The newest conference starting in 2025-2026 is the Little East which adds a deep ten-team conference that merges the Little East athletic conference schools with some associate members from the former NEHC. The league also features Keene State in first season affiliated with a conference as well as the introduction of Western Connecticut State to the NCAA ranks with head coach Doug Friedman at the helm.
The Favorite
Plymouth State leaves a very successful run of titles in MASCAC looking to start a new trend in the LEC. Coach Russell’s team is deep and capable with skilled forwards like Will Pray and Will Redick along with the senior leadership of captain Rider McCallum on the blueline. Brandon Shantz will patrol the blue paint for the Panthers as the team looks to get off to a good start to the season with challenging games against the University of new England and Plattsburgh state on tap for the weekend.
The Dark Horse
Norwich will have an alumnus at the helm as Dominick Dawes replaces Cam Ellsworth behind the Cadet bench. The Cadets have a strong history of being very disciplined and difficult to score against which should continue this season with goaltender junior Sami Molu back between the pipes and supported by a strong defensive group that includes junior Cooper Bertrand and seniors Devon Thibodeau and Matt Harvey. The offense has been by committee so expect four balanced lines coming off the bench for coach Dawes.
Players to watch:
Babson: Nate Mueller – goaltender; Egan Schmitt – forward
VSU – Castleton: Luke Chakrabarti – forward; Cam Reid – defense
Keene State: Chase Carney – forward; Marcus Chrisafideis – Forward
UMass-Boston: Jazz Krivtsov – forward; Jude Kurtas – forward
UMass-Dartmouth: Tyler Stewart – forward; Lane Ruffner – defense
New England College: Anthony Beaulieu – goaltender; David Novotny – forward
Norwich: Dominick Dawes – coach; Sami Molu – goaltender
Plymouth State: Will Pray – forward; Rider McCallum – defense
Southern Maine: Kayde Kinaschuk – forward; Cole Brennan – defense
Western Connecticut: Doug Friedman – coach; Stephen Mense – forward
USCHO predicted finish:
- Plymouth State
- Norwich
- Babson
- Massachusetts-Boston
- New England College
- Southern Maine
- VTSU – Castleton
- Keene State
- Massachusetts-Dartmouth
- Western Connecticut
Many schools plan fundraising event around games throughout the season and usually it is the home team that does both the heavy lifting as well as selects the charitable organization they can readily associate with. This weekend Babson has teamed up with Fitchburg State to support Jake Thibeault through the Thomas E Smith Foundation that seeks to raise monies in support of victims of spinal injuries. Jake is a resident from Fitchburg and has become close with Falcons head coach Dean Fuller while also being part of the Babson hockey program. Jake never quits and has committed himself to recovery. So, if you want to check out some great hockey and support a worthwhile cause and recognize jake’s positive influence on those challenged by spinal injuries, head to Fitchburg on Friday night or Babson Skating rink on Saturday afternoon to contribute.