And finally, the last of the conference previews…
For some reason the gap from the start of the regular season to NESCAC initiating play seems shorter this year with play commencing on Friday, November 14 – I am sure that is just me but it will be great to have all the conferences in action with the one generally most competitive top-to-bottom joining the fray this week.
While some things remain constant in terms of competition level and the futility of a pre-season poll, a fixture in the NESCAC coaching ranks, Amherst head coach Jack Arena has retired over the summer paving the way for former player and assistant coach Eddie Effinger to depart St Olaf and take the reins at his alma mater this season.
Here is a look at the final conference to take the ice in meaningful games:
The Favorite
Hamilton won the regular season and conference tournament last season on the way to a first round NCAA victory over UNE before bowing out in the quarterfinals against Curry. The roster returns a deep nucleus that features high-end offensive skills and production from Alex Danis, Jackson Krock, Devon deVries and Ben Zimmerman. Aksel Reid (8 games played in 24-25) returns to lead a group of goaltenders that hope to fill the crease left by Charlie Archer and if the combined efforts are consistent, the Continentals will again contend for the top spot in the conference.
The Dark Horse
It seems a bit strange to clarify Trinity as a dark horse based on their recent stature at the top of the conference and a team that includes many players that played in the national title game just two seasons ago. Devon Bobak is back in goal which means the Bantams always have an opportunity to win. James Barbour, Ty Broad, Spencer Korona and Connor Sedlak lead a deep group of forwards that should be dangerous in any on-ice scenario be it even-strength, power-play or shorthanded. The defense has experience and youth in front of Bobak who looks to return to form in this his senior year. Never count out the Bantams who always seem to be in the mix come February.
Players to watch:
Amherst: Eddie Effinger – coach; Oliver Flynn – forward
Bowdoin: Bryce Bollman – forward; Gabe Shipper – forward
Colby: Bobby Landry – forward; Cooper Rautenstrauch – goaltender
Connecticut College: Will McEvoy – goaltender; Reid Shafer – defense
Hamilton: Devon de Vries – forward; Alex Danis – forward
Middlebury: Revy Mack – forward; John Burdett – defense
Trinity: Devon Bobak – goaltender; Spencer Korona – forward
Tufts: Gustave Bylin – goaltender; Max Resnick – forward
Wesleyan: Ethan Davidson – forward; Hayden Haynes – forward
Williams: Connor Berg – defense; David Vieten – forward
USCHO Predicted finish:
- Hamilton
- Trinity
- Colby
- Middlebury
- Tufts
- Bowdoin
- Amherst
- Williams
- Connecticut College
- Wesleyan
Starting later always means the teams are quickly immersed into conference play right out of the gate this weekend. Williams and Middlebury will start their seasons against Bowdoin and Colby on the road looking to surprise the home teams and grab some early key points in the conference standings while travel partners Amherst and Hamilton start the campaign against each other.