NCAA Season Preview: ECAC
It should be another exciting year in one of college's hockey's most exciting
conferences. Sure the WCHA, CCHA and Hockey East could dispute that but as an
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emerging conference with plenty of players being developed into potential pros
over the last few years, and quality of each roster, the ECAC can compete.
Whether you like the shooters (Hugh Jessiman, or maybe Ryan Vesce) or hot goaltenders
(Yann Danis, or how about Dov Grumet-Morris), the ECAC has something for hockey
fans. With the changes to various lineups, there are no guarantees that Cornell
will repeat their magical season from 2002-03 and everyone is waiting to see
how Yale fares without Chris Higgins.
So grab a seat and enjoy the season as it unfolds; it promises to be interesting.
2003-04 Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Harvard (10) 120
2. Cornell (2) 107
3. Dartmouth 97
4. Brown 86
5. Clarkson 76
6. Yale 62
7. St. Lawrence 60
8. Colgate 52
9. Vermont 48
10. Rensselaer 37
11. Union 25
12. Princeton 19
(First-place votes in parenthesis)
2003-04 Preseason Media Poll
1. Harvard (20) 262
2. Cornell (2) 231
3. Dartmouth 215
4. Brown 183
5. Yale 147
6. Clarkson 127
7. St. Lawrence 123
8. Colgate 119
9. Union 109
10. Vermont 90
11. Rensselaer 87
12. Princeton 30
(First-place votes in parenthesis)
| Rensselaer | Union
Enrollment: 5,722
Nickname: Bears
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Arena: Meehan Auditorium
Capacity: 2,495
Coach: Roger Grillo
Review
Brown was wildly inconsistent in 2002-03. After winning four of their first
five games, the Bears were hot and cold the rest of the way. Brown finished
16-14-5, sixth in the conference. Buoyed by a strong defense and goaltending,
Brown showed great ability but inconsistency haunted their efforts at being
a serious contender. Yet they did perform well in the ECAC (10-8-4), and was
nearly unbeatable at home (10-2-5).
The story was Yann Danis. His performances in net kept Brown competitive even
when the opposition firepower on paper spelled disaster. Head coach Roger Grillo
worked his netminder all season and lucky enough that Danis proved durable and
suffered no injuries. With Cornell's Dave LeNeveu leaving for professional hockey,
Danis becomes the seemingly clear favorite as best goaltender in the ECAC.
Losing only five players, Brown should be a tough customer in the ECAC. Where
they faltered toward the end of last season, it is conceivable to see the Bears
coming back with a lot to prove.
Who To Watch
Yann Danis is coming off another tremendous season between the pipes
for the Bears, earning the starting position and improving as the season progressed.
Good instincts and reflexes allow Danis to make a case for being the best goaltender
in the ECAC as the season starts. He played in 34 of 35 games for Brown, posting
a 15-14-5 record, five shutouts and 2.31 goals against average.
Les Haggett improved his production by 20 points over his freshman season.
Haggett scored 13 goals and 33 points, playing an important role for the Bears.
Haggett averaged just under a point per game.
Brent Robinson led the team in scoring. With 15 goals and 38 points,
Robinson provided punch on a fairly punchless team. His seven power play goals
and three game-winners led the team. His senior season should move him into
the realm of top undrafted player to watch, provided his production keeps up.
A smart forward with good size, Robinson can play both wings.
Recruits
Brian Ihnacak is the son of former NHL player Peter Ihnacak. He is a
smart playmaker who creates opportunities for linemates. Good on and away from
the puck. After a non-descript start with St. Michaels, Ihnacak broke through
last season to put up big numbers. It seems his game is ever improving and the
college style of play could prove the best fit for him.
Dylan Row has made all the right moves on his way to Brown. The Winnipeg
native moved to the United States to attend the prestigious Shattuck St. Mary's
where he played hockey and then on to the Texas Tornado in the NAHL. He is a
smart student who had his pick of schools but chose Brown. A steady defenseman,
Row should step right in and be a four-year fixture for the Bears.
Sean Dersch played for the Sherwood Crusaders where he won the award
for the league's most dedicated player. He scored 28 goals for the Crusaders.
Enrollment: 6,671
Nickname: Crimson
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Arena: Bright Hockey Center
Capacity: 2,776
Coach: Mark Mazzoleni
Review
Personnel may change for the Harvard Crimson but expectations for the squad
do not. Despite losing storied forward and captain Dominic Moore, Harvard is
tabbed to win the ECAC this season.
Harvard finished 22-10-2. The defense was stingy, giving up only 78 goals over
the course of the season. The offense was equally impressive with 133 goals
scored led by Moore, Tim Petit, Tyler Kolarik and Brett Nowak all of whom accounted
for 68 tallies. The power play was incredible with a 24% success rate.
Harvard dominated the ECAC with a 17-4-1 record. The most important numbers,
though, were three losses to eventual conference champions Cornell University.
The crucial defeat came in the ECAC finals where they dropped a 3-2 decision
in overtime.
Harvard still qualified for the NCAA tournament but lost in the opening Northeast
Regional Semifinal to Boston University. Despite being named top team in the
conference in the preseason poll, Harvard has to show they can succeed in the
postseason, something that has eluded them despite regular season success.
Harvard has talent- there is no question- and deserving of being considered
the strongest team in the ECAC heading into the new campaign.
Who To Watch
Kenny Smith was a linchpin on the Harvard defense. Smith scored four
goals and 15 points. A big, strong defenseman who is effective at both ends
of the ice, Smith can play in multiple situations and uses size and toughness
to be an effective competitor. He seems to have really tightened up in his zone-
still takes a few penalties- but certainly best characterized as a stay at home
defenseman. He was named the 108th captain in Harvard history taking over for
Dominic Moore.
Tim Petit was an impact player as a junior for the Crimson. He enjoyed
season high totals in goals (17), assists (30) and total points (47). Petit
was second in scoring behind Moore. Petit, a speedy playmaker is also a standout
penalty-killer. Will be a top free agent pick up if progress continues.
Grumet-Morris assumed starting role in February 2002 and has not looked
back. As a freshman in 2001-02 Grumet transformed Harvard from slumping team
to ECAC champs. He has become a very good major college goaltender with the
chance to be real special. Great reflexes, unparalleled work ethic, good skater,
confident without being egotistical; mentally strong to thrive under pressure.
is a strong, smart defenseman. Had six goals and 22 assists. Began last
season on fire, netting three goals and recording three assists in team's first
six games. Welch enjoyed a solid season but his defensive liabilities in the
2003 Beanpot showed he needed some improvement. Despite that, Welch was important
down the stretch.
Recruits
Reese played for the Pittsburgh Forge of the North American Hockey League
(NAHL), where he scored 11 goals and 30 assists for 41 points. Reese helped
the Forge capture the NAHL regular season crown, the playoff championship and
the USA Hockey national championship. A smooth skating offensive defenseman,
Reese was a steal in the 2003 draft by the New York Rangers.
Ryan Maki developed his skills in the USA Hockey U18 NTDP team. The
6-2, 195 Shelby Township Michigan native earned extensive international experience
playing for the vaunted program.
Steve Mandes was also a member of USA Hockey's U18 NTDP team making
the transition to college hockey. Will provide some depth but a wildcard for
now.
Enrollment: 7,500
Nickname: Catamounts
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Arena: Gutterson Fieldhouse
Capacity: 4,035
Coach: Kevin Sneddon
Review
Mike Gilligan's last season as head coach of the Catamounts ended with a 13-20-3
record.
Vermont was a scrappy team. Led by Jeff Miles, who was by and large the most
valuable player on the team. Vermont showed they are capable of beating any
of their ECAC rivals on any given day. Vermont swept Clarkson in the opening
round of the ECAC tournament before bowing out to Harvard University in the
quarterfinals. At the end of the season, Gilligan decided to step down, which
led to an extensive search for a young, talented coach who could lead the Catamounts.
Kevin Sneddon, who spent the last five years coaching Union College, takes
over for Mike Gilligan who steps down a Vermont coaching legend. Sneddon will
have to put his own definitive stamp on the program, but is not under any pressure
to do so with great urgency. It should be a learning experience for both coach
and team.
Who To Watch
Jeff Miles led the team in scoring for the second time in three years.
He finished with 19 goals and 17 assists for 36 points in 35 games. He was tied
for 16th in the ECAC in scoring, sixth in goals, tied for fifth in power-play
goals, tied for second in short-handed points, and tied for third in short-handed
goals. Miles now has 32 goals and 58 assists for 90 points in 99 career games,
and is currently 41st on the all-time scoring list at Vermont. He is poised
to become the 37th player to record 100 or more career points, and should finish
in the top 20 all-time in scoring.
Tim Plant is a Vermont native who enjoyed a fine campaign with 10 goals
for the Catamounts. Plant is a lunch pail forward who worked hard; nothing fancy
but always there with the effort. Plant contributed three game-winning goals
of Vermont's 13 overall victories.
Jamie Sifers came off an impressive rookie season that saw him named
to the ECAC All-Rookie Team. Sifers tied for 11th in scoring among ECAC defensemen,
and tied for 10th among ECAC freshmen.
Recruits
Art Femenella played two seasons with USA Hockey's NTDP. A big, tough
physical defenseman and all around team player. He turned down the chance to
sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning last year to stay in American junior and improve
his game. It was always his goal to play college hockey. Femenella should be
a thorn in the side for many forwards in the coming years.
Evan Stoflet is a speedy, physical defenseman. His strength is in his
skating. Stoflet is quick and able to read plays well. Described as a very coachable
player.
Tom Collingham played for Apple Core in the EJHL. Is one of the fastest
skaters around and his speed will make for a useable asset with Vermont. The
program seems right fit for Collingham.
Enrollment: 5,200
Nickname: Bulldogs
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Arena: Ingalls Rink
Capacity: 3,486
Coach: Tim Taylor
Review
Yale will have serious holes to fill in the lineup. After two seasons of ever-improving
hockey that led to a third place ECAC finish last season and notoriety for the
program, Yale looks like a candidate to take a step back.
Yale went 18-14-0 and 13-9-0 in their conference. At times they played with
great confidence and capable of beating almost anyone but were betrayed by their
defense.
Their forward units, led by Chris Higgins, averaged almost four goals per game.
Yale lost seven players to graduation or professional hockey; the most devastating
loss was Higgins. In his two seasons with the Bulldogs, Higgins, a Hobey Baker
finalist, brought amazing potential and ability to make Yale a promising program.
Montreal's desire to have him develop on the pro level meant that a promise
to stick things out until his senior year were changed and creates a void for
Tim Taylor's team. Evan Wax is another big loss. Wax blossomed into a solid
offensive citizen with 18 goals and a 1.17 points per game average.
Still, there is a core of players who are poised to pick up the slack, including
Ryan Steeves, a Colorado draft pick; Christian Jensen, and Joey Zappala.
Jeff Dwyer, the most experienced and steady defenseman for the Bulldogs, will
be the unquestioned leader of this team and one of the players to watch over
the course of the campaign. Josh Gartner, who was the starting goaltender over
the second half, will likely be the workhorse once again.
Yale should be entertaining but one cannot help but think that this is a school
where the notoriety their talented players receive is more of a disadvantage
than a blessing. Unlike other schools that are lined with prospects and future
student-athletes in junior programs, when Yale gets top players like Higgins,
only to lose them, it opens a gaping wound in the middle of the lineup.
Who To Watch
Ryan Steeves flew under everyone's radar to enjoy a good season. 15
goals and 38 points were fourth on the team. Now with so many departures, he
will be the leader on offense. This is Steeves' chance to show that he is a
premier forward in the league who can create offense and influence the production
of others around him.
Jeff Dwyer showed great improvement in his offensive game. He scored
only one goal but chipped in 17 assists. A durable defenseman, Dwyer played
in every game for the Bulldogs and will log plenty of minutes this year.
Christian Jensen showed plenty of promise as a freshman. Picked up his
scoring once accustomed to ECAC hockey, and tallied 10 goals. Jensen has offensive
flair, good hands and one of the best skaters in the ECAC. He should be watched
closely as the likely candidate to pick up and fill the void left by Higgins.
Recruits
Brad Mills is a highly skilled forward with speed and excellent puck
handling ability. He is a natural playmaker and is expected to challenge for
ice time. He distributes the puck very well and is effective on the power play.
He should adjust quickly to the college game.
Shawn Mole is highly skilled and has great poise and confidence with
the puck. He is extremely effective on the power play, and projects to be an
outstanding offensive defenseman at the Division I level. He distributes the
puck very well and makes an excellent first pass coming out of the zone. As
he matures physically, he should have a smooth transition to the speed and quickness
of the college game.
Bill LeClerc was converted from forward to defense two years ago and
projects to be an excellent offensive defenseman in the years ahead. He is quick,
an excellent passer, and has a great shot from the blue line. He is a highly
competitive player who is quickly learning how to take care of his defensive
end. He has a tremendous upside.
Enrollment: 2,900
Nickname: Tigers
Location: Potsdam, New York
Arena: Cheel Arena
Capacity: 3,000
Coach: George Roll
Review
Change, they say, is good. Clarkson is hoping that after a tumultuous 2002-03
campaign that the many changes will restore the program back to its competitive
ways. Clarkson comes off its first losing season in nearly 20 seasons along
with controversy as head coach Mark Morris was fired for allegedly scuffling
with a player during a shinny game after practice.
When Morris was fired, Fred Parker took over on an interim basis but by then
the morale was low and the team seemed defeated by the events leading up to
Morris' departure. The rest of the way, Clarkson stumbled through the regular
season and ending with a 12-20-3 record. They went out meekly in the conference
playoff series with two losses to Vermont.
Enter George Roll who led the Oswego program into elite status in Division
III hockey. It will take time but Roll has the credentials to be a fine Division
I head coach.
The loss of Randy Jones, who was one of the best defensemen in the country,
will hurt their puck rushing abilities and special teams play. With 14 new faces
in the lineup there will be a period of adjustment for Clarkson in their quest
to rebuild and once again become an ECAC factor.
Who To Watch
Genovy is a potential star for Clarkson. After a freshman season where
he scored five goals, Genovy will see more ice. Genovy is good on faceoffs,
has a hard, accurate shot and can skate well for a big man. On a team lacking
depth at forward, Genovy should provide two-way performances that will keep
Clarkson competitive.
Jay Latulippe showed great improvement in his offensive game. He scored
only one goal but chipped in 17 assists.
Dustin Traylen has the chance to become the starting goaltender with
the graduation of Mike Walsh. Traylen, a sophomore, played in 13 games and posted
half (6) of Clarkson's victories. His 3.09 goals against was equally respectable.
Recruits
Nickerson is a hulking defenseman who starred for the Texas Tornado
in the NAHL. His size (6-4, 230) makes him NHL caliber and will get every opportunity
to succeed on the next level. Nickerson has a wingspan that allows him to break
up plays and cut off passing lanes. He is a physical presence but skating is
not the best and can be turned around by slick forwards. Originally slated for
Michigan, Nickerson's signing with Clarkson is a coup for the program.
Grenzy has limited offensive potential. He's a classic stay at home
defenseman who needs to improve his skating. Grenzy also has to better develop
a mean streak, which has not been evident much this season. He has an above
average shot.
Sullivan has good size and possesses excellent vision on the ice. Another
big forward who might develop into a reliable skater who plays in all situations
for the Golden Knights.
Enrollment: 4,600
Nickname: Tigers
Location: Princeton, New Jersey
Arena: Hobey Baker Rink
Capacity: 2,100
Coach: Les Quesnelle
Review
First the bad news: Princeton won a mere three of 31 games in 2002-03. And
now the decent info (didn't think it was entirely good, did you?): Princeton
went into the third period tied 14 times although they did not win any of those
games. Princeton lost nine one-goal games. The tide of those games could have
been changed had Princeton gotten timely scoring from key forwards. Senior George
Parros, who should have ended his college career with a bang, went out meekly
with no goals after coming back from an early season injury.
There is not much you can say about the school hockey team that has a rich,
historical tradition and was the University that produced Hobey Baker, the legendary
student-athlete the collegiate most valuable player trophy is named after.
Recruiting will eventually yield Princeton a talented player who helps increase
the victory total and attract other players to come to the school and build
a strong, contending hockey team. In the meantime, Princeton will struggle but
maybe there are some goals to be scored that improve the win total from three.
Who To Watch
Chris Owens enjoyed a fine season as the lone sniper on the team. Owen
scored 17 goals that was seven more than the next closest scorer on the team.
Owen was a top line player who knew his role was to score and not to be cute
with the biscuit.
Matt Maglione, an upstate New York native, was Princeton's top rookie
as a freshman, netting four goals. Last season as a junior, Maglione enjoyed
his finest statistical season with five goals and 14 points. Maglione has got
a good hard shot and is a good skating defenseman. He's really working on becoming
a complete player.
Steve Slaton performed admirably contributing 10 points and providing
a physical presence in his own end. An unsung hero on a team that had little
to cheer about last year.
Recruits
B.J Sklapsky played for the Humboldt Broncos. He played 2,215 minutes and posted
a goals against average of 2.95. He had a save percentage of 90% and 23 wins,
9 losses and 5 ties
Grant Goeckner-Zoeller has tremendous hockey skills and hockey sense.
The Los Angeles, California native is capable of a point per game scoring and
has shown his ability in American junior hockey. Zoeller combines size, speed
and grit and able to create opportunities as a result of his working hard. An
offensive threat.
Colin Koch spent the year as a redshirt rehabbing an injury. The Vermont
native is a physical defenseman who will earn time right away. .
Enrollment: 4,500
Nickname: Engineers
Location: Troy, New York
Arena: Houston Fieldhouse
Capacity: 5,217
Coach: Dan Fridgen
Review
RPI, in what was a rebuilding year, finished 12-25-3, their worst season since
1995-96. RPI struggled greatly against ECAC rivals, and gave up 134 goals. Amazingly,
RPI allowed four or more opposition goals 18 times over the 2002-03 season.
At one point in the season, RPI was 7-8-1 before going into a freefall that
saw them win only five of their remaining games.
RPI is a team that is competitive and wins games by working hard for sixty
minutes. Of course that is the great cliché in hockey but part of a very
simple formula for this team to follow. With players like Kevin Croxton who
played well in his first season with the Engineers and more talent on the way,
RPI is a long way from contending for a regular season and/or tournament title,
but nonetheless a team that no one should take lightly.
Who To Watch
Kevin Croxton stepped into the RPI lineup and led the team in scoring.
His 15 goals and 15 assists were a revelation but so, too, were his eight power
play goals. Croxton, a 6-3 forward from Calgary, Alberta, came in and performed
well within the Fridgen system. He spent the summer working on strength (he
added some weight) and skating, which makes him a potential for increased production.
Ben Barr was switched to center and played most of the season on the
top line. He scored 11 goals and 13 assists, second on the team in scoring with
his 23-point total. He had three goals in the playoffs, including a pair of
shorthanded tallies that won Game two of the tournament playoff at Union.
Brad Farynuk endured significant slumps at both ends of the ice but
can play in both ends. He figures large defensively as well as the quarterback
on the power play.
Recruits
Kevin Broad is a 6-foot, 190-pound right wing who scored 44 goals and
32 assists for the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League.
Oren Eizenman was third on his team in scoring with 25 goals and 32
assists, and was tied for seventh in scoring in the South Division of the Ontario
Provincial Junior Hockey League. The 6-0, 175-pound Eizenman, the 2002 OPJHL
South Division Rookie of the Year, was the team's second-leading scorer in the
playoffs with six goals and 18 assists.
Tommy Green was the fifth-leading scorer for the Melfort Mustangs of
the SJHL with 27 goals and 27 assists. He had five game-winning goals, third
best on the team.
Enrollment: 2,800
Nickname: Raiders
Location: Hamilton, New York
Arena: Starr Rink
Capacity: 2,246
Coach: Stan Moore
Review
Colgate turned their season around and was capable of big things near the end.
After a down season in 2001-02, Colgate came marching back into contender status
with a 17-win season and good ECAC tournament run.
Scooter Smith had a fine senior season for the Raiders. Smith's exploits were
important over the course of the season and the supporting forwards were impressive,
too. Adam Mitchell was a revelation, and key goaltending from Scott Silverthorn
proved vital down the stretch.
Impressive victories over Yale and Dartmouth in the last two months of the
season set up an exciting ECAC opening round series against the Dartmouth squad.
A four overtime win was the biggest moment of the season, but Colgate lost their
last two games and eliminated from the tournament altogether; still, kudos all
around for the effort.
Longtime head coach Don Vaughan stepped down to take over as athletic director
and was replaced by Stan Moore. Moore will have his work cut out for him but
the squad is still strong.
Who To Watch
Dmitri Yashin had expectation for a good season, and not because he
is Alexei Yashin's little brother. The younger Yashin struggled through injuries
and played in only 31 games with six goals and nine points. He has the ability
to put up better numbers and now, as a junior, the opportunity will be there
for Yashin to have a breakout season.
Adam Mitchell came through in a big way with 14 goals and 27 points
in his sophomore season. Mitchell, a Port Elgin, Ontario native, proved clutch
for the Raiders and will be asked to play as important a role in 2003-04.
Joey Mormina was the anchor on the Raiders defense. Literally. At 6-6,
230, Mormina has size only the Philadelphia Flyers could love, and they must
have, drafting the Montreal native in the sixth round of the 2002 NHL draft.
Mormina will not develop into a two-way defenseman but can provide stability
in his own zone. Chris Therien anyone?
Recruits
Dustin Gillanders is a tough customer who played for the Battleford
North Stars. The 6-3 Saskatchewan forward does not back down from physical hockey
and not afraid to throw his weight around.
Liam Huculak is another big boy who will increase the size of the Colgate
forward corps. Huculak played for the Penticton Panthers.
Alex Greig played for the Georgetown Raiders but now brings his 6-4,
220 frame to the Colgate Raiders defense alongside Mormina.
Enrollment: 14,500
Nickname: Big Red
Location: Ithaca, New York
Arena: Lynah Rink
Capacity: 3,836
Coach: Mike Shafer
Review
You would be hard pressed to find another team as disciplined, where defense comes first in all of college hockey. The fact is there was none. Cornell rode strong defense and goaltending to an ECAC regular season and tournament title, and a trip to the Frozen Four in Buffalo, New York.
It wasn't Cornell's 30-5-1 record, which was so impressive (it was), nor the
133 goals scored (not bad for a team whose success was built on defense) but
the 49 goals against. Let's repeat: 49 goals against. That averaged out to well
under two scores for the opposition per game.
Making like Ken Dryden was David LeNeveu. LeNeveu turned in a season that was
one of the best ever for a goaltender in NCAA history. He posted 28 wins, nine
shutouts and a tidy 1.20 goals against average. LeNeveu followed up his marvelous
season (and silver medal as a member of Team Canada's U20 team) by signing with
the Phoenix Coyotes, leaving goaltending as a major question mark on the team.
You could describe Cornell's season this way: four-game winning streak to start
things off; two six-game winning streaks; a three-game winning streak, and an
11-game winning streak. All these streaks bunched around five losses.
The season ended, though, with a 3-2 loss to New Hampshire in the Frozen Four
semi-final game. Mike Schafer was successful in building a team that was big,
able to cycle the puck and wear the opposition down. And they were well conditioned.
Usually in the third period of games, Cornell had physically beaten down their
opponents and cut off the passing lanes so well that no offense of substance
was generated.
Cornell has recruited and signed some big (and we mean physically) prospects
to take over for long-time leaders like Stephen Baby who signed the Atlanta
Thrashers. This season should be more of the same but the Big Red will be out
to avenge their ouster from the Frozen Four by beating up on conference rivals
en route to another drive to the NCAA tournament.
Who To Watch
Moulson fit nicely into the Cornell system and still managed to contribute
modest but welcome numbers. Moulson scored 10 goals and 23 points; he was drafted
by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the June draft.
Hynes has the size to be a dominating power forward in college. He showed
that he could play within a defensive system, contribute timely offense and
has the makings of a Jay Pandolfo-type with an NHL team that plays a disciplined
defensive system. Hynes fits the Cornell mold as a big, physical forward that
works the puck along the boards and uses his size to shield it.
Ryan Vesce was Cornell's tenacious little scatback. Vesce led the team
in scoring and despite the smallest member of the team; he showed the greatest
heart and promise in putting up points. The former Apple Core product enters
his senior season with a chance to equal his 40+ point season.
Recruits
McCutcheon impressed as an EJHL elite forward. McCutcheon is not big
but has good hands and a presence on ice. A smart player who can seamlessly
fit into a game and play well in both ends of the ice.
David McKee comes in from the NAHL Texas Tornado. As the third goaltender,
McKee becomes important in that he could project out to be the future starting
goaltender for the Big Red.
Bitz is another player with size. Is seen as a player who can fit into
the Cornell system and develop into a top two-line player. A good skater who
impressed several NHL clubs before the draft but it was the Boston Bruins who
ended up selecting his rights. A player to watch.
Enrollment: 2,000
Nickname: Saints
Location: Canton, New York
Arena: Appleton Arena
Capacity: 3,000
Coach: Joe Marsh
Review
It has been a difficult two seasons for St. Lawrence as they've turned in back-to-back
11 win seasons. The Saints are two years removed from their consecutive ECAC
tournament titles with little substantial hope for a rebound to put them in
the middle of a contending season.
St. Lawrence began 2002-03 with two wins in their first 14 games before turning
it around and playing .500 hockey the rest of the way. The Saints gave Colgate
all they could handle in the opening round ECAC playoff series before losing
in three games.
St. Lawrence struggled in almost every facet of their overall game, including
the powerplay. Defensively they struggled to keep the puck out of their zone
and, as a result, out of the net.
Who To Watch
John Zeiler showed promise in his first season, scoring 10 goals and
27 points. He was named to the all rookie team. The Pennsylvania native the
teams second leading scorer and tops in power play goals.
Ryan Glenn was the Saints top defenseman. He was the leading scorer
among defensemen with five goals and nine assists for 14 points. For his size
Glenn is a good skating defenseman who plays the game safe and simple. Glenn
has a good shot and would score more if he got quality chances.
Rich Peverley once again led the Saints in scoring with 15 goals and
23 assists for 38 points. Emerged as one of the top scoring forwards over the
second half of the season in the ECAC and a key figure responsible for St. Lawrence's
turnaround.
Recruits
Andrejz Sandrzyk was an offensive machine for Nepean. He scored 42 goals,
73 assists and 115 points in 70 games while leading league playoff scorers with
14 assists and 23 points in 17 games. A keen playmaker that should step right
in and contribute.
Max Taylor starred for the Cumberland Grads. A smart offensive minded
player who comes into a program that allows him the chance to compete right
away.
Bagnall is a big positional defenseman who should help add to the size
on the St. Lawrence roster. Bagnall was a sixth round draft choice of the Dallas
Stars this past June.
Enrollment: 4,200
Nickname: Big Green
Location: Hanover, New Hampshire
Arena: Thompson Arena
Capacity: 4,500
Coach: Bob Gaudet
Review
Much to everyone's surprise, Dartmouth was a strong ECAC contender last season.
Dartmouth finished third in the conference at a 20-13-1 overall record- the
first time in over 50 years Dartmouth hockey finished with at least 20 wins.
Dartmouth really opened eyes with an impressive November where they won five
consecutive games. Their opponents? Colgate, Cornell, Yale, Princeton and Boston
College.
Dartmouth was strong in the conference (13-9-0) and extremely difficult to
beat on home ice where they won 14 or 18 games. Losing to Harvard in the ECAC
semi-final was a tough blow but no one expected them to be there so they were
ahead of the curve at that point last spring. However things will change this
season now that Dartmouth has arrived. The returning players who were responsible
for the team's success are all coming back and expected to carry the team to
the same heights of 2002-03.
With 20 returning starters and seven freshmen, Dartmouth will feel pressure
for the first time to replicate their efforts from the previous season. Dartmouth
scored 127 goals on the strength of a core of talented forwards led by Hugh
Jessiman and Lee Stempniak. Although they will lose three forwards, Dartmouth
returns 13 of their core group.
Who To Watch
Jessiman came out of nowhere to be the ECAC Rookie of the Year and a
first round draft choice of the New York Rangers. Jessiman led Dartmouth with
23 goals and was second on the team with 47 points in 34 games. A very good
skater with a long, smooth stride, Jessiman is a power forward who can score,
but also possesses keen playmaking abilities. Jessiman is not afraid to hit
and uses his 6-5, 215 pound frame.
Stempniak was one of the premier forwards in the ECAC. He shows a great
deal of maturity in defensive play and created scoring opportunities. One of
coach Gadget's favorites. Stempniak led Dartmouth in scoring with 21 goals and
49 points. As proof of his bust-out season and tremendous talents the St. Louis
Blues drafted Stempniak in the 2003 draft.
Ouellet averaged 1.03 points per game, finishing with 14 goals and 21
assists in 34 contests. He also had 22 points in 22 conference games to finish
second overall in ECAC rookie scoring.
Recruits
Grant Lewis did not put up many points in his final year of American
junior hockey. Lewis played for the Pittsburgh Forge of the NAHL where he put
up nine points in 50 games. Lewis will provide Dartmouth with upfront depth.
Glass was captain of the Nanaimo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey
League. Glass, a playmaker, scored 27 goals and 71points and among the top five
scorers in the league. For his efforts, Glass was drafted by the Florida Panthers
over in the 2003 entry draft.
Matt Kunsman spent two seasons with the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL.
Kunsman scored 25 goals and 67 points for the Chiefs. Expected to compete for
a spot with the team but not likely to contribute in a significant way given
the talented forwards ahead of him on the roster.
Enrollment: 2,000
Nickname: Dutchmen
Location: Schenectady, New York
Arena: Achilles Rink
Capacity: 2,504
Coach: Nate Leaman
Review
Even after a promising season, Union lost its up and coming coach Kevin Sneddon
to Vermont. Union went 14-18-4 and 10-10-2 in conference action. As competitive
as they were, Union's best stretch was a five-game winning streak in mid-January
where they beat Colgate, Dartmouth, Vermont, Clarkson and St. Lawrence.
Two areas for improvement for Union are in their overall discipline and special
teams play. Union had a penchant for taking penalties and must do a better job
of staying out of trouble.
Players like Joel Beal must step up their scoring. As Union found their stride
at the end of the season, they lost four one-goal games down the stretch. Had
there been more chances generated from their core of forwards, Union would have
gotten a couple of points out of it.
There are good pieces that comprise the whole, and Union should still remain
a difficult opponent but still are not ready to make the leap into the upper
echelon of the ECAC.
Who To Watch
Joel Beal played on a line with Nathan Gillies and Jordan Webb. Beal
fits whatever role on whatever night to help his team win games. One of the
most unrecognized players in the ECAC and has not won any awards or accolades.
A pure skill player and passer, scorer and skate who can still become an elite
player. Great speed, skill and possessing a competitive nature that drives him
and his teammates to succeed. Needs to score more goals.
Jordan Webb led the team in scoring with 17 goals and 37 points as a
sophomore. Webb is the premier forward on the team and should provide a shot
in the arm again this season. His 24 points in ECAC play makes him a formidable
player among the teams in the conference.
Kris Mayotte won the starting job and posted good numbers. Mayotte's
11 wins (eight in the conference) as a freshman led the way and his goals against,
which was under three, tells how he was able to keep them in games.
Recruits
John Thiel played for the Waterloo Siskins where he scored 24 goals
and 60 points in 47 games. Thiel, a right wing, also racked up 94 penalty minutes
while with Waterloo
Ian Ross spent last season with the Capital District Selects. The Hibbing,
Minnesota native played in 37 games in 2002-03 and registered 17 goals and 18
assists with 38 penalty minutes.
Oliver Bouchard played for Upper Canada College and comes into Union
with big potential. Bouchard, 6-3, 210- is expected to play right away and play
among the top six or so forwards on the team. A scorer with power forward potential.