Hosts Jim Connelly and Ed Trefzger are joined by Minnesota State head coach Mike Hastings to preview the No. 1 Mavericks’ home series against No. 2 St. Cloud, the team that ousted them from the NCAA playoffs in the national semifinal last season.
We also preview No. 6 Boston College vs. No. 9 Quinnipiac and No. 18 Northeastern vs. Holy Cross in this weekend’s Ice Breaker tournament in Worcester. Also in this episode: No. 5 Minnesota Duluth at No. 15 Bemidji State, Arizona State at No. 12 Denver, and an early conference contest in Atlantic Hockey, Rochester Institute of Technology at Army West Point.
Each coach and program have different criteria for what they look for on the recruiting trail. Sure, everyone is looking for talent on the ice, but there’s so much more that goes into a player’s makeup. There are players every program wants, but for up-and-coming teams that may not be able to land those recruits, they’re looking for players that see the benefit and potential of helping build a program and putting in the hard work now to help future teams see a payoff.
Those are the players who Minnesota State coach John Harrington wants on his team. The Maverick program has slowly been improving under Harrington’s tenure as head coach, culminating with a fifth place finish in the WCHA last season. The season before he took over the reins, MSU won a single conference game. In his first season, they were winless in the WCHA.
“I want a chance to try to develop something here … It’s hard to change your team around. It has to be done with good recruiting and then developing what you have. And it’s not just developing the players individually, but developing into a team that thinks alike and that plays together – (a team) that can be possibly better than the sum of the parts,” he said.
Harrington saw the Mavericks head coaching job as a challenge – something he said he’s never been known to back down from. He looks for the same personality traits in his players.
“You have to find the person, with the right makeup, that wants to take on that challenge and contribute to a program that’s on the rise,” said Harrington.
The Mavericks rose a little higher on Saturday with a 4-2 win over then-fourth-ranked Minnesota Duluth. On the one hand, it’s a single win and Harrington pointed out his team is only as good as their next game, not as good as their last. On the other, for a team like Minnesota State to continue to improve, they need to bring in better players. Marquee wins like Saturday’s play a big role in being able to do so.
It’s a cyclical problem with no clear solution. Teams need better players to be able to win. Better players don’t choose to play for programs that don’t win. Any time a program like Mankato can get their name out there and capture national attention with a big win, it has ripple effects that have a big impact on how the program can grow in the future.
“I don’t think any coach can say that they haven’t been a better coach when they’ve had better players,” said Harrington. “Young players know who the successful programs are and it’s our job to try to convince them we can have that at other places, as well. That’s what we’re trying to do at Minnesota State, is show them that we can be competitive with the top teams in the league and challenge for WCHA championship and we know if we do that, then we’ll certainly be in the conversation for national championship.”
That’s the long term. In the short term, wins like Saturday energize the players and help to reinforce the things the coaches have been teaching them. It’s one thing for Harrington and his staff to model things in practice or on a white board. When the team plays well and gets results, the staff can point things out in the game film and watch his players buy in just a little bit more.
The win was big for who it was over, but it was also an important bounce-back after a 7-0 loss on Friday. One way the Mavericks have been able to improve over the past few seasons has been in their ability to win and hold on to the puck. Playing good defense has allowed Minnesota State to be a more offensive team overall. They aren’t chasing and playing catch up. They’re controlling the run of play, possessing the puck and playing well away from the puck. Those are the things that went right on Saturday and led to a win.
“It’s just one step in the process that we’re trying to get to to be a consistent team. Whatever that effort was, whatever it took to beat UMD, we’ve got to have that same type of effort and that same time of performance when we play the next weekend,” said Harrington. “We can have these nights. When will we have them all the time? I’m not sure, but we have to prepare like we’re going to have them all the time because if we don’t, then we won’t have them at all.”
France native Louis Boudon will serve as Lake Superior State’s captain this season (photo: LSSU Athletics).
For the casual fan watching on a Friday or Saturday, chances are high that the inaugural season of the new CCHA won’t look much different than the final season of the WCHA.
Seven of the eight teams were together in the WCHA, so the matchups, coaches and arenas are largely the same. And the league’s champion will still win the MacNaughton Cup.
Still, despite outward appearances, the new CCHA is a brand-new conference internally, with an all-new administrative staff helmed by college hockey veteran Don Lucia. Lucia was named the conference’s commissioner in the summer of 2020.
And there’s a reason why the seven schools left the WCHA and decided to revive the “CCHA” name after eight years dormant.
“The goal is to be in the NCAA tournament on a regular basis, and they’re all committed to that,” Lucia said during the conference’s virtual media day last month. “They do invest in their hockey programs, (and) they want to see success. That’s what our goal is in the CCHA.”
Coaches and administrators have talked a lot about “like-minded” schools since the new conference was formed, and they have a point — they’re all small-ish Midwestern schools with a focus on hockey.
“Obviously here at Lake State the CCHA has a great history and tradition… I look over my shoulder at all our many championship banners,” Lake Superior State coach Damon Whitten said. “So when we talked to our fans and our alumni when we were traveling this summer, the excitement level was off the charts for Lake State to be going back to the CCHA.”
Of course, there were unfortunate consequences to the CCHA. The three schools from the WCHA who weren’t invited — Alaska, Alaska Anchorage and Alabama Huntsville — were all put in precarious positions as independents because of it, and only Alaska is playing hockey this year. That’s a negative, but it’s the price paid for the CCHA’s emphasis on being a tighter, more regionally compact conference with “like-minded” schools.
That opened up an opportunity for newcomers St. Thomas. Coach Rico Blasi — no stranger to the old CCHA as the head coach of Miami from 1999 to 2019 — is excited to help the newly-promoted Tommies build their Division I program.
“Our league is full of great teams and great players so we’re looking forward to competing and learning what we need to do to compete at that level down the road,” Blasi said.
It seems like everyone involved is determined to make the CCHA a leaner, meaner and more professional operation than in the past — both on and off the ice. Michigan Tech coach Joe Shawhan said it’s been a conscious effort from all the coaches and administrators to strengthen the league’s reputation.
“There’s been an upgrade for sure in the exposure of the league. The attention to detail has been great, the promotion of the league has been great, and now it’s time for us to get on (the ice) and perform and promote the league ourselves,” Shawhan said. “You look at the league we’re going to have this year, and I think it prepares our teams well for the national tournament.”
Last season, three teams in the then-WCHA (Minnesota State, Bemidji State and Lake Superior) made the NCAA tournament. The Mavericks made it to their first-ever Frozen Four while the Beavers managed to upset a No. 1 seed in Wisconsin. And the Lakers ended their 25 years tournament drought with a hard-fought game against eventual champions UMass.
All three of those teams have a good chunk of their team back, as does Michigan Tech, which was oh-so-close to the tournament a year ago.
Other teams have bigger question marks. Bowling Green, for example, lost a bulk of its leading scorers to the transfer portal. Northern Michigan has its leading scorer back but will be looking for improved scoring down the lineup. Ferris State won just one game a year ago and has nowhere to go but up. And St. Thomas, with its combination of Division I transfers and Division III veterans, will be a complete unknown.
In other words, with plenty of storylines to follow, it’s going to be a wild first season for the CCHA.
“That’s set the table nicely for the upcoming year,” Lucia said. “The competition that the group showed last year was tremendous and we anticipate that’s going to be the case this upcoming season. We really want to try and compete at the highest level, we want to have success in the NCAA tournament, and there’s no doubt in my mind that we’re off to a great start.”
Bemidji State senior Ethan Somoza is the first player from California to wear the ‘C’ for the Beavers (photo: BSU Photo Services).
BEMIDJI STATE
HEAD COACH: Tom Serratore (entering his 21st season at BSU)
LAST SEASON: 16-10-3 (8-5-1 for 4th in WCHA)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Owen Sillinger (Sr., 10g-5a-15pts); D Elias Rosen (Jr., 5g-11a-15pts); F Alex Ierullo (Sr., 7g-17a-24pts); F Ethan Somoza (Sr., 15g-5a-20pts)
KEY LOSSES: G Zach Driscoll (15-10-3; 2.32 GAA; .922 SV%); F Brendan Harris (9g-14a-23pts); F Aaron Miller (6g-8a-14pts).
KEY ADDITIONS: F Jere Väisänen (Amarillo Bulls, NAHL); F Alexander Lundman (Boras HC, Sweden); F Donte Lawson (Minnesota Wilderness, NAHL).
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Beavers return 18 significant contributors from a 2020-21 team that finished fourth in the WCHA and made its first NCAA tournament appearance in 11 years, so experience will not be something they lack. However, a big question mark is in net, as goaltender Zach Driscoll transferred to North Dakota for this year. Still, the experience they have up front and on the blue line — including a few fifth-year seniors — should be enough for the Beavers to contend for the MacNaughton Cup and another NCAA appearance.
2021-22 PREDICTED FINISH: 2nd.
Sam Craggs recorded 12 points for Bowling Green during the 2020-21 season (photo: Isaiah Vazquez).
BOWLING GREEN
HEAD COACH: Ty Eigner (entering his third season at BGSU)
LAST SEASON: 20-10-1 (8-5-1 for 3rd in the WCHA)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Alex Barber (Sr., 9g-14a-23pts); F Sam Craggs (Sr., 4g-8a-12pts); F Taylor Schneider (Sr., 10g-9a-19pts)
KEY LOSSES: F Brandon Kruse (11g-23a-34pts); F Max Johnson (10g-14a-24pts); F Connor Ford (16g-12a-28pts); G Eric Dop (13-8-1, 2.16 GAA, .923 SV%)
KEY ADDITIONS: F Nathan Burke (Tr., Minnesota, Big Ten); F Coale Norris (Tr., Ferris State, CCHA); F Brayden Krieger (Brooks Bandits, AJHL); F Austen Swankler (Erie Otters, OHL)
2021-22 PREDICTION: Roster turnover hit the Falcons hard this offseason, with 11 players leaving early. Most of those transferred to other programs, including Brandon Kruse and Max Johnson, both of whom had 100+ point careers with the Falcons. Offensive production is clearly going to be the key to Bowling Green’s success this season, and it will probably determine if they are able to earn home ice in the playoffs or not.
2021-22 PREDICTED FINISH: 6th
Ferris State’s Stepan Pokorny brought the Ewigleben Ice Arena crowd to its feet when he scored the shorthanded overtime game-winning goal to give the Bulldogs a 4-3 nonconference win over Miami on Oct. 3 (photo: Ferris State Athletics).
FERRIS STATE
HEAD COACH: Bob Daniels (entering this 30th season at FSU)
LAST SEASON: 1-23-1 (0-13-1 for 8th in WCHA)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Jake Transit (Sr., 6g-8a-14pts); F Ethan Stewart (Sr., 6g-8a-14pts); F Mitch Deelstra (So., 7g-4a-11pts).
KEY LOSSES: F Coale Norris (8g-9a-17pts); F Lucas Finner (2g-9a-11pts); D Jake Willets (2g-4a-6pts).
KEY ADDITIONS: D Nicola DeVita (Aberdeen Wings, NAHL); F Bradley Marek (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL).
2021-22 PREDICTION: It’s been such a rough couple years for Bob Daniels and the Bulldogs that it’s almost impossible to believe that this was a top-five, Frozen Four program as recently as 2012. But last season was, by some measure, their worst ever — just one victory, and only the second time in program history that the team has failed to win at least 10 games (the other time was in 2019-20). They were, however, a very young team in 2020-21, so the good news is that with more experience under their belts, this team should be better than they were last season, because it will be really hard to do any worse.
2021-22 PREDICTED FINISH: 7th.
Brandon Puricelli notched 15 points a season ago for the Lakers (photo: LSSU Athletics).
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE
HEAD COACH: Damon Whitten (entering eighth season at LSSU)
LAST SEASON: 19-7-3 (9-5-0 for 2nd in WCHA)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Louis Boudon (Jr., 8g-11a-19pts); F Brandon Puricelli (Jr., 8g-7a-15pts); D Jacob Nordqvist (Sr., 3g-12a-15pts)
KEY LOSSES: F Ashton Calder (16g-13a-29pts); F Hampus Erickson (6g-13a-19pts); G Mareks Mitens (7-4-0, 2.09 GAA, .928 SV%); F Pete Veillette (13g-14a-27pts).
KEY ADDITIONS: D Jake Willets (Tr., Ferris State, WCHA); F Brett Roloson (Minot Minotauros, NAHL)
2021-22 PREDICTION: Of the teams in the new CCHA, perhaps only Bowling Green was hit harder than the Lakers when it comes to star players transferring out. LSSU lost their top two goalscorers to the transfer portal and their workhorse goaltender to the pros. They have some nice depth returners, but they are going to have to step into starring roles if they want to win another conference tournament title this season.
2021-22 PREDICTED FINISH: 4th.
Michigan Tech players celebrate a goal during the Huskies’ 4-4 tie with Northern Michigan on Oct. 2 (photo: Michigan Tech Athletics).
MICHIGAN TECH
HEAD COACH: Joe Shawhan (entering his fifth season at Tech)
LAST SEASON: 17-12-1 (7-7-0 for 5th in WCHA)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Trenton Bliss (Sr. 12g-13a-25pts); F Alec Broetzman (Sr., 13g-8a-21pts); F Brian Halonen (Sr., 8g-10a-18pts); G Blake Pietila (Jr., 14-9-0, 1.81 GAA, .934 SVG%).
KEY LOSSES: D Tyler Rockwell (4g-7a-11pts).
KEY ADDITIONS: F Tyrone Bronte (Tr., Alabama Huntsville, WCHA); F Matt Quercia (Tr., Boston University, Hockey East); D Grant Docter (Minnesota Wilderness, NAHL)
2021-22 PREDICTION: Unlike nearly everyone in the CCHA, Tech didn’t lose a single significant contributor from last season — either to graduation or to the transfer portal. Their leading scorers are back, both goaltenders are back and most of their defensive corps have returned. Because of that, the Huskies are going to make a very strong push for the MacNaughton Cup this season.
2021-22 PREDICTED FINISH: 3rd.
Julian Napravnik and Dryden McKay captured two of the WCHA’s top honors for 2020-21 and both are back for 2021-22 (photo: Russell Hons).
MINNESOTA STATE
HEAD COACH: Mike Hastings (entering his 10th season at MSU)
LAST SEASON: 22-5-1 (13-1-0 for 1st in WCHA)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Julian Napravnik (Sr., 10g-18a-28pts); F Nathan Smith (Jr., 9g-16a-25pts); F Cade Borchardt (Jr., 9g-15a-24pts); G Dryden McKay (21-4-0, 1.54 GAA, .924 SV%); D Akito Hirose (So. 1g-14a-15pts).
KEY LOSSES: F Dallas Gerads (9g-10a-19pts); F Walker Duehr (10g-7a-17pts); F Jake Jaremko (4g-12a-16pts).
KEY ADDITIONS: F Josh Groll (Tr., Michigan, Big Ten); D Benton Maass (Tr., New Hampshire, Hockey East); F Zach Krajnik (Tr., Alaska Anchorage); F Luc Wilson (Penticton Vees, BCHL)
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Mavericks lost a few key seniors to graduation, but the fact that the team that was a period away from playing in the national title game returns all four of its top four scorers and its all-star, Hobey and Richter finalist goaltender should scare the rest of the CCHA. Expect them to once again be in the conversation for the national title.
2021-22 PREDICTED FINISH: 1st.
Joseph Nardi will wear the ‘C’ this season for Northern Michigan (photo: NMU Athletics).
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
HEAD COACH: Grant Potulny (entering his 5th season at Northern Michigan)
LAST SEASON: 11-17-1 (6-7-1 for 6th in WCHA)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Joseph Nardi (Sr., 12g-21a-33pts); F André Ghantous (Jr., 10g-18a-28pts); F AJ Vanderbeck (Jr., 14g-13a-27pts); G Rico DiMatteo (So., 7-6-1, 2.84 GAA, .909 SV%)
KEY LOSSES: F Griffin Loughran (5g-10a-15pts); F Brandon Schultz (5g-7a-12pts); D Mason Palmer (0g-1a-1pts).
KEY ADDITIONS: F Trevor Cosgrove (Tr., Colgate, ECAC); F Hampus Erickson (Tr., Lake Superior State, WCHA); G Kaeden Lane (Penticton Vees, BCHL)
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Wildcats stunned some people when they upset both Bowling Green and Minnesota State en route to the WCHA title game last season. They’ve got their top scoring options back this season and hope to improve on last year’s losing campaign. If DiMatteo can be more consistent in the nets, it would go a long way.
2021-22 PREDICTED FINISH: 5th.
St. Thomas enters its inaugural season in Division I hockey in 2021-22 (photo: Brad Olson).
ST. THOMAS
HEAD COACH: Rico Blasi (entering first season at UST)
LAST SEASON: 6-1-2 in final Division III season
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Grant Loven (Sr., 4g-6a-10pts); F Luke Manning (Jr., 1g-3a-4pts); F Justin Kelley (Jr., 1g-5a-6pts)
KEY LOSSES: N/A
KEY ADDITIONS: G Peter Thome (Tr., North Dakota, NCHC); F Christiano Versich (Tr., Colorado College); D Nolan Sawchuk (Tr., UMass-Lowell); F Trevor LeDonne (Nanaimo Clippers, BCHL)
2021-22 PREDICTION: St. Thomas’ whirlwind transition to Division I might be a little chaotic, but it’s going to be fun to watch. The Tommies have had to take a unique approach to building this season’s team. Twelve players return from the Division III squad, and Blasi has rounded out the team with 13 transfers from other Division I programs. It’s anyone’s guess how well this team will gel. They will probably struggle, but it’s going to be fascinating to watch a Division I program being built like this with such a seasoned and successful coach at the helm.
AIC coach Eric Lang spoke on Wednesday during the College Hockey Inc. Virtual Coach Clinic about how to develop a championship culture (File photo: Omar Phillips)
If you have your heart set on being an NCAA coach, Todd Woodcroft’s talk at the third day of the College Hockey Inc. Virtual Coaching Clinic was an eye-opener. Zack Cisek dedicated time to helping goalies improve on the penalty kill, before Eric Lang discussed his team’s journey from worst to first, sharing lessons from along the way.
Curious as to what a day in the life of a college head coach entails? Is he the first to arrive at the rink and the last to leave? What responsibilities are directly his and what does he delegate? What’s the collaboration with his coaching staff like? Todd Woodcroft, head coach at Vermont, provided the answers sharing the details of a busy day as he prepares his team for the upcoming season.
PENALTY KILL READS FROM THE GOALIE’S PERSPECTIVE
It is widely believed your goalie is your best penalty killer. Fact or fiction? Either way, without solid goaltending, your penalty kill will suffer and so will your team. Zack Cisek, Lake Superior associate head coach, explained how to enhance your goalie reads on the penalty kill during his presentation.
BUILDING A CHAMPIONSHIP CULTURE: FROM WORST TO FIRST
Eric Lang, head coach at AIC, has overseen one of the most dramatic turnarounds in NCAA men’s hockey history, leading the Yellow Jackets to back-to-back NCAA appearances. He rewired the AIC program in short order having only been with the club for five seasons. His presentation looked at how he was able to turn things around for his club.
USCHO is a media partner of the 2021 College Hockey Inc. Virtual Coaches Clinic
Arizona State head coach Greg Powers joins hosts Jim Connelly and Ed Trefzger to talk all things Sun Devils hockey.
Topics include last weekend’s split with UMass Lowell and this weekend’s games at Denver, being road warriors during last year’s COVID-shortened season, building a non-conference schedule, the new arena to open next season, and about coaching methods and philosophies.
Clarkson and Quinnipiac games this season should be a measuring stick as to how the ECAC Hockey standings will shake out (photo: Gary Mikel).
While change is inevitable in college hockey, there’s never been an offseason quite as tumultuous or long for many of the teams in ECAC Hockey.
Eight of the 12 conference teams didn’t play last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving Quinnipiac, Clarkson, Colgate, and St. Lawrence to string together a makeshift season that ended with the Saints beating the Bobcats in the league championship game last spring.
It might take some time for the schools that didn’t play to get up to speed, as graduations and numerous transfers means that many of those teams will be almost unrecognizable from the last time they played.
“I really feel like we’re starting over and building from the ground up again,” said Cornell coach Mike Schafer, who enters his 26th season in Ithaca 19 wins shy of 500. The Big Red have 17 players who have never played in a college hockey game.
Even with all the changes, and despite the fact that the pandemic is far from over, there should be more of a sense of normalcy this year with all twelve teams back in action. While not every school has announced its attendance policy, the expectation is that there should be few limitations, with the exception of Rensselaer, which is only allowing students, faculty, and staff to its home games.
“The reality is the pandemic forced us to have a new perspective and new appreciation for how lucky we are to be involved in college hockey,” Harvard coach Ted Donato said. “I think all of us missed the opportunity to be around our team and be around the game.”
The top of the conference should again be strong this season. Quinnipiac and Clarkson return plenty of talent and each bolstered their rosters will several graduate transfers. Harvard and Cornell has a lot of question marks after not playing in a year and a half, but it’s tough to write those schools off given the history of both programs. The Crimson have 11 NHL draft picks on its roster, tied with Denver for the fourth most in men’s Division I hockey.
While it hasn’t been finalized, the league expects to continue to have its championship weekend at Lake Placid. However, there will be one change, the games will now be played on an NHL-sized rink at Herb Brooks Arena as opposed to an Olympic sheet.
“That’s always the big thing for me, having to change your whole game for the most important time of the year,” Colgate coach Don Vaughan said. “It was always a great destination. But to have them take that step was wonderful.”
Vaughan is now the longest tenured coach in the league after the retirement of Dartmouth coach Bob Gaudet in the spring of 2020. Former Quinnipiac defenseman and assistant coach Reid Cashman is the new head coach of the Big Green and finally gets to see his team in action more than a year after his hiring.
The league has already started play this season, as Colgate beat RIT 5-2 last Saturday on opening day in men’s college hockey. Several other conference teams open their seasons this weekend, while the Ivy League gets underway with its traditional late October start.
“We remind our guys every day that weren’t not promised anything,” Yale coach Keith Allain said. “Every chance that we get to be on the ice together is an opportunity that we have to take with great weight because we’ve learned that it can be taken away from you in a heartbeat.”
Brown has 16 players on the 2021-22 roster with college hockey experience (photo: Brown Athletics).
BROWN
HEAD COACH: Brendan Whittet, entering his 11th season at Brown.
LAST SEASON: Did not play due to the COVID-19 pandemic; finished 8-21-2 (8-12-2, ninth in ECAC Hockey) in 2019-20.
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Thomas Manty (Aberdeen Wings/NAHL); forward Matt Sutton (Omaha Lancers/USHL); forward Jordan Tonelli (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders/USHL); defenseman Brent Bliss (Surrey Eagles/BCHL).
2021-22 PREDICTION: Despite not playing last season, Brown returns 16 players with college hockey experience, including Kania in goal. He’ll have to be on his game most nights, as the Bears finished tied for last nationally in goals per game two years ago. Brown made it to Lake Placid in the 2018-19 season, but it will need a big jump in its offensive production if it’s going to make another run in the playoffs. Entering the season, the Bears look more like the team that lost 21 games in 2019-2020 as opposed to the one that made it to the conference semifinals.
PREDICTED FINISH: 11th
Ethan Haider won seven games last season as a freshman for Clarkson (photo: Gary Mikel).
CLARKSON
HEAD COACH: Casey Jones, entering his 11th season at Clarkson.
LAST SEASON: 11-7-4 (6-4-4, second in ECAC Hockey)
KEY LOSSES: Forward Josh Dunne (2-3-5); Forward Grant Cooper (8-6-14); defenseman Connor McCarthy (3-5-8).
KEY ADDITIONS: Graduate forward Luke Santerno (Bentley); forward Ayrton Martino (Omaha Lancers/USHL) Graduate defenseman Lukas Kaelble (Lake Superior State).
2021-22 PREDICTION: A promising season that included a potential NCAA tournament berth came to an end last spring when Clarkson cancelled the rest of its season after several players violated the university’s COVID-19 policy. The Golden Knights might not have the firepower of Harvard or Quinnipiac, but Clarkson has a deep group of forwards led by returners Tsekos and Jacome, while Santerno had 105 points over four season at Bentley. Clarkson has plenty of experience on the backend and another strong season by Haider in goal should give the Golden Knights a complete team that will be competing for a league title and national tournament appearance this spring.
PREDICTED FINISH: Second
Carter Gylander looks to be Colgate’s No. 1 netminder this season (photo: Justin Wolford).
COLGATE
HEAD COACH: Don Vaughan, entering his 29th season at Colgate.
LAST SEASON: 6-11-5, (5-9-4, fourth in ECAC Hockey).
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Graduate forward Josh McKechney (7-6-13); sophomore forward Alex Young (6-7-13); graduate defenseman Paul McAvoy (3-2-5); sophomore defenseman Pierson Brandon (0-10-10); sophomore goalie Carter Gylander (6-9-4, 2.69; .901).
KEY LOSSES: Defenseman Nick Austin (1-5-6); defenseman Trevor Cosgrove (3-1-4).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Alex DiPaolo (Victoria Grizzlies/BCHL); forward Ben Raymond (Powell River Kings/BCHL).
2021-22 PREDICTION: The results weren’t there last season for Colgate, but the Raiders return an experienced team that should be better this season. Gylander was average in goal as a freshman last season, but Colgate has two proven seniors in Andrew Farrier and Mitch Benson, the latter of whom missed all of last season with an injury. The defense should be solid with the return of McAvoy for a fifth year. Once again, the question with Colgate is offense, although the Raiders did score five goals in their season opener against RIT Saturday. This spot feels a little too low, but if Colgate can even manage a respectable offensive output this season, it should finish much higher.
PREDICTED FINISH: Eighth
Cornell fifth-year defenseman Cody Haiskanen will provide a spark to the Big Red this season (photo: Cornell Athletics).
CORNELL
HEAD COACH: Mike Schafer, entering his 26th season Cornell
LAST SEASON: Did not play due to the COVID-19 pandemic; finished 23-2-4 (18-2-2, first in ECAC Hockey) in 2019-20.
KEY LOSSES: Forward Morgan Barron (14-18-32); forward Tristan Mullin (9-13-22); forward Michael Regush (11-7-18); defenseman Yanni Kaldis (5-19-24); goalie Matthew Galajda (23-2-4, 1.56, .931).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Justin Ertel (Summerside Western Capitals/Maritime Junior A Hockey League); forward Sullivan Mack (Salmon Arm Silverbacks/BCHL); defenseman Hank Kempf (Muskegon Lumberjacks/USHL).
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Big Bed were one of the most dominant teams in the country when the pandemic prematurely ended the hockey season in March 2020. But it’s a different team now, as 17 of Cornell’s 30 skaters haven’t played in a collegiate hockey game, including all three of the Big Red goalies. But the Ivy League’s one-year exception to fifth-year players is beneficial to Cornell, as it returns a trio of captains in Betts, Locke, and Haiskanen. There are a lot of questions with this team, but while Cornell won’t be the dominate force of two years ago, it should compete for a top-four spot in the conference.
PREDICTED FINISH: Fourth
Jeff Losurdo posted 15 points in 30 games during the 2019-20 season (photo: Doug Austin).
DARTMOUTH
HEAD COACH: Reid Cashman, entering his first season at Dartmouth
LAST SEASON: Did not play due to the COVID-19 pandemic; finished 13-14-4 (10-10-2, sixth in ECAC Hockey) in 2019-20.
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior forward Jeff Losurdo (6-9-15); senior forward Sam Hesler (3-9-12); junior defenseman Tanner Palocsik (5-19-24).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Matt Hubbarde (Langley Rivermen/BCHL); Brady MacDonald (Victoria Grizzlies/BCHL); forward Nick Unruh (Salmon Arm Silverbacks/BCHL); goalie Clay Stevenson (Coquitlam Express/BCHL).
2021-22 PREDICTION: More than a year after being named head coach at Dartmouth, Reid Cashman will finally get to see his team take the ice. Like several of their counterparts who didn’t play last season, the Big Green enter this year with inexperience in goal. Senior Justin Ferguson (four games) is the only goalie with collegiate experience on the roster, although Stevenson led the BCHL in save percentage during the 2019-20 season. With a new coaching staff and so many new players, Cashman said he and his staff will have to be patient when implementing their systems. There are a lot of unknowns, but if everything goes right, Dartmouth should host a playoff series this spring.
PREDICTED FINISH: Seventh
Casey Dornbach is back for his senior season with Harvard (photo: Harvard Athletics).
HARVARD
HEAD COACH: Ted Donato, entering his 18th season at Harvard.
LAST SEASON: Did not compete due to the COVID-19 pandemic; finished 15-10-6 (11-6-5, fifth in ECAC Hockey) in 2019-20.
KEY LOSSES: Forward Jack Drury (20-19-39); defenseman Jack Rathbone (7-24-31); defenseman Reilly Walsh (8-19-27).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Matthew Coronato (Chicago Steel/USHL); (Des Moines/USHL); forward Alex Laferriere; forward Sean Farrell (Chicago Steel/USHL) defenseman Ian Moore (Chicago Steel/USHL)
2021-22 PREDICTION: It’s tough to judge a team that hasn’t played since February 2020, but Harvard looks loaded heading into this season. The Crimson have eleven NHL draft picks on its roster, led by incoming freshman Coronato, who was selected 13th overall by Calgary in the 2021 NHL draft. It’s hard to tell how that all that talent will mesh for Harvard, but offense shouldn’t be a problem this season. The big question mark for the Crimson heading into the season is defense; Harvard only has four defensemen who have played in a collegiate game and there is little experience behind Gibson in goal. If the backend can come together, Harvard should push for a national tournament berth; if not, the Crimson will be forced to win a ton of shootouts, which isn’t a path to success in ECAC Hockey.
PREDICTED FINISH: Third
Jeremie Forget starts the 2021-22 season as Princeton’s starting goalie (photo: Shelley M. Szwast).
PRINCETON
HEAD COACH: Ron Fogarty, entering his eighth season at Princeton.
LAST SEASON: Did not play due to the COVID-19 pandemic; finished 6-20-5 (2-16-4, 11th in ECAC Hockey) in 2019-20.
KEY LOSSES: Forward Jackson Cressey (6-16-22); forward Luke Keenan (7-11-18); goalie Ryan Ferland (1-7-2, 3.40, .887).
KEY ADDITIONS: Defenseman Nick Carabin (Coquitlam Express/BCHL); defenseman Noah de la Durantaye (Coquitlam Express/BCHL).
2021-22 PREDICTION: Despite a large roster turnover, the Tigers return four defenseman who played at least 20 games in 2019-20 and added several players who should push for playing time on the backend. With Forget in goal, Princeton should be solid defensively this season, but it might not be enough to overcome a lack of offensive production. There are a lot of unknowns, but it’s likely the Tigers finish in the bottom of the league again this season.
PREDICTED FINISH: 12th
Quinnipiac’s Ty Smilanic looks to build on his 14-goal freshman season in 2021-22 (photo: Rob Rasmussen).
QUINNIPIAC
HEAD COACH: Rand Pecknold, entering his 28th season at Quinnipiac.
LAST SEASON: 17-8-4 (10-4-4, first in ECAC Hockey).
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior forward Ethan de Jong (14-15-29); senior forward Wyatt Bongiovanni (5-3-8); sophomore forward Ty Smilanic (14-7-21); senior defenseman Zach Metsa (5-21-26).
KEY LOSSES: Forward Odeen Tufto (8-39-47); defenseman Peter DiLiberatore (6-14-20); goalie Keith Petruzzelli (17-8-4, 1.89, .926).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Oliver Chau (Massachusetts); defenseman Griffin Mendel (Denver); defenseman Brendan Less (Dartmouth); defenseman Tony Stillwell (Brown); goalie Dylan St. Cyr (Notre Dame).
2021-22 PREDICTION: Quinnipiac lost some big names in Tufto, DiLiberatore, and Petruzzelli, but the addition of five transfer players gives the Bobcats one of the deepest teams in the league. Less and Stillwell are rare in-conference transfers in ECAC Hockey and should bolster Quinnipiac’s defense, while Chau won a national championship with Massachusetts last season. St. Cyr is a solid pickup to replace Petruzzelli in goal, while sophomore Yaniv Perets could also push for playing time. The Bobcats should be one of the top teams in the conference and a top-10 team nationally this season.
PREDICTED FINISH: First
Ture Linden is RPI’s top returning scorer (photo: Liz Brady).
RENSSEALER
HEAD COACH: Dave Smith, entering his fourth season at RPI.
LAST SEASON: Did not compete due to the COVID-19 pandemic; finished 17-15-1 (13-8-1, fourth in ECAC Hockey) in 2019-20.
2021-22 PREDICTION: Much like Harvard and Cornell, the Engineers are attempting to return to the top of the ECAC amidst a major roster turnover. RPI enters this season with 18 new players, including six transfers. The Engineers ended 2019-20 on a hot streak and earned a first-round bye in the league playoffs for the first time since 2013. Smith has never been shy about taking in transfers, and that’s especially true this season. Sellar has plenty of experience with Dartmouth, while Baxter is one of four former Hockey East players on RPI’s roster this season. Those veteran additions should help ease the transition to a new roster. It might be tough for the Engineers to keep up with the top four teams in the conference, but this is a team that should be hosting a playoff series come March.
PREDICTED FINISH: Fifth
Emil Zetterquist helped St. Lawrence to the 2021 ECAC Hockey postseason title (photo: C A Hill Photo).
ST. LAWRENCE
HEAD COACH: Brent Brekke, entering his third season at St. Lawrence
2021-22 PREDICTION: St. Lawrence made massive strides in Brekke’s second season as coach and recovered from a midseason slump to win the league title in an abbreviated league year. The Saints didn’t lose much from last season’s team and last year’s run was a valuable learning experience for a team that only has four seniors. The presence of Zetterquist in net should allow St. Lawrence to stay competitive and host a playoff series this year. The Saints could challenge for a higher spot if they can find a way to generate more offense this season; St. Lawrence hasn’t had a player finish with double-digit goals since 2018.
PREDICTED FINISH: Sixth
Dylan Anhorn is back to lead the Union back end (photo: Ross LaDue).
UNION
HEAD COACH: Rick Bennett, entering his 11th season at Union.
LAST SEASON: Did not play due to the COVID-19 pandemic; finished 8-25-4 (5-15-2, 10th in ECAC Hockey) in 2019-20
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Dutchmen had won at least 20 games three seasons in a row before the bottom fell out in 2019-20. Union finished 8-25-4 before the season was shut down and then did not play last year. Hanson transferred to Connecticut, but the Dutchmen should be fine with Northeastern transfer Murphy in goal. But Union needs to improve an offense that averaged less than two goals per game when it last played. That might be a tough task with all the new faces the Dutchmen will be working into the lineup this season. If all goes right, Union could host a playoff series but it’s more likely the Dutchmen are on the road for the postseason.
PREDICTED FINISH: 10th
Graham Lillibridge will serve as Yale’s captain for the 2021-22 season (photo: Lukas Flippo).
YALE
HEAD COACH: Keith Allain, entering his 15th season at Yale.
LAST SEASON: Did not play due the COVID-19 pandemic; finished 15-15-2 (10-10-2, seventh in ECAC Hockey) in 2019-20.
KEY LOSSES: Forward Curtis Hall (17-10-27): forward Tyler Welsh (8-1523); defenseman Jack St. Ivany (1-15-16); defenseman Phil Kemp (3-8-11).
KEY ADDITIONS: Junior defenseman Ryan Carmichael (Notre Dame); forward William Dineen (Sioux Falls Stampede/USHL); defenseman Kieran O’Hearn (Surrey Eagles/BCHL).
2021-22 PREDICTION: While most of the Ivy League teams were gutted by graduations and transfers, Yale seems to have been hit especially hard. The Bulldogs only return three of their top 15 scorers from 2019-20, and none of their goalies have appeared in a collegiate game. Allain said that Hopkins, who missed his freshman year with an injury, will the No. 1 goalie entering this season. There will be a lot of lineup spots up for grabs this season, so at the very least, the Bulldogs should have competitive practices. But it’s looking like a long year in New Haven; Yale was slotted here as a nod to its 2019-20 finish, but the Bulldogs might have a hard time getting out of the bottom of the standings this season.
UMass celebrates its first-ever national title last April in Pittsburgh (photo: Jim Rosvold).
The only thing that will keep Hockey East fans on the edge of their seats this season will be the action on the ice.
At least that’s the hope of commissioner Steve Metcalf and the league’s 11 coaches.
That fans will even be in the building after a year playing in empty arenas has generated excitement among players, coaches and fans as the season kicks off.
“There’s a buzz around campus about sports happening, and just kind of life in general,” said Boston University coach Albie O’Connell. “Everyone in the BU community is pretty excited about it.”
The chaos that governed the league last year, with cancellations and hastily rescheduled contests, will hopefully be a thing of the past in 2021-22, said Metcalf. The second-year commissioner said as of last week that only “a handful” of players are unvaccinated, and those who aren’t have received a medical exception that will require them to follow NCAA-recommended testing protocols.
“As a result of that, and also given the fact that our officials are all vaccinated, we’re very confident that we’re going to play a full, uninterrupted season,” Metcalf said.
The pandemic, of course, is not over. Metcalf said protocols for fans will likely be present this season, but will vary from arena to arena depending on decisions by the schools and local governments.
The virus didn’t prevent UMass-Amherst from winning its first NCAA championship, beating St. Cloud State of the NCHC 5-0 in the national final in Pittsburgh. The Minutemen are the preseason No. 1 in the USCHO.com poll, but as coach Greg Carvel notes, the top ranking in the first poll of the season doesn’t always end up as national champions in April.
“The fact that we’ve been given that ranking in preseason means absolutely nothing,” Carvel said. “I know you have to be good, but you have to be lucky also to win championships. We thought that was the case last year.”
A pair of new coaches will make their debuts this season. At Northeastern, Jerry Keefe is at the helm after Jim Madigan moved to the athletic director’s office, while at Maine, former UMass-Amherst assistant Ben Barr takes over the Black Bears following the untimely death of Red Gendron shortly after the end of last season.
A big change to the postseason tournament is in store. Gone is the two-weekend format with best-of-three quarterfinals followed by single-elimination on the first weekend and single-elimination semifinals and final played on the second. Now, all 11 schools will participate in a win-or-go-home, one-and-done single-elimination tournament.
Any fan whose OCD is triggered by the uneven number of schools in the league — 11 since Notre Dame bolted for the Big Ten after the 2017 season — might be in for a lengthy wait for any relief, as Metcalf said expansion is not being seriously discussed.
“We just came off a very busy, tense and challenging year,” Metcalf said. “But the executive committee and our ADs are always talking about what’s best for the league. If that involves looking at new members, then that’s a conversation that we’ll have in the future. It’s not something that’s imminent (or) a super-pressing to-do item.”
Nikita Nesterenko will be a key cog among the forwards for BC this season (photo: Rich Gagnon).
2021-22 PREDICTION: You might call BC “Bowling Green East” as three of the Eagles’ four transfer players are former Falcons (as is head coach Jerry York, who won an NCAA title at Bowling Green in 1984). BC lost a good number of players near the top of their scoring ranks, but should remain among the league’s elite with Marc McLaughlin, Nikita Nesterenko (8-11-19) and Gentry Shamburger leading the way.
JD’s PREDICTION: Second
Boston University’s Robert Mastrosimone was one of seven players to skate in all 34 games during the 2019-20 season (photo: BU Athletics).
KEY LOSSES: Defenseman David Farrance (5-8-13), forward Jake Wise (1-1-2), forward Matthew Quercia (2-1-3).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Matt Brown (UMass-Lowell); defenseman Ty Gallagher (US 18-U team), forward Tyler Boucher (US 18-U team).
2021-22 Prediction: The Terriers return a ton of talent from last year’s team, which was picked sixth in the preseason coaches’ poll but wound up finishing second. BU started three different goaltenders last season; Drew Commesso had by far the most minutes and will be back in net this year. If the Terriers can play consistent hockey, they should once again finish near the top of the standings.
JD’s prediction: Third
Vladislav Firstov had three goals in 13 games a year ago and already has two this season (photo: Stephen Slade).
CONNECTICUT
HEAD COACH: Mike Cavanaugh (ninth season)
LAST SEASON: 10-11-2 (10-10-2 Hockey East, fourth)
2021-22 PREDICTION: The departed Tomas Vomacka played every minute in goal last season for UConn. Of the three goalies on the Huskies’ roster, only Union Darion Hansen has college hockey experience — but he hasn’t played in two years as Union suspended its season last year due to Covid. Jonny Evans led all Huskies in scoring with 14 goals and 15 assists and is expected to have another big year.
JD’s PREDICTION: Sixth
Jacob Schmidt-Svejstrup enters his senior season primed to produce for Maine (photo: Maine Athletics).
MAINE
HEAD COACH: Ben Barr (first season)
LAST SEASON: 3-11-2 (3-10-2 Hockey East, ninth)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior forward Adam Dawe (5-9-14), senior forward Jacob Schmidt-Svejstrup (3-6-9), sophomore goalie Victor Ostman (3-6-1, 3.77 GAA, .902 SV%), sophomore forward Lynden Breen (3-8-11).
KEY ADDITIONS: Defenseman Dom Dockery (Merrimack), forward Matthew Fawcett (Quinnipiac), forward Grant Hebert (Robert Morris), forward Nolan Renwick (Omaha, USHL).
2021-22 PREDICTION: Ben Barr, an assistant last year on UMass-Amherst’s NCAA championship team, takes over for the late Red Genderon, who passed away unexpectedly in April. The Black Bears are stacked with returning talent, led by Adam Dawe, the top scorer from last season. Merrimack transfer Dom Dockery should fortify Maine’s defense.
JD’s PREDICTION: Ninth
Matt Kessel posted 10 goals and 23 points a season ago for the Minutemen (photo: Rich Gagnon).
MASSACHUSETTS
HEAD COACH: Greg Carvel (sixth season)
LAST SEASON: 20-5-4 (13-5-4 Hockey East, third, won NCAA championship)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior forward Bobby Trivigno (9-11-20), senior defenseman Marc Del Gaizo (3-11-14), grad student goalie Matt Murray (10-4, 1.97 GAA, .917 SV%), junior defenseman Matthew Kessel (10-13-23).
KEY LOSSES: Defenseman Zac Jones (9-15-24), forward Oliver Chau (5-22-27), junior goalie Filip Lindberg (10-1-4, 1.24 GAA .949 SV%).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Cam Donaldson (Cornell), defenseman Slava Demin (Denver), defenseman Scott Morrow (Shattuck St. Mary’s, USHS), forward Matt Baker (Dartmouth).
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Minutemen (this year’s preseason No. 1) have the tools in place to repeat as national champions, but won’t have the easiest path back to the Frozen Four with one of the toughest schedules in the country. Goalies Matt Murray and Filip Lindburg were a championship combination in goal last season, but Murray will carry the bulk of the starts this winter after Lindberg went pro. Bobby Trivigno, who led the conference in scoring last season, is back to lead the offense after an impressive 20-point performance in last year’s Covid-shortened season.
JD’s PREDICTION: First
UMASS LOWELL
HEAD COACH: Norm Bazin (11th season)
LAST SEASON: Record 10-9-1 (7-8-1 Hockey East, seventh)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Junior forward Carl Berglund (3-8-11), junior forward Andre Lee (7-9-16), senior defenseman Jon McDonald (0-8-8), grad student Connor Sodergren (2-4-6), senior forward Reid Stefanson (5-10-15).
KEY LOSSES: Forward Matt Brown (8-5-13), defenseman Chase Blackmun (5-12-17).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Theo Pistek (Örebro HK, Sweden), forward Matt Crasa (Fargo, USHL), defenseman Nick Austin (Colgate), goalie Edvard Nordlund (Danbury, NAHL).
2021-22 PREDICTION: The River Hawks will rely heavily on European talent this season, with more than 10 players on the roster who speak two languages or more, according to Bazin. Andre Lee returns as the River Hawks’ top scorer from last season. Reid Stefanson, who led the team in assists, will return injury free to start the season.
JD’s PREDICTION: Eighth
Merrimack’s Logan Drevitch collected nine points in 12 games last season (photo: Josh Gibney).
MERRIMACK
HEAD COACH: Scott Borek (fourth season)
LAST SEASON: 5-11-2 (Hockey East, eighth, no nonconference games)
KEY ADDITIONS: Defenseman Christian Felton (Bentley), defenseman Colby Bukes (Mankato), forward Steven Jandric (Denver), forward Jake Durflinger (Denver).
2021-22 PREDICTION: The transfer portal was friend and foe to the Warriors during the offseason. The Warriors netted four Division I players, including a pair of forwards from Denver, Steven Jandric and Jake Durflinger. Both will be called upon to make up for the loss of scorer Chase Gresock, who transferred to Miami of the NCHC. Forward Filip Forsmark and goalie Zachary Boriel return to fortify Merrimack on both sides of the rink.
JD’s PREDICTION: Tenth
New Hampshire senior Filip Engarås was drafted in the sixth round (169th overall) Wednesday by the Edmonton Oilers (photo: UNH Athletics).
NEW HAMPSHIRE
HEAD COACH: Mike Souza (fourth season)
LAST SEASON: 6-14-3 (5-13-3 Hockey East, tenth)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior forward Filip Engaras (6-5-11), junior forward Jackson Pierson (9-16-25), junior defenseman Kalle Eriksson (6-12-18), senior goalie Mike Robinson (3.32 GAA).
KEY LOSSES: Forward Patrick Grasso (7-8-15), forward Charlie Kelleher (0-4-4), forward Angus Crookshank (9-9-18).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Harrison Blaisdell (North Dakota), goalie David Fessenden (Alabama Huntsville), forward Liam Devlin (Omaha, USHL).
2021-22 PREDICTION: Depth on offense could help lift UNH to the top half of the conference this season. North Dakota transfer Harrison Blaisdell brings a +6 rating to the Wildcats’ front line. Mike Robinson started 21 games for UNH last season, and is one of 11 seniors on the Wildcats’ roster.
JD’s PREDICTION: Seventh
Aiden McDonough figures to be a prominent player for Northeastern in 2021-22 (photo: Rich Gagnon).
NORTHEASTERN
HEAD COACH: Jerry Keefe (first season)
LAST SEASON: 9-9-3 (9-8-3 Hockey East, sixth)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sophomore forward Aidan McDonough (5-5-10), junior defenseman Jordan Harris (4-6-10), sophomore forward Dylan Jackson (3-5-8), sophomore forward Ty Jackson (4-3-7).
KEY ADDITIONS: Defenseman Tommy Miller (Michigan State), forward Jakov Novak (Bentley), goalie Evan Fear (Quinnipiac).
2021-22 PREDICTION: Jerry Keefe takes over for Jim Madigan, who has a new job as the school’s athletic director after a decade behind the men’s hockey bench. Opposing defenses could be seeing double this season as the Jackson twins, Dylan and Ty, return for their sophomore seasons. The pair was good for seven goals and eight assists in last year’s COVID-shortened season.
JD’s PREDICTION: Fourth
Jaxson Stauber starts his junior season with Providence as the No. 1 goalie (photo: Steve Babineau).
PROVIDENCE
HEAD COACH: Nate Leaman (11th season)
LAST SEASON: 11-9-5 (10-8-5 Hockey East, fifth)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior defenseman Michael Callahan (3-11-14), junior forward Parker Ford (9-13-22), junior forward Patrick Moynihan (6-9-15), junior goalie Jaxson Stauber (11-7-5, 2.24 GAA, .916 SV%).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Kohen Olischefski (Denver), forward Alex Esposito (Vermont), goalie Austin Cain (Western Michigan).
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Friars return almost all of their top scorers from last year’s team, which finished in the top half of the league standings. Parker Ford will be expected to carry much of the scoring load, as he did last season. Michael Callahan, a defenseman with a scoring touch, is expected to play plenty of minutes.
JD’s PREDICTION: Fifth
Vermont is banking on increased goal production in 2021-22 (photo: Vermont Athletics).
VERMONT
HEAD COACH: Todd Woodcroft (second season)
LAST SEASON: 1-10-2 (1-9-2, last)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Junior defenseman Andrew Lucas (1-1-2), junior forward Jacques Bouquot (1-1-2), sophomore forward Ray Vitolins (1-5-6).
KEY ADDITIONS: Defenseman Joe Leahy (Cornell), defenseman Robbie Stucker (Minnesota), defenseman Cory Babichuk (RPI).
2021-22 PREDICTION: Even within the context of a last-place finish in a Covid-shortened season, the Catamounts suffered from low scoring output last season. Ray Vitolins is the team’s top returning scorer from last year with only six points — he and his fellow underclassmen on the front line will have to generate more scoring if Vermont has any chance of finishing out of the cellar.
Lake Superior State has hired DJ Goldstein as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2021-22 season.
Goldstein will be involved in all aspects of the daily operations of the coaching staff while also assisting in hockey operations, and managing organizational film analysis and breakdown.
“We are looking forward to DJ joining our staff in this important role,” said LSSU coach Damon Whitten in a statement. “He brings a wealth of previous leadership experiences that will allow him to immediately contribute to Laker hockey in a variety of ways. From his captaincy roles at prep, junior, and college hockey to his current executive director role, DJ has demonstrated the ability to positively influence and impact the team members around him. This leadership combined with his passion and drive to pursue coaching will allow him to become a valued member of our coaching staff.”
Goldstein joins the Lakers after spending the last few years as the head coach of the Rochester Coalition 18U team as well as an assistant coach for the Canandaigua Academy boys varsity hockey team. Rochester won the USA Hockey 18U Tier I national championship in 2021. In his role as head coach with the Coalition, Goldstein was responsible for player recruitment, oversaw on- and off-ice training and development, and coordinated all travel and showcase logistics. With the Canandaigua Academy team, Goldstein assisted in daily on- and off-ice training plans, and oversaw the team’s defense and penalty kill.
During the summer of 2018, Goldstein worked as a coach for Paul Vincent Elite Hockey.
Goldstein has coaching experience dating back to November 2009 as he spent years as a camp counselor with Strong Hockey and a volunteer assistant coach with the Canandaigua Youth Hockey program.
“I am extremely excited to be joining the Lake Superior State family,” said Goldstein. “I want to thank athletic director Dr. David Diles and Coach Whitten for the incredible opportunity. It has been a dream of mine to coach college hockey since I graduated. I am so grateful to be able to work with and learn from Coach Whitten, Coach York, Coach Cisek and the entire Laker staff. I can’t wait to get started.”
Goldstein played Division III hockey at Nichols where he served as team captain during his senior season. He graduated from Nichols with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2017 and a masters of Business Administration in 2018.
The main entrance to Midco Arena in Sioux Falls, S.D., according to an architect’s rendering (photo: JLG Architects).
Augustana University officially announced today that it will be home to the Viking men’s hockey program, which is set to take the ice in the fall of 2023.
The public announcement came during a groundbreaking ceremony in Sioux Falls, S.D., on AU’s campus for the program’s new $40 million Midco Arena, facilitated by a lead gift from T. Denny Sanford, Midco, Sanford Health and several other major donors.
“Augustana’s program is the first of its kind in the state and one of only 61 men’s hockey programs competing at the Division I level in the country. Sioux Falls needs a great college hockey program and under the leadership of President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, Augustana is the place to make it happen,” Sanford said.
“This is a celebratory day and a difference-making day,” said Midco president and CEO Pat McAdaragh. “Thank you, Denny Sanford, for leading the way to bring Division I hockey to Augie, Sioux Falls and the great state of South Dakota. We’re proud to be one of the many sponsors and donors helping support Augustana in making this dream come true, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to put the Midco name on the arena. By bringing DI hockey to Sioux Falls, Augustana’s campus will become even more of an activity hub for the region while continuing to graduate leaders for the years to come. Midco is thrilled to be part of this initiative, and excited to welcome everyone to the Midco Arena.”
The announcement is another step forward in accomplishing goals set forth in Augustana’s strategic plan entitled “Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030.” The plan includes an effort to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a higher level, elevate the university’s profile and inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically embrace Augustana University as its hometown team by serving the community and integrating its mission with the community’s needs.
“Hockey is the right program at the right time for where Augustana is now, and it’s just been so affirming because of all the enthusiasm that our campus, alumni, community and donors have expressed,” said Augustana president Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. “This is more than a men’s hockey program at Augustana. This is a university-wide initiative that has great potential impact for our city and region.”
The hockey program, which will compete at the NCAA Division I level, will be the Vikings’ 23rd collegiate sport and first of its kind in South Dakota.
With the facility first imagined by JLG Architects, Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate has been selected to manage the design, development and construction south of 33rd Street on S. Grange Avenue where the hockey team will practice and play games. Midco Arena is planned for 3,000 seats, as well as luxury suites, providing a first-class experience for both student-athletes and sports fans.
“There’s no better time in the history of college athletics to start a program. The hockey program, and what it means for our campus, is indescribable,” Augustana director of athletics Josh Morton said. “And building a new facility — there’s something invigorating about it, not only for Augustana Athletics, but for the broader community. For Augustana to take that step — it separates us.”
Augustana plans to have a head coach for men’s hockey in place by May 2022, which will give the coach more than a year to build a roster.
Submissions are now being accepted for the Augustana hockey season ticket interest list. Fans interested in season tickets are encouraged to submit their contact information and desired number of tickets in the form provided at goaugie.com/HockeyTickets.
Arizona State coach Greg Powers and his team await the start of the third period in Game 2 of the SoCal Clash against Harvard back in December 2019 (photo: Anthony Ciardelli).
A key takeaway from Tuesday was to enjoy every moment of coaching because it’s about the journey, not the destination. That philosophy worked with all three presentations – developing as a coach, developing defensemen and developing a winning culture. Development takes time, but is worth every minute of effort and sacrifice.
Would you rather win a championship early on in your coaching career, then never again, or have that championship season come after countless seasons of hard work? University of Massachusetts Amherst head coach Greg Carvel, currently in his sixth season with UMass, earned his national championship after 25 years behind the bench and his journey to get there is quite extraordinary. He sat down with ESPN broadcaster John Buccigross to discuss the highs and lows.
Jim Tortorella has had a hand in developing some of the game’s most exciting young defensemen, including nine Crimson alum who were on opening night rosters to begin the 2020-21 NHL season. Tortorella, currently entering his fourth year on the Harvard coaching staff as an assistant, oversees Harvard’s defensive corps, penalty killing and recruiting, and he does so with a unique risk/reward philosophy. He explained it during his presentation Tuesday.
PLAYING FREE: HOW CULTURE TRANSLATES INTO TEAM SUCCESS
Greg Powers has turned Arizona State University into an NCAA contender in short order. Having been with the Sun Devils for 14 seasons, including seven as head coach, Powers has guided his team through many highs and lows. For his efforts and results, Powers was a finalist for the 2019 and 2020 Spencer Penrose Award, given to the Division I Coach of the Year. In his presentation, Powers discussed how he uses practice to establish his team’s culture.
After being the No. 1 overall pick by Buffalo in the 2021 NHL draft, Owen Power is returning to Michigan for his sophomore year (photo: Michigan Photography).
As the sudden cancelation of the 2019-20 season and the general, let’s say, quirkiness of last year gets put in the rearview, everyone is hoping for a more normal Big Ten season this year.
Saying more normal instead of 100 percent normal is already necessary as during the process of writing this piece a nonconference series has already been moved due to COVID issues. However, having nonconference series in general and planning to play them in early October is already an upgrade.
As the Big Ten enters its ninth season the only consistency has been inconsistency. The preseason prognostication, while fun to talk about in September, very rarely look like the final standings at the end of the year.
As fall begins this year, a race between Minnesota and Michigan with the Gophers coming out on top is the prediction. One person who isn’t necessarily buying that is Minnesota coach Bob Motzko.
“I start every year in last place in my brain, and we work from there,” Motzko said at Minnesota’s preseason media day. “I don’t play the schedule out in the summer to figure out the ending, which I know is a fun thing to do this time of year when rankings come out and picking where you’re going to finish.”
Motzko’s team makes sense as a top pick, the Gophers return a lot of key pieces from the team that came close to winning the regular-season crown last year, knocked off the Badgers to win the postseason tournament and was a game away from the Frozen Four. He pointed to scenarios in previous seasons where the standings became very jumbled and one game having a different result could have changed things drastically. Then he directed everyone’s attention to Michigan.
“I anticipate one tough conference,” he said. “There’s no question Michigan is leading the pack right now. They’ve got a lot of accolades for all the kids that they got drafted in such high spots. Tag, they’re it, and then it’s the rest of us chasing them. It’s a good spot for us to be.”
Mel Pearson’s Wolverines may be appointment viewing this season. The expectations are certainly high, based on number of draft picks alone, but Pearson said there is no extra pressure to succeed.
“When you come to Michigan you expect to compete for championships,” he said. “Just because we have a few high draft picks this year, it doesn’t change the narrative from our coaching staff to within our team.
“What is pressure? It’s just your own expectations is really what it breaks down to. We have high expectations here at Michigan.”
A challenge for the Wolverines, like many teams littered with talent, could be getting all the correct pieces to come together in the correct way. The NCAA championship game is only 183 days after Michigan’s first contest and with many players expected to depart after this year it can’t afford a sluggish start.
“They’re here to play for Michigan and that’s why they all came back,” Pearson said. “They know that there’s something special here and that they can have a special year, but they all have to get on the same page, and we have to make sure that we do our job to help them get on the page and then go for it.”
While the Gophers and Wolverines are the headliners, the rest of the conference comes into the season with question marks. Wisconsin needs to replace a large chunk of its scoring from last season while Notre Dame hopes to find its scoring touch in general after a down year last year. Ohio State and Michigan State seek consistency and Penn State is a bit of a wild card having missed so much of its season last year.
After the past few seasons, simply seeing teams hit the ice for a game is more than enough excitement for most, no matter the school.
“It’s exciting,” Ohio State coach Steve Rohlik said. “Whatever the word normal is, whatever that might be, we’re looking forward to it and getting off to a good start. It’s kind of the unknown, I think the unknown is exciting. Our guys are excited, our staff is excited, and I think that’s a good thing.”
Michigan sophomore forward Brendan Brisson was a first-round pick of Vegas back last October (photo: Michigan Photography).
MICHIGAN
HEAD COACH: Mel Pearson (fifth season)
LAST SEASON: 15-10-1 (11-9-0 B1G, fourth)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Forward Thomas Bordeleau (8-22-30), forward Kent Johnson (9-18-27), forward Matty Beniers (10-14-24), forward Brendan Brisson (10-11-21), defenseman Owen Power (3-13-16)
KEY LOSSES: Defenseman Cam York (4-16-20), goaltender Strauss Mann (11-9-1, 1.89 GAA, .930 SV%)
2021-22 Prediction: All aboard the hype train in Ann Arbor. Will the tracks lead to Boston in April? With the amount of talent packed on the roster, including four of the top five picks in last year’s NHL draft, a Frozen Four has to be the minimum expectation for the Wolverines. They’ll have to navigate the regular season first, however, and you know the opposition will be tough every night.
2021-22 Position Prediction: First
Michigan State’s Josh Nodler netted the game-winning goal for the Spartans with less than a minute left against Michigan in a game this past January (photo: Matthew Mitchell Photography).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Griffin Loughran (Northern Michigan, WCHA), forward Jesse Tucker (Green Bay, USHL), forward Tanner Kelly (Muskegon, USHL)
2021-22 Prediction: If you’re a Michigan State fan, the hope for this season is that all the young players from last year’s team took a step forward during the offseason. Having Lewandowski and DeRidder back provides a solid base and getting a proven DI scorer in Loughran will help a team that struggled in that department last year. The ceiling for the Spartans is probably a midtable finish but simply getting out of the cellar would be a good thing.
2021-22 Position Prediction: Sixth
Minnesota’s Jack LaFontaine started the 2020-21 season 8-0-0 with two shutouts for the Gophers (photo: Minnesota Athletics).
MINNESOTA
HEAD COACH: Bob Motzko (fourth season)
LAST SEASON: 24-7-0 (16-6-0 B1G, second)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Forward Sammy Walker (13-16-29), forward Blake McLaughlin (12-16-28), forward Ben Meyers (12-16-28), defenseman Jackson LaCombe (4-17-21), goaltender Jack LaFontaine (22-7-0, 1.79 GAA, .934 SV%)
2021-22 Prediction: After closely losing the Big Ten regular-season crown to Wisconsin and getting bounced from the NCAA tournament by an in-state rival, the Gophers come into this season with an axe to grind. Minnesota lost its leading scorer from last season but a stable of talented freshmen forwards should be able to fill that void. The cherry on top is that Jack LaFontaine, who was brilliant in net last season for the Gophers, used his fifth-year option to return to Dinkytown.
2021-22 Position Prediction: Second
Graham Slaggert enters his senior season with Notre Dame in 2020-21 (photo: Notre Dame Athletics).
NOTRE DAME
HEAD COACH: Jeff Jackson (17th season)
LAST SEASON: 14-13-2 (12-10-2 B1G, third)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Forward Graham Slaggert (7-18-25), forward Landon Slaggert (8-14-22), defenseman Nick Leivermann (5-12-17), defenseman Max Ellis (5-11-16)
KEY LOSSES: Forward Alex Steeves (15-17-32)
KEY ADDITIONS: Justin Janicke (U.S. NTDP)
2021-22 Prediction: The good news for Notre Dame is it didn’t lose a lot of key players from last year’s team. The bad news is the Irish will need to count on multiple players to take a next step and help shoulder the scoring burden for a team that struggled in that department. Jeff Jackson also took advantage of the transfer portal, including bringing in Jack Adams to play at his third different school. Between the pipes, Cornell transfer Matt Galajda should help stabilize that position.
2021-22 Position Prediction: Third
Steve Rohlik enters his ninth season behind the Ohio State bench (photo: Ohio State Athletics).
OHIO STATE
HEAD COACH: Steve Rohlik (ninth season)
LAST SEASON: 7-19-1 (6-16-0 B1G, fifth)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Forward Travis Treloar (8-12-20), forward Mark Cheremeta (5-14-19), forward Quinn Preston (6-7-13), defenseman Grant Gabriele (3-10-13)
KEY LOSSES: Goaltender Tommy Nappier (7-16-1, 3.28 GAA, .906 SV%)
KEY ADDITIONS: Defenseman Mason Lohrei (Green Bay, USHL), goaltender Jakub Dobes (Omaha, USHL)
2021-22 Prediction: Like Notre Dame, Ohio State will be counting on a lot of its players from last season having improved over the offseason. The Buckeyes frequently hung Tommy Nappier out to dry last season and, with him having moved on, there are now three goalies with limited college experience. With some youngsters finding the next gear and a few upper classmen regaining their mojo the Buckeyes could be an intriguing team, but that’s a tall order.
2021-22 Position Prediction: Seventh
Penn State goalie Oskar Autio pitched his first career Big Ten shutout, stopping all 23 shots he faced during a 1-0 victory against Michigan State on Jan. 3, 2021 (photo: Penn State Athletics).
PENN STATE
HEAD COACH: Guy Gadowsky (10th season)
LAST SEASON: 10-12-0 (7-11-0 B1G, fifth)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Forward Kevin Wall (8-11-19), forward Connor McMenamin (6-9-15), goaltender Oskar Autio (9-9-0, 3.13 GAA, .894 SV%)
KEY LOSSES: Forward Alex Limoges (10-12-22), forward Tim Doherty (8-10-18)
KEY ADDITIONS: Forward Ryan Kirwan (Green Bay, USHL), forward Danny Dzhaniyev (Dubuque, USHL)
2021-22 Prediction: After having a whole month of games canceled last season, simply playing the schedule as scheduled will probably be relief for Penn State. The Nittany Lions return a lot of their scoring from last season but with the lack of games most of those players ended up with a point total in the 5-15 range. A high-flying offense is usually Penn State’s bread and butter, so it’ll be interesting to see who steps up to lead the charge.
2021-22 Position Prediction: Fifth
Owen Lindmark recorded four goals and 17 points in 27 games in ‘2020-21 for the Badgers (photo: Wisconsin Athletics).
KEY ADDITIONS: Defenseman Daniel Laatsch (Sioux City, USHL), defenseman Corson Ceulemans (Brooks, AJHL)
2021-22 Prediction: As if replacing Cole Caufield wasn’t going to be difficult enough the Badgers also have to replace the next three leading scorers behind him, too. Wisconsin almost solely relied on Caufield at points last season and his 30 goals are now, obviously, going to have to be spread out amongst the remaining players. Goaltender Cameron Rowe, who posted a 9-2-1 record last season while sharing the net with Robbie Beydoun, returns. Minnesota transfer Jared Moe will give Tony Granato the option to rotate goalies again this season.
American International repeated as Atlantic Hockey tournament champs in 2021 (photo: AIC Athletics).
At the Atlantic Hockey media day last week, the word “normal” kept coming up in conversations with the league’s coaches.
We’re not there yet, but hopefully moving in the right direction as the 2021-22 season gets underway.
Teams are back to most of their pre-pandemic routines, but this offseason, while not as bizarre as the one before the 2020-21 campaign, was far from normal.
Rule changes that allow for an additional year of eligibility and the ability for players to transfer and play immediately caused a record number to change teams, or stick around for another season.
The shocking cancellation of Robert Morris’ hockey programs in May, followed by the news of a possible reprieve, also made for more player moves and more chaos.
Good News
Things have been off to a good start, with teams able to meet and practice together without many of the COVID precautions that made things difficult last season.
“It looks like, knock on wood, we’re going to get back to a normal year,” said Army West Point coach Brian Riley. “Everybody’s keeping their fingers crossed.”
“We had 12 total team practices last year,” said Niagara coach Jason Lammers. “We’ve had more practices than that already. I’m more grateful than ever to go to the rink every day.”
“Now you don’t take for granted just being able to come to the rink every day,” added Bentley coach Ryan Soderquist. “The ability to come together in one locker room. Team meetings and team outings are really important.”
Fans will be back after a year of games played in mostly empty buildings.
“We missed the fans and the atmosphere,” said Riley. “They make college hockey what it is. It’s exciting to be able to play back in front of good crowds whether that’s here or on the road.”
RIT coach Wayne Wilson said that while his players learned to cope with an empty Gene Polisseni Center, he’s happy to be able to have fans back.
“(Last year) was weird but the players adapted to it very well,” he said. “It was strange coming out at the start of the game and hearing crickets. But once the puck drops you’re right into the game. You focus on your team and the play on the ice. That said, it’s going to be great to have fans back in the building.”
But as we’ve learned over the past 18 months, nothing is ever certain.
“I supposed COVID is in the back of all of our minds,” said Mercyhurst coach Rick Gotkin. “But, hopefully, things will be back to normal.”
Within days, efforts began to reinstate the programs, but with their hockey futures in doubt most players left for opportunities at other schools. At least 20 members of the men’s program will start this season on other teams, including five now playing elsewhere in Atlantic Hockey.
“It caught everyone flatfooted,” said Sacred Heart coach C.J. Marottolo. “It’s gut wrenching. Hopefully they’ll be back, but you have to feel bad for those student athletes. The way it went down left a bad taste in my mouth, personally.”
Since then, RMU’s administration has backpedaled a bit, re-hiring coach Derek Schooley and agreeing to reconsider its decision to field teams if fundraising goals can be met.
The deadline, which has been a moving target, is now December 15 to raise $1.4 million in immediate contributions and another $1.4 million in pledges.
Unknowns
The turbulent offseason has teams entering the 2021-22 campaign with a lot of unknowns, especially about the competition.
The league is dealing with unprecedented player movement, with a total of 29 transfers into the conference and three players transferring out, not including the departures from Robert Morris.
Factoring in at least a dozen AHA players who would have normally graduated but opted for an extra year of eligibility, the makeup of many teams is different than one would normally see on a four-year cycle.
Contributing to the uncertainty is last year’s schedule, which in an effort to minimize travel, limited teams to playing just four inter-pod opponents plus Air Force.
“There are a lot of unknowns in terms of what everyone’s going to bring to the table, especially with your opponents,” said Wilson.
“This year will be very unusual,” said Air Force coach Frank Serratore. “I’ve been in collegiate athletics for decades. We’re dealing with a different animal. There’s been only one time in my career where I’ve known less about opponents than this year, when I went from college to the pros.”
A sure thing is that the conference will play an aggressive non-conference schedule, possibly the toughest to date. In October alone, AHA teams will face off against teams ranked in the USCHO Poll 21 times.
“I believe our job is turn this league into a two-bid league,” said Lammers. “We’re hopeful to take advantage of that schedule.”
Chris Dodero is back for a fifth season with AIC (photo: Kelly Shea).
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL
HEAD COACH: Eric Lang (6th season)
LAST SEASON: 15-4-0, 11-1 AHA (1st in East Pod) in Atlantic Hockey
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Graduate student forwards Chris Dodero (7-11-18) and Justin Cole (9-7-16), senior forwards Chris Theodore (5-15-19) and Elijah Barriga (7-6-13), sophomore goalie Jake Kucharski (5-0, .916 save percentage).
KEY LOSSES: Defenseman Brennan Kapcheck (East Pod player of the year), forward Tobias Fladeby (all conference first team), goaltender Stefano Durante (all conference second team).
KEY ADDITIONS: Sophomore defenseman Brian Kramer (a transfer from Robert Morris who was on the AHA All-Rookie team last season), defensemen Alex Tertyshny (31 points in 55 games for the Northeast Generals (NAHL)), and Luis Lindner (alternate captain for Austria in last year’s World Junior tournament).
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Yellow Jackets first part of the 2021-22 schedule is a gauntlet with games against Providence and Quinnipiac, plus a pair with crosstown rival and defending national champions Massachusetts.
AIC lost some key cogs to its success over the past three seasons, but retain more than enough to be the favorites to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive regular season title.
Predicted finish: First
Luke Rowe will serve as a co-captain this season for Air Force (photo: Air Force Athletics).
AIR FORCE
HEAD COACH: Frank Serratore (25th season at Air Force)
LAST SEASON: 3-9-1, 3-8-1 (9th) in Atlantic Hockey
KEY ADDITIONS: Forwards Clayton Cosentino (60 points in 56 games for Aberdeen (NAHL)) and Andrew DeCarlo (57 points in 54 games for Lone Star (NAHL)), goaltender Guy Blessing (2.44 GAA and .907 save percentage for Lone Star (NAHL))
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Falcons, with 18 underclassmen including nine freshmen, are one of the youngest teams in college hockey.
Frank Serratore’s teams tend to get better as the season goes on, but this year’s version might have a long way to go.
Predicted finish: Ninth
Army West Point senior Colin Bilek was voted the Atlantic Hockey preseason player of the year (photo: Army West Point Athletics).
ARMY WEST POINT
HEAD COACH: Brian Riley (18th season)
LAST SEASON: 15-6-1, 10-4-1 (2nd in the East Pod) in Atlantic Hockey
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior forwards Colin Bilek (18-7-25), junior defenseman Thomas Farrell (5-9-14), sophomore forward Lincoln Hatten (Rookie of the Year in the East Pod)
KEY LOSSES: Goaltender Trevin Kozlowski (all conference first team), defenseman John Zimmerman (all conference second team), forward Mason Krueger (second on the team in scoring last season with 19 points).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forwards Joey Baez (121 career points with Lone Star (NAHL)) and Josh Bohlin (27 points for Minnesota (NAHL)), goaltender Evan Szary (2.71 GAA, .929 save percentage for South Shore (NCDC))
2021-22 PREDICTION: Bilek, the pre-season Player of the Year as voted on by the league’s coaches, leads an experienced group with one exception: goaltending. Riley leaned heavily on the departed All-American Trevin Kozlowski, who started 51 of 54 games over the past two seasons.
“I’ve been going to church every morning. I hope that helps (the goaltending situation),” said Riley. “We have a total of two games experience in net. (Goaltending) is yet to be determined. I think we have good goalies.”
Predicted finish: Third
Arizona State goaltender Evan DeBrouwer stops Harvard forward Wyllum Deveaux in the first period of Game 1 of the SoCal Clash Saturday at Great Park Ice and FivePoint Arena in Irvine, Calif., during the 2019-20 season (photo: Anthony Ciardelli).
BENTLEY
HEAD COACH : Ryan Soderquist (20th season)
LAST SEASON: 5-11, 4-11 (4th in the East Pod) in Atlantic Hockey
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Junior forward Matt Gosiewski (7-8-15), sophomore defenseman Drew Bavaro (2-10-12), sophomore goalie Nicholas Grabko (2.85 GAA, .894 save percentage)
KEY LOSSES: Forwards Jakov Novak (a team-leading 17 points last season) and Luke Santerno (16 points)
KEY ADDITIONS: Goaltender Evan DeBrouwer (transfer from Arizona State where he posted a 3.02 GAA and .908 save percentage in three seasons), forward Phil Knies (transfer from Miami where he totaled 49 points over four seasons), forward Cooper Connell (52 points in two seasons with Coquitlam (BCHL))
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Falcons look to put in the rear view mirror a difficult 2020-21 season that saw them unable to compete in the AHA postseason due to COVID protocols.
Losing his top two scorers, Soderquist is looking for a more balanced approach this season.
“We’re going to be structured very differently,” he said. “(Last season) we were top heavy, relied on one line and power play unit.
“We wanted to get back to our culture of having a deep team.”
Predicted finish: Eighth
Keaton Mastrodonato collected nine goals and 18 points last season for Canisius (photo: Marshal Filipowicz/Canisius Athletics).
CANISIUS
HEAD COACH: Trevor Large (5th season)
LAST SEASON: 12-6, 8-5 (2nd in the West Pod) in Atlantic Hockey
KEY LOSSES: Forwards Grant Meyer (3rd in scoring last season) and Matt Long (6th in scoring)
KEY ADDITIONS: Forwards Randy Hernandez (transfer from Robert Morris, where he was the West Pod’s Rookie of the Year) and Alton McDermott (81 points in 103 games for Oakville (OJHL)), goaltender John Hawthorne (transfer from Northern Michigan, where he was named to the WCHA All-Rookie team in 2020)
2021-22 PREDICTION: With seven transfers, the Griffs have beefed up a lineup that got to them within a period of the NCAA tournament last year.
Expect them to finish in the top four and make a return to at least the conference semifinals.
Predicted finish: Second
Alex Peterson will be a key cog up front this season for Holy Cross (photo: Mark Seliger Photography).
HOLY CROSS
HEAD COACH : Bill Riga (1st season)
LAST SEASON: 4-12, 3-9 (5th in the East Pod) in Atlantic Hockey
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Junior forward Alex Peterson (4-5-9), senior forward Anthony Vincent (3-2-5), senior goalie Erik Gordon (2.68 GAA, .906 save percentage)
KEY LOSSES: Forwards Jake Pappalardo (2nd on the team in scoring last season) and Logan Ferguson (4th).
KEY ADDITIONS: Forwards John Gelatt (54 points in 51 games for Johnstown (NAHL)) and Matt Guerra (transfer from Robert Morris)
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Crusaders struggled across the finish line last season, losing their final 10 games and getting shut out of the Atlantic Hockey tournament due to COVID protocols.
New head coach Bill Riga brings an opportunity for a fresh start.
“Our entire staff is new,” he said. “That’s a whole lot of change. It’s an exciting time but also a lot of unknowns.”
Predicted finish: 10th
Jonathan Bendorf celebrates a goal last January as Mercyhurst swept Robert Morris with a 7-5 win in Erie (photo: Ed Mailliard).
MERCYHURST
HEAD COACH: Rick Gotkin (34th season)
LAST SEASON: 8-12-1, 7-8-1 (4th in the West Pod) in Atlantic Hockey
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sophomore forward Carson Briere (5-14-19), junior forward Jonathan Bendorf (11-4-15), defenseman Joseph Marziarz (1-12-13), goaltender Hank Johnson (3.45 GAA, .900 save percentage)
KEY LOSSES: Senior defenseman Quinn Wichers (118 career games)
KEY ADDITIONS: Grad student forward Pierce Crawford (transfer from Notre Dame, where he played in 108 games), defenseman Jake Beaune (19 points for Lincoln (USHL)), forward Garrett Dahm (31 points for Youngstown (USHL)).
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Lakers have been in rebuilding mode the past couple of seasons, and that should start to pay off.
“We’ve been a young team the past two years, which is becoming an older team,”said Gotkin. “We graduated just one senior defenseman and added what we think are some key elements.”
Predicted finish: Seventh
Chad Veltri enters 2021-22 as Niagara’s No. 1 goaltender (photo: Niagara Athletics).
NIAGARA
HEAD COACH: Jason Lammers (5th season)
LAST SEASON: 7-12-3, 3-9-3 (5th in the West Pod) in Atlantic Hockey
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior forward Walker Sommar (8-7-15), junior goalie Chad Veltri (2.60 GAA, .914 save percentage), grad student defenseman Chris Harpur (0-8-8).
KEY LOSSES: Forwards Ludwig Stenlund (second on the team in scoring last season), Jack Billings (3rd) and Eric Cooley (73 career points)
KEY ADDITIONS: Goaltender Jake Sibell (1.19 GAA, .952 save percentage for Aberdeen (NAHL)), forward Jay Ahearn (62 points in 52 games for Johnstown (NAHL)), defenseman Lars Rødne (played for Norway in the 2020 World Junior tournament).
2021-22 PREDICTION: So far, the Purple Eagles under Lammers have played their best hockey in the postseason, throwing out regular season records and storming through the playoffs, making the semifinals in their past two attempts.
Despite losing a ton of offense, Niagara can finish in the top half of the standings, or close to it.
Predicted finish: Sixth
RIT senior Will Calverley will provide points up front for the Tigers (photo: RIT Athletics).
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
HEAD COACH: Wayne Wilson (23rd season)
LAST SEASON: 9-10-2, 7-5-1 (3rd in the West Pod) in Atlantic Hockey
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior forward Will Calverley (12-13-25, co-AHA West Pod Player of the Year), grad student forward Jake Hamacher (7-14-21), grad student defenseman Dan Willett (4-14-18)
KEY LOSSES: Forward Alden Depuis (12 points last season), Goaltender Logan Drackett (99 career appearances)
KEY ADDITIONS: Goalie Thomas Scarfone (2.50 GAA, .922 save percentage for Surrey (BCHL)), defensemen Doug Scott (31 points in 36 games for Humboldt (SJHL)) and Gianfranco Cassaro (a transfer from national champions Massachusetts, where he appeared in 40 games over two seasons)
2021-22 PREDICTION: The Tiger’s will be deep with a lot of scoring returning and experience on the blue line.
Goaltending is the main question. If RIT can find consistency in that area, the Tigers will contend for a first round bye.
Predicted finish: Fourth
Sacred Heart goalie Josh Benson starts his senior season as the starting netminder (photo: Sacred Heart Athletics).
SACRED HEART
HEAD COACH: C.J. Marottolo (13th season)
LAST SEASON: 5-10-2, 5-7-1 (3rd in the East Pod) in Atlantic Hockey
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Junior forwards Braeden Tuck (6-10-16) and Kevin Lombardi (8-4-12), senior goalie Josh Benson (3.02 GAA, .899 save percentage)
KEY LOSSES: Forwards Marc Johnstone (95 career points) and Marcel Godbout (a career-high 11 points last season)
KEY ADDITIONS: Defenseman Connor Hutchison (14 points for Tri City (USHL)), Forwards Dante Palecco (transfer from Yale, where he appeared in 91 games, scoring 26 points) and Dakota Raabe (transfer from Michigan, where he played 113 games and scored 32 points)
2021-22 PREDICTION: With 11 new players including seven transfers, it’s difficult to gauge the Pioneers’ chances. But if they can gel early, I think they’ll finish in the top half of the league.
“Our biggest challenge is how quickly we can get this group together,” said Marottolo. “We’ve done a lot of team building and I’m happy with the mindset right now.”
The first three presentations featured Seattle Kraken and former North Dakota head coach Dave Hakstol, Rensselaer men’s head coach Dave Smith, and Princeton women’s head coach Cara Morey.
Access to the remaining live sessions – which includes replays of Monday’s presentations – is still available at The Coaches Site.
Building a tradition
When the Seattle Kraken drop the puck for their first ever regular-season game on October 12, the team’s quest for a Stanley Cup officially begins.
But that quest to put the Kraken together began much earlier, and Hakstol has played a major role in that.
Hakstol sat down with Aaron Wilbur, founder of The Coaches Site, to discuss the process of laying a foundation of an expansion franchise and where building a winning tradition begins. Below is an excerpt from that discussion.
Neutral Zone Offense
Turnovers happen all over the ice and being able to successfully transition from offense to defense, or vice versa, is vital to overall team success.
Smith focused specifically on transitioning to offense in his presentation as he walked through the keys to developing a quick transition game and generating offense from the neutral zone. Below is a sample from that presentation.
Dancing on the bench: Tips on creating a culture of excellence
Following six years as an assistant at Princeton, Morey is in her fifth year as head coach, during which time the Tigers won their first ECAC tournament title, an Ivy League championship, qualified for two NCAA quarterfinals, and set the program wins record.
Morey’s presentation focused on how she created a championship culture and the secrets for developing an environment that inspires excellence.
Virtual Coaching Clinic schedule of events
Here is the complete schedule of Virtual Coaching Clinic events.
Nathan Smith scored twice and assisted on another as Minnesota State rallied for a 6-3 win at No. 1 UMass on Sunday (photo: Matt Dewkett).
After sweeping defending national champion Massachusetts, Minnesota State is the new No. 1 team in the USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll.
The Mavericks jump four spots in this week’s rankings.
Rounding out the top five, St. Cloud State remains No. 2, as does Michigan at No. 3 and Minnesota at No. 4. Minnesota Duluth is up one to sit fifth this week.
Boston College jumps one spot to No. 6, while UMass tumbles to No. 7, down from the top spot last week.
North Dakota (No. 8), Quinnipiac (No. 9) and Boston University (No. 10) finish off the top 10 with each of the three teams ranked where they were a week ago.
Northeastern is the lone new team in the top 20, joining the poll this week at No. 18.
In addition, 16 other teams received votes in this week’s poll.
The USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll consists of 50 voters, including coaches and beat writers and sports professionals from across the country.
This season, hosts Jim Connelly and Ed Trefzger are joined by Robert Morris head coach Derek Schooley while his program is on hiatus.
In this episode, we look at:
• The aftermath of the demise of collegehockeystats.net and how much it’s missed already;
• Then-No. 5 and new No. 1 Minnesota State’s sweep of defending national champion and preseason No. 1 UMass;
• No. 2 St. Cloud State’s sweep of St. Thomas in their D-I debut;
• The weekend split in the final season at Oceanside between Arizona State and visiting UMass-Lowell;
• An immensely talented Michigan power play unit;
• Huge crowds on opening weekend;
• And D-I teams playing exhibitions: Will this be permanent?
Atlantic Hockey announced Monday a one-game suspension for Bentley graduate defenseman Matt Lombardozzi, effective for the Falcons’ next game.
The suspension is a result of Lombardozzi’s five-minute major penalty and game misconduct for contact to the head, which occurred at the 8:25 mark of the third period in Bentley’s game of Saturday, Oct. 2 at Northeastern. Upon review, the infraction was deemed to warrant a suspension.
Bentley’s next scheduled Division I game is Friday, Oct. 8 at home against Ohio State. Lombardozzi is eligible to return for the Falcons’ Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 home game against the Buckeyes.
Sarah Wozniewicz’s first collegiate goal proved to be the game-winner on Friday afternoon. Casey O’Brien scored twice, to give her eight goals on the year, Daryl Watts added three assists and Makenna Webster had a goal and two assists to lead Wisconsin to a 4-0 win. On Saturday, O’Brien, Webster, Watts and Wozniewicz each scored a goal alongside Marianne Picard, who tallied her first as a Badger. Wisconsin took a 5-0 win and the weekend sweep.
(2) Northeastern vs. Holy Cross
A dominant first period helped the Huskies to a 5-0 win. Skylar Irving scored her first career goal as Megan Carter and Chloe Aurard led the team with a goal and two assists each. Holy Cross’ two goalies made a total of 52 saves and their defense blocked 38 shot in the loss. In the second game, Chloe Aurard scored twice and added an assist to lead the Huskies to a 6-0 win. Katy Knoll had a goal and two assists.
(3) Ohio State at (4) Minnesota
Minnesota jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on Peyton Hemp’s first career goal, but penalty difficulties gave Ohio State the opportunity to tie it up before the first intermission thanks to a power play goal by Clair DeGeorge. Jenna Buglioni and DeGeorge scored in the second to put Ohio State up 3-1. Minnesota pulled the goalie and closed the gap on Taylor Heise’s goal with about two minutes left, but Paetyn Levis’ empty-netter sealed a 4-2 win for the Buckeyes. On Saturday, Ohio State jumped out to a 3-0 lead thanks to two power play goals from Sophie Jacques and a goal from Jennifer Gardiner. Amy Potomak scored a highlight reel goal midway through the third, but Jenna Buglioni responded to give the Buckeyes a 4-1 win and weekend sweep.
Mercyhurst at (4) Colgate
Malia Schneider scored late in the first to give Colgate a 1-0 lead that would hold into the third. Mercyhurst tied the game just 1:11 into the third, but that wouldn’t last long, as Colgate’s Allyson Simpson put the Raiders up 2-1 just 40 seconds after that. Maggie MacEachern scored twice to extend the lead before Liliane Perrault cut the lead to 4-2 with about six minutes to go in the game. Darcie Lappan’s goal in the final minute gave Colgate the 5-2 win. In game two, Jersey Phillips put Mercyhurst on the board first. Rosy Demers scored on the power play to make it a 1-1 game at the first intermission. Dara Grieg gave the Raiders a 2-1 lead in the second and Danielle Serdachny’s goal midway through the third extended the lead to 3-1. Kristy Pidgeon cut the lead when the Lakers pulled their goalie, but Kalty Kaltounkova’s empty-netter secured the 4-2 win and weekend sweep for Colgate.
(6) Minnesota Duluth at Minnesota State
Naomi Rogge led the Bulldogs with two goals and two assists, Gabbie Hughes and Anna Klein each had a goal and two assists and Elizabeth Giguere had three assists in their 7-0 win on Friday. On Saturday, Mankato earned their first win over the Bulldogs since 2016 as they skated to a 4-2 upset win. Special teams were key for the Mavericks in the win. After Lizi Norton put the Bulldogs up in the first, Minnesota State reeled off three straight power play goals. Madison Mashuga, Jamie Nelson and Kelsey King each lit the lamp. Giguere cut the lead in half with about five minutes to go in the games, but Kennedy Bobyck’s empty net goal was the finishing touch on Mankato’s big win. Brittyn Fleming had three assists for MSU in the win.
(7) Boston College at Penn State
On Thursday, Penn State outshot BC 37-25, but the Eagles skated away with the 2-1 overtime win. Gaby Roy scored in the second to put Boston College up 1-0. Penn State responded in the third with a goal from Mallory Uihlein. The Nittany Lions had a prime opportunity in OT with the puck sitting in the crease, but couldn’t light the lamp. BC took advantage of the chaos and quickly transitioned down the ice where Abby Newhook scored her first career goal to seal the win. In game two, Penn State once again dominated shots on goal (34-17), but it was BC that came away with the win. Natalie Heising put PSU up 1-0 four minutes into the first. Caroline Goffredo scored her first career goal to even the score midway through the frame. Hannah Bilka’s goal midway through the second would prove to be enough to give Boston College their second straight 2-1 win.
LIU at (10) Quinnipiac
Olivia Mobley had three goals and an assist to lead Quinnipiac in a 9-1 win on Friday. Lexie Adzija added two goals and an assist and Sadie Peart had a goal in two assists, as well. Carrigan Umpherville was LIU’s goal-scorer in the loss. On Saturday, Veronica Bac, Maya Labad, Peart and Mobley each found the back of the net to give the Bobcats a 4-0 win and weekend sweep. LIU goalie Tindra Holm made 43 saves in the loss.
Senior Sam Hentges is back to lead the St. Cloud State offense in 2021-22 and led the Huskies to two wins over St. Thomas this past weekend (photo: Brad Olson).
Here is a rundown of how the top 20 teams in the USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll of September 27 fared in games over the weekend of Oct. 2-3.
No. 1 Massachusetts (0-2-0)
10/02/2021 – No. 5 Minnesota State 2 at No. 1 Massachusetts 0
10/03/2021 – No. 5 Minnesota State 6 at No. 1 Massachusetts 3
No. 2 St. Cloud State (2-0-0)
10/02/2021 – St. Thomas 2 at No. 2 St. Cloud State 12
10/03/2021 – No. 2 St. Cloud State 2 at St. Thomas 0
No. 3 Michigan (0-0-0)
10/02/2021 – RV Bowling Green 1 at No. 3 Michigan 7 (exhibition)
No. 4 Minnesota (0-0-0)
Did not play.
No. 5 Minnesota State (2-0-0)
10/02/2021 – No. 5 Minnesota State 2 at No. 1 Massachusetts 0
10/03/2021 – No. 5 Minnesota State 6 at No. 1 Massachusetts 3
Julian Napravnik scored his second goal of the and Dryden McKay made 18 saves as Minnesota State completed a weekend sweep of #1 UMass, 6-3 (File photo: Russell Hons)
No. 5 Minnesota State completed a dramatic weekend sweep of No. 1 Massachusetts in style, reeling off the game’s final six goals to overcome a 3-0 deficit and earn a 6-3 win.
Facing a three-goal hole late in the second period, Nathan Smith scored with 1:12 remaining in the second to cut the Minuteman lead and begin the rally.
From there, it was all Minnesota State. Smith added a second goal for a three-point game while Julian Napravnik notched a goal and an assist.
Combined with a 2-0 win for St. Cloud State over St. Thomas that completed the weekend sweep of the Tommies, it’s almost guaranteed there will be a new number one in the USCHO.com poll on Monday. While some teams did not play and other faced other Division I opponents in exhibition games, no top 10 team other than UMass lost this weekend.
Head coach Enrico Blasi began the legacy of college hockey’s newest program, St. Thomas, though a difficult outcome falling to 12-2 to No. 2 St Cloud State (photo: Brad Olsen)
Prior to April, Minnesota State had never made a Frozen Four. And despite being eliminated in the national semifinal by St. Cloud State, the Mavericks understood how strong their team was.
Six months later, that Mavericks team had the opportunity to play the eventual national champion, Massachusetts, and did what they do best: shut down an opponent.
Dryden McKay made 18 saves to register a shutout after UMass raised their national championship banner as the Mavericks earned a 2-0 victory to open the 2021-22 campaign with a statement victory.
In a game where goals were infrequent, Minnesota State scored early on the power play. Reggie Lutz got the Mavericks on the board just 55 seconds into the game.
While it may have been remarkable for Minnesota State to hold a lead throughout against the nation’s top team, the fan that UMass mustered just eight shots through forty minutes – one in the first period and seven in the seconds – showed how much this team struggled to generate offense.
While UMass finally mustered attempts in the third, outshooting the Mavericks, 10-9, in the frame, Julian Napravnik tallied the only goal of the frame.
St. Thomas, playing its first-ever Division I college hockey game, received a difficult welcome to the sport.
Easton Brudziński, who left last year’s NCAA regional game with a devastating leg injury, scored twice and added an assist, and both Chase Brand and Kevin Fitzgerald each added two goals each as the Huskies took care of business on the home half of a two-game series against the Tommies.
The two schools will rematch tomorrow night at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, the home of the Minnesota Wild.
If you can pull anything from the season opener from St. Cloud State, it is the performance of the power play. On Saturday, the Huskies scored seven times in 10 opportunities on the power play.
Each coach and program have different criteria for what they look for on the recruiting trail. Sure, everyone is looking for talent on the ice, but there’s so much more that goes into a player’s makeup. There are players every program wants, but for up-and-coming teams that may not be able to land those recruits, they’re looking for players that see the benefit and potential of helping build a program and putting in the hard work now to help future teams see a payoff.
