thanksgiving too! Enjoy the regular season as well as all of the holiday tournament play over the next few weeks. This is going to be great!

Teams are listed in order of predicted finish by USCHO.com.

Norwich Cadets

2007-2008 Overall Record: 23-7-0
2007-2008 League Record: 15-4-0
2007-2008 League Finish: First
2008-2009 Coaches Pick: First
2008-2009 USCHO Prediction: First

Team Overview: We are working our tails off, observed head coach Mike McShane. We have lost a lot both upfront and on the blue line so we will be looking for some new contributions from other forwards and have four new defensemen in the mix.

We have the potential to be a good team and just need to keep working hard to get there. We are getting great leadership from our older guys and we have some new players that should contribute early on.

Special Teams: Coach Mike McShane is looking for the power play unit to contribute significantly and offset the loss of high scoring forward Rick Cleaver. While there are some newcomers on defense, junior goalie David Thompson should help to limit the opposition from taking advantage of their man advantages.

Player to Watch: Forward Nikita Kashirsky (20 goals, 22 assists, 42 points) scored six game-winning goals last season for the Cadets and is dangerous on the power play.

Summary: Norwich will take nothing for granted in the league and should the defense gel quickly with D-I RIT transfer Steve Coon and Pasha Kozhokin, the Cadets will be chasing their traditional spot at the top of the leader board.

Babson Beavers

2007-2008 Overall Record: 17-6-3
2007-2008 League Record: 13-4-2
2007-2008 League Finish: Second
2008-2009 Coaches Pick: Second
2008-2009 USCHO Prediction: Second

Team Overview: It really does go by quickly, noted head coach Jamie Rice. It seems like the summer just started and now we are anxious to play our first game and get this season going.

We have a lot returning along with some new faces like freshman forward Cody Carlson, he continued, so we will see how the kids come together and how we do out of the gate. [Its] not exactly easy opening with Bowdoin and Colby on the road but what a great way to start the season.

Special Teams: Babsons power play production was down below 20% last season so look for the Beavers to create more chances with the man advantage. Senior Alex DiPietro led the team with three power-play tallies last season.

Players to Watch: Junior forward Jason Schneider (12-15-27) returns as last seasons leading scorer and hopes to build momentum into the new season from last years successful campaign. Senior goaltender Skylar Nipps looks to raise his save percentage above 90% in support of the Beaver defensive unit.

Summary: They can beat you in a track meet or a 2-1 tight checking game. Babson has the talent to best anyone in the league in any style of play. If they can be consistent, this team will be around at the end.

Castleton State Spartans

2007-2008 Overall Record: 13-11-2
2007-2008 League Record: 11-6-2
2007-2008 League Finish: Third
2008-2009 Coaches Pick: Third
2008-2009 USCHO Prediction: Third

Team Overview: It doesnt really matter if you have everyone back if they arent focused on executing on the ice, commented head coach Alex Todd. We do have a lot back this year and everyone has gotten stronger and faster in the off-season. Practices have gone very well and this group seems much focused right out of the gate. We are going to have to prove it on the ice and we open with a tough one at New England College on Friday night.

Special Teams: Two power play units have the ability to score and the penalty killing was a strong suit for the team last year especially in the second half of the season. The defense led by senior Jared lavender (0-10-10) will have a major impact on the success of this years PK unit.

Senior Brandon Heck is Castleton’s all-time leading scorer entering the season.

Player To Watch: Senior forward Brandon Heck (16-18-34) has already broken all of the scoring records at the school and is looking to add to his rsum this season by again topping the career 100 point mark.

Summary: This team has learned how to win and their physical style can wear down many teams — if the goaltending triumvirate of Jay Seals, Jeff Swanson and freshman Seth McNary can step up to the elite level, Castleton could compete with another Vermont school for the league title.

New England College Pilgrims

2007-2008 Overall Record: 16-8-3
2007-2008 League Record: 10-6-3
2007-2008 League Finish: Fourth
2008-2009 Coaches Pick: Fourth
2008-2009 USCHO Prediction: Fourth

Team Overview: The Pilgrims are another team that lost some key contributors from last years squad. If you happen to be near the bench and hear some different languages from the players, please note that there are 13 players who find their roots in Sweden or Finland, giving NEC a distinctive European style.

The Scandinavian entourage will receive some solid support from a strong returning group that can score in bunches.

Special Teams: Expect speed and puck movement to dominate the style of play as the Pilgrims have always proved dangerous on the power play. Junior Mark Ehl (23-18-41) led the team with 12 goals on the power play and should be in a position to match that number this season with a talented supporting cast.

Player to Watch: Junior defenseman Trevor Turner (0-23-23) didnt score a goal last season but still produced over 20 points by setting up his teammates.

Summary: Six of the Pilgrims first eight games are at home including three match ups with top teams in the ECAC Northeast such as Nichols, Wentworth and Curry. A good start will set up NEC for a strong run following the semester break.

Southern Maine Huskies

2007-2008 Overall Record: 14-9-3
2007-2008 League Record: 8-8-3
2007-2008 League Finish: Fifth
2008-2009 Coaches Pick: Sixth
2008-2009 USCHO Prediction: Fifth

Team Overview: We are going to be a li