Departed players’ presence tough to replace, but Alaska has talent to succeed
The Nanooks have preseason all-conference picks Tyler Morley and Colton Parayko to build around.
Season Preview
Season previews for teams
Alabama-Huntsville looks for ways to win low-scoring games
The Chargers were 2-35-1 last season but return two experienced goaltenders that could keep them in games.
Vermont could contend in Hockey East with a consistent effort
The Catamounts finished seventh last season but made the NCAA tournament.
Providence taking nothing for granted despite stacked returning lineup
Jon Gillies and Ross Mauermann lead a group of players back from a third-place finish.
No longer the Hockey East newcomer, Notre Dame transitions to a speed-based defense
The Fighting Irish also have to work in a new starting goaltender, either Chad Katunar or Cal Petersen.
Excited by progress, Northeastern sets sights on a Hockey East title
Forward Kevin Roy had 19 goals and 46 points a year ago and could be a Hobey Baker Award contender.
Suspension of top goaltender changes the plans for New Hampshire
Besides missing Casey DeSmith for at least the first semester, the Wildcats will see multiple new faces on defense.
Merrimack goes back to basics after slipping to last place
For several seasons, Merrimack won the annual war of attrition, staying in the mix in Hockey East after graduating important contributors. Last year, however, the Warriors tumbled from 13-11-3 to 3-15-2 and last place. “We were a lot closer than our record would have anyone believe,” Merrimack coach Mark Dennehy says. “We had the second-highest … Read more
Departure of top talent leaves Massachusetts-Lowell waiting for surprises
The River Hawks lost key players at all positions and welcome 14 new faces.
Massachusetts will need contributions from freshmen to move up in Hockey East
Massachusetts coach John Micheletto summed up how last season was by talking about his summer. “When you win eight games, it’s not a very good offseason,” Micheletto said with a wry smile. And it probably wasn’t that great of a season in Amherst, Mass., where the Minutemen struggled in many facets of the game and … Read more
Solid one-two punch could lift Maine, but goaltending is key
Forward Devin Shore and defenseman Ben Hutton will be the Black Bears’ cornerstones, but a new goaltender is needed.
Hockey East newcomer Connecticut expects challenge in new competition
But coach Mike Cavanaugh has more familiarity with his new league than with Atlantic Hockey.
After culling roster, Boston University moves forward with heralded freshman class
Potential top pick Jack Eichel highlights the rookie crop, while goaltending could be a challenge.
Without Gaudreau, Boston College turns to large sophomore class
The Eagles also have experience in net, where Thatcher Demko emerged as the top goaltender last season.
Youth movement in effect at Wisconsin, which will rely on goaltending
With 11 freshmen on the team, Hobey Baker Award finalist Joel Rumpel will be a key in goal.
More seasoned Penn State has to improve everywhere, Gadowsky says
The Nittany Lions start their third season as a varsity program with a more experienced roster.
After season dominated by goalie carousel, Ohio State returns deep team
With Christian Frey and Matt Tomkins returning, the Buckeyes have the potential to improve from the net out.
Expectations through the roof for a Minnesota team loaded with experience
The Gophers’ losses from the national runner-up team were slight, setting a high bar.
Michigan State sees potential to improve on a sluggish offense
The Spartans’ offense mustered 2.19 goals per game last season, only six places above the bottom in all of Division I.
Better defense a focus as Michigan hopes to end NCAA tournament drought
After making it to 23 straight national tournaments between 1991 and 2012, the Wolverines have missed the last two.