The NE-10 never lacks for excitement as very few teams have been successful in translating regular season success into the D-II conference championship. Assumption is one of the few teams in recent years to do so. St Anselm and St. Michael’s seem to find themselves playing for the big prize frequently and often against each other as both have claimed titles at the others’ expense in the past three seasons.
The six-team league remains the same as AIC, which dropped D-I hockey, will not be competing with a D-II team this season. At Franklin Pierce, former standout Conor Foley takes over the coaching reins in effort to revitalize the Ravens program.
The Favorite
St. Anselm won the regular season title last season only to fall to the Purple Knights in the title game. The roster returns a solid nucleus led by the goaltending of Cam Carroll and offensive prowess of Luke Linart with a strong supporting cast. The Hawks have all the pieces to contend for the conference crown again but will need to turn the page on last year’s disappointing championship showing.
The Dark Horse
St Michael’s is the defending champion but boasts a new bench boss with the retirement of long-time coach Damian DiGiulian. Fresh off a two-year stint as an assistant at Middlebury, Jack Fitzgerald brings his Amherst and coach-Jack Arena lineage to Winooski, VT in his first head coaching role. The Purple Knights have lost some key players on the blueline so the forwards led by Quinn McCarthy and goaltending of Cole Manahan and Evan Plunkett will need be solid while the blue line finds their game.
Players to watch
Assumption: Jonathan Surrette – forward; Ryan Decker- forward
Franklin Pierce: Conor Foley – coach; Austin Pick – forward
Post: Baxter Kimball – forward; Aidan Canady – defense
Southern New Hampshire: Kurt Watson – forward; Collin Berke – goaltender
St. Anselm: Luke Linart – forward; Cam Carroll – goaltender
St. Michael’s: Jack Fitzgerald – coach; Quinn McCarthy – forward
USCHO Predicted finish
- St. Anselm
- St. Michael’s
- Assumption
- Southern New Hampshire
- Post
- Franklin Pierce
Assumption will be one of four teams from the Worcester, Massachusetts area to compete for the Woo Cup Championship to open the season. The Greyhounds will play Worcester State on Friday night with the winner playing against the victor between Nichols and Anna Maria for the trophy on Saturday.