St. Mary’s looks to rebound from dismal season

After a dreadful season with only one win to its name, Saint Mary’s Cardinals are imbued with a new sense of optimism. “It’s awesome,” said coach Bill Moore, who enters his third season at the helm. “We have fun going to practice every day. The kids are working their butts off. “It’s a totally different … Read more

Augsburg expected to challenge Hamline in MIAC

The Auggies are looking to build on a seven-year best 16 wins last season, which catapulted the squad into the MIAC’s high-rent district. With the team’s top two scorers Nick Guran (18 goals and 15 assists) and Joel Sauer (16 goals and 16 assists) returning, along with goalie Justin Lochner (2.32 goals-against average), there’s little … Read more

Hamline expected to be on top in MIAC

In two-time All American defenseman Chris Berenguer, the Pipers have one of the best players in D-III hockey. Statistics alone speak volumes about his hockey abilities. Berenguer led MIAC defensemen in scoring with six goals and 22 assists last season, which followed a sophomore season when he produced a team-leading 14 goals and 25 assists … Read more

Wisconsin-Superior looks to regain top spot

After a precipitous drop from first to last place in 2009-10, the Yellowjackets have removed their stomachs from their mouths and have pushed the elevator button to go back up. The team is already on pace to erase last term’s dreadful run, starting this season at 3-1, including a split against NCHA-foe University of Wisconsin-River … Read more

Wisconsin-Stevens Point relies on balanced attack

Though picked for third, the Pointers’ early-season form suggests they are league-championship material. The team’s roiling 4-1 start (2-0 in NCHA play) has featured a balanced scoring attack, conscientious defensive play and stellar goaltending by sophomore Nick Graves. UW-Stevens Point’s start could make a mockery out of the preseason coaches poll, which had the Pointers … Read more

Wisconsin-Stout buoyed by transfers

On the musical chart, the Blue Devils are somewhere between “Auld Lang Syne”  and “Happy Days Are Here Again.” Sure, the team is lamenting the loss of its four leading scorers, most notably All-American and 2009-10 NCHA Player of the Year Joel Gaulrapp, who tied for the team scoring lead with 27 points on 12 … Read more

Depth should keep St. Norbert on top again

Such is the depth of the Green Knights that their coach regard their fourth line as a strength. “Our fourth line might be our most effective group on any given night,” said coach Tim Coghlin, whose lengthy roster gives him the option of sending out a large-sized or a skating squad, depending on the opponent. … Read more

Loss of scoring will hurt Framingham State

After losing almost 90 percent of its scoring to graduation, Framingham State will be looking to tighten up the defensive game this year. “We will try to play a more aggressive style on the offensive end, but our key focus will be our end,” coach T.J. Brown said. “We gave up way too many goals … Read more

Large influx of new players has Worcester State coach hopeful

Thirteen new players, including four new goalies, have Worcester State coach John Guiney hopeful for a turnaround season. “Overall, we should be stronger up front with more offensive skill,” he said. “On defense, we will be more experienced.” After allowing just over five goals per game last season, the Lancers have brought in four freshman … Read more

Mass.-Dartmouth looks to pick up from playoff performance

It’s been a while. That’s the best way of summing up last year for Mass.-Dartmouth, as the Corsairs posted their first losing record since 1976-77, finishing with an overall record of 11-15-1. Despite that, they were still able to win a playoff game, knocking off fourth-seed Westfield State in opening round playoff action before narrowly … Read more

New Plymouth State coach inherits loaded team

It’s not often a new coach takes over with a team locked and loaded and ready to go, but that’s the situation first year head coach Craig Russell finds himself in at Plymouth State. After serving as an assistant coach under Brett Tryder for seven years, following a four year playing career at Plymouth State, … Read more

Strong group of seniors should keep Fitchburg near the top

Last year’s MASCAC runner-ups return will a veteran core that’s looking to get back to the championship game. “This team returns a great group of athletes,” coach Dean Fuller said. “Last year’s loss in the championship has motivated us to work harder in the off-season so we can get back into that game.” In net, … Read more

Salem reloads again

It’s an axiom that’s repeated all throughout sports: Good teams don’t rebuild, they reload. Sure, Salem State lost four key seniors, but they gained three transfers, two of whom have already proven themselves in MASCAC play. “They’re just quality players,” said Salem coach Bill O’Neill, who is entering his 30th season in charge of the … Read more