Season previews for teams
When Boston College was upset by Colorado College in last year’s NCAA tournament, there was not only a sense of shock for the Eagles but also, quite possibly, one of unfinished business. The Eagles had very high expectations for last year’s club, particularly given that they had captured the Hockey East regular season and postseason … Read more
Along with a new coach, the rebuilding Bethel Royals have embarked on a journey this season that will likely to be filled with many highs and lows. After losing their first four games, the Royals already endured the depths often experienced by an upstart team. Then there are turning points, like Thursday’s 4-3 triumph at … Read more
With nine freshmen, including a 6-foot-7 behemoth from Sweden, the Saint John’s Johnnies have faith in the future. That belief has been tested in the early-going, as the Johnnies dropped four-straight contests, three of which were decided by a goal. Senior Mike Wallgren had a team-leading two goals and two assists through four games. MIAC … Read more
After finishing three points shy of a MIAC playoff berth last season, the Concordia Cobbers will work on closing deal this time around. That’s because the Cobbers had their fate decided by two goals or less in 14 of 25 contests, which included a league-record five ties. The lack of crucial goals was reflected in … Read more
St. Olaf’s strategy this season appears to be the classic strategy of lie-in-wait and then attack at dusk. Despite the Oles’ projected fifth place finish in the MIAC preseason coaches poll, coach Sean Goldsworthy expects his charges to garner momentum down the stretch and become a playoff contender. The team has qualified for MIAC postseason … Read more
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
With a new coach and a freshmen in goal, St. Thomas’ sure-bet status may have slipped south of the border. Recent history though, suggests the Tommies shouldn’t be overlooked as MIAC title contenders. Last season, St. Thomas’ campaign was one of peaks and valleys before the team caught fire in the MIAC playoffs where, upsets … Read more
With the loss of NCAA D-III Player of the Year David Martinson to graduation, there have been a couple of stages of grief in the Gusties’ camp. First, there was the tribute phase. “That’s a special, special player that comes around maybe once in a lifetime as a coach,” said Gusties coach Brett Petersen, entering … Read more
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
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
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
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
The Saints lost a combined 84 points offensively with the graduation of Jordan Chong (17 goals, 20 assists), Jordan Baird (8 goals, 16 assists) and Aaron Spotts (10 goals, 13 assists). Others are ready to fill the void, coach Mark Wick said. Forward Riley Riddell, one of the team’s two seniors, fits the profile of … Read more
The Blugolds’ journey this season will be as much inward as upward, as 10 freshmen join nine sophomores on the roster. “We’re heading in the right direction obviously,” said coach Matt Loen, whose team is off to a 2-1 start, with nonconference wins over Lawrence and Gustavus Aldophus. “It’s a matter of getting our youth … Read more
Despite four of five leading scorers returning and three veteran defensemen back, the No. 8 Falcons remain a work in progress, coach Steve Freeman said. The formula for success appears rooted in how a crop of underclassmen blend in with proven scorers like senior Josh Calleja (8 goals, 29 assists last season) and junior Justin … Read more
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
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
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
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
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