MASCAC will change from a ten-team league this season to the traditional and more familiar eight-team conference following the departure of Plymouth State and Massachusetts-Dartmouth to the new Little East conference (LEC). That does change the landscape somewhat based upon PSU’s recent dominance in the league, but many see the conference as wide open following Fitchburg State’s championship run and a startling number eight seeded MCLA reaching the final after upsets of Plymouth State and Anna Maria on the road. The Trailblazers will be seeking to improve on last year’s results with new head coach Marcus Gloss coming aboard just before the new school year began at MCLA.
The Favorite
Fitchburg State enters the season as defending champions and Dean Fuller coached teams always work hard and compete for wins. Junior Hunter Dunn leads a balanced and deep group of forwards while Max Macchioni and Frederick Soderberg form a formidable tandem in the crease for the Falcons. Look for some early contributions from a strong recruiting class who will get a chance to compete for ice team and regular shifts.
The Dark Horse
Salem State made great strides last season under head coach Chris MacInnes as the Vikings became a very difficult team to play against on a very consistent basis. Goaltender Will Nepveu emerged as one of the league’s best netminders while last year’s MASCAC Player-of-the-Year, Landyn Greatorex will be looking for more offense along with sophomore James Tatro and senior Zach Dill.
Players to watch:
Anna Maria: Matthew Hennessey – goaltender; Brandon Della Paolera – forward
Fitchburg State: Max Macchioni – goaltender; Hunter Dunn – forward
Framingham State: Scott Bugarin – forward; Jake Barcelou – defense
MCLA Marcus Gloss – coach; Cade Herrera – forward
Rivier: Damon Kiyawasew – forward; Carter Poulin – forward
Salem State: Will Nepveu – goaltender; Landyn Greatorex – forward
Westfield State: Cooper Board – forward; Christopher Miraldo – forward
Worcester State: Bob Deraney – coach; Anders Grongstad – forward
USCHO Predicted finish
- Fitchburg State
- Salem State
- Anna Maria
- Westfield State
- Worcester State
- Rivier
- Framingham State
- MCLA
Fitchburg State will open their season with a pair of games against Babson on Friday and Saturday that will have special meaning for a Fitchburg native who is part of the Babson hockey program. This weekend will honor the efforts of Jake Thibeault to overcome the impacts he sustained from a spinal cord injury. The games will provide an opportunity to raise money and awareness of the Thomas E Smith foundation which supports Jake and others living with the challenges of spinal cord injuries. Friday night’s game will be hosted by Fitchburg while Saturday’s game will be played at Babson.