The UCHC, like virtually every other conference, will have a new look this season with the additions of Albertus Magnus and Elmira from the now defunct NEHC along with St John Fisher which commences NCAA play this season. The new nine-team league will certainly add more excitement to the pursuit of the conference title which was won by Geneseo last year in just their first campaign in the league.
The Favorite
Geneseo returns key players up and down the lineup including goaltender Jacob Torgner, defenseman Dak Zarudny and forward Alex Dameski, the top returning scorer from last year’s squad. Coach Chris Schultz has built a very successful culture with the Knights who will likely showcase balance and depth to continue their winning ways. If the other forwards can support Dameski’s production, the Knights are going to be very difficult to beat this season.
The Dark Horse
One thing that is true about Utica coach Gary Heenan is that he is always looking to tweak the roster in order to add talent and help his team be better. The Pioneers lost some key pieces from last year’s national championship title game but have filled in some spots with some experienced players like goaltender Kyle Curtin who has come over to Utica from Elmira. The Pioneers have a lot of depth upfront so look for the offense to lead the way to in their drive to re-claim the UCHC title.
Players to watch
Albertus Magnus: Zane Kindrachuk – forward: Sam Witt – defense
Brockport: Manny Sanchez – forward; Josh Higgins – defense
Chatham: Kyle Contessa – forward; Nick Cyprian – forward
Geneseo: Dak Zarudny – defense; Alex Dameski – forward
Elmira: Seth Ferguson – forward; Brody Haynes – goaltender
Manhattanville: Johno Hoins – forward; Tristan D’Elia– forward
Nazareth: James McDonald – coach; Blake Frost – forward
St John Fisher: Sebastien Woods – goaltender; Kenneth Brody – forward
Utica: Kyle Curtin – goaltender; Collin Patterson – forward
USCHO predicted finish
- Geneseo
- Utica
- Chatham
- Elmira
- Albertus Magnus
- Manhattanville
- Nazareth
- Brockport
- St John Fisher
The opening weekend of the season over the past several years has always included a two-game series between Adrian from the NCHA and Utica. This year the Pioneers host the season opening games and will se a familiar face in the Adrian goal as former Pioneer netminder Ryan Piros is poised to start for the Bulldogs against his former team. That should add some spice to an already early season must-see series. And if that isn’t exciting enough, the Pioneers follow the season opening series with a home-and- home series against top-ranked Hobart next week.