Inexperienced Colgate program moves on after Austin Smith era

“The Austin Smith era is over.” So began head coach Don Vaughan’s remarks during the preseason news conference. They’re not unreasonable words, either, considering what Smith meant to the program during his exceptional four years in Hamilton. But those memories are only that — memories — and it’s time to look ahead to a new … Read more

Transition defense an improvement area for tested Cornell

One of the first things anyone looks for from Cornell is, paradoxically, its opposition. This year’s schedule doesn’t disappoint, as five of the Big Red’s seven non-conference opponents played in the NCAA tournament last spring. “It’s a tremendous opportunity not just for our team but for our league,” coach Mike Schafer said. The table includes … Read more

Harvard hopes depth will provide an instant impact

For the first time in a half-decade, Harvard put together a truly sharp campaign. The 2011-12 season was record-setting for its number of ties (11, a national record, and a league-record nine ECAC draws), but the Crimson lost consecutive games only once all year and finished among the top four for the first time since … Read more

New coach, star forward are major themes for St. Lawrence

Head coach may be a new title to St. Lawrence’s Greg Carvel, but it’s not a new role. Carvel split coaching duties with Mike Hurlbut last season after long-time head coach Joe Marsh took a medical leave of absence. Marsh retired in March after 26 seasons and Carvel slid into the top spot, with Hurlbut … Read more

Yale looks for fresh start with goaltenders, revamped defense

There’s an old rule, mentioned by Boston College coach Jerry York during last year’s national tournament, that holds true for virtually any college hockey program: Get a good goaltender. Yale had one two years ago in Ryan Rondeau and was the No. 1 seed in the Bridgeport regional of the NCAA tournament. Last year? Not … Read more

Union atop ECAC coaches,’ media preseason polls

Union was selected first in the 2012-13 ECAC men’s coaches’ preseason poll and the ECAC media preseason poll. In addition, six players from Union, Harvard, Quinnipiac and St. Lawrence were named to the preseason all-league team. ECAC Coaches’ Poll ECAC Media Poll ECAC Preseason All-League Team