SB Nation College Hockey - Hockey East Season Preview and Preseason RankingsCollege Hockey's Home on the Blogospherehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49993/wchb-fav.png2015-10-08T14:22:56-07:00http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/rss/stream/92463222015-10-08T14:22:56-07:002015-10-08T14:22:56-07:002015-16 Notre Dame Hockey Season Preview
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<figcaption>Matt Dewkett</figcaption>
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<p>Upon first glance, it would appear that the Fighting Irish are set to take a few steps backward in their third foray against Hockey East competition.</p>
<p>All-American defenseman Robbie Russo — who finished second nationally in scoring among blue liners — was lost to graduation, while leading scorer Vince Hinostroza abdicated his last two seasons at South Bend to sign an NHL contract with his hometown Blackhawks.</p>
<p>Hinostroza's withdrawal might project as the most surprising early exit for Jeff Jackson's crew, but the Irish were also dealt a major blow when the crown jewel of their upcoming freshman class, USNTDP product Christian Fischer, signed an entry-level contract with the Coyotes in August.</p>
<p>Regardless of the voids left by Russo, Hinostroza and others, there is certainly is no dearth of talent on Notre Dame's roster this season.</p>
<p>Sophomore goaltender Cal Petersen turned heads last season, compiling four shutouts with a .919 save percentage. The fifth-round selection of the Sabres saved his best for the waning weeks of the 2014-15 season, as Petersen led the nation with a .962 save percentage in February before making a Div. 1 record 87 saves in a five-overtime contest against UMass Amherst on March 6.</p>
<p>Up front, the Irish will be led by seniors Mario Lucia and Thomas DiPauli, while Bruins prospect Anders Bjork will look to build upon a freshman season that saw the winger rack up 22 points.</p>
<p>Sophomore defenseman Jordan Gross ranked fourth amongst Hockey East blue liners in points (28) last season, and should be aided by the arrival of freshmen Bobby Nardella and Dennis Gilbert of the USHL.</p>
<p>The Irish may not field the most complete team, but no conference foe should take this skilled group lightly. Count on this club to serve as a thorn in the side of every Hockey East program.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480649/2015-16-notre-dame-fighting-irish-hockey-season-preview-jeff-jackson-mario-luciaConor RyanJeff Cox2015-10-08T14:17:09-07:002015-10-08T14:17:09-07:002015-16 UNH Hockey Season Preview
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<img alt="Tyler Kelleher is the returning leading scorer for the University of New Hampshire." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YOY3mveKrpM7vYVLvBq-a3u04uo=/0x174:2914x2117/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47365462/BostonUniversity_NewHampshire_Dewkett20.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tyler Kelleher is the returning leading scorer for the University of New Hampshire. | Matt Dewkett</figcaption>
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<p>For the second year in a row, the UNH roster has served as a revolving door of sorts.</p>
<p>While the Wildcats were forced to move on last season after the departure of players like Kevin Goumas, Nick Sorkin and Trevor van Riemsdyk, this year's team faces the same quandary — fielding a competitive group despite losing a multitude of key contributors to both graduation and early exits.</p>
<p>The conclusion of the 2014-15 campaign saw seniors Grayson Downing and Matt Willows — the Wildcats' second and third leading scorers — wrap up their collegiate careers, while skilled defenseman Brett Pesce relinquished his final season at UNH to sign an entry-level deal with the Hurricanes.</p>
<p>Despite the major exodus of talent, UNH still managed to retain a large amount of talent this winter, led by junior forward Tyler Kelleher. The dynamic 5-foot-6 skater out of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, lit up the scoreboard last year, finishing sixth in Hockey East with 42 points in 39 games.</p>
<p>Sophomore forwards Andrew Poturalski, Warren Foegele and Shane Eiserman will be relied should also combine for a hefty amount of points, while Matias Cleland should continue to make strides on defense.</p>
<p>Sophomore backstop Daniel Tirone helped orchestrate a second-half turnaround for the Wildcats last season, posting a record of 14-6-0 with a 2.14 GAA and .924 save percentage. The starting gig in net appears to be Tirone's to lose, but fellow sophomore Adam Clark could also play his way into a fair share of appearances.</p>
<p>Another slew of departures will once again force UNH to make up ground in an uber-competitive Hockey East environment, but don't be surprised if the ‘Cats are able to stage another surge in the closing months of the season.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480125/2015-16-university-of-new-hampshire-unh-wildcats-hockey-season-preview-dick-umileConor Ryan2015-10-08T14:08:56-07:002015-10-08T14:08:56-07:002015-16 Merrimack College Hockey Season Preview
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<figcaption>Merrimack sophomore defenseman Jared Kolquist | Matt Dewkett</figcaption>
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<p>On paper, Merrimack appears poised to ramp up its scoring output in 2015-16 with the return of nine of their top 10 scorers from last season, but uncertainties at key positions could certainly contribute to another slide down the standings for the Warriors.</p>
<p>A year removed from finishing second to last in the conference with just 2.13 goals per game, Merrimack will need sophomores Brett Seney and Jace Hennig to continue to make strides after recording 20-plus points in their freshmen campaigns.</p>
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<p>Junior Hampus Gustafsson (25 points) and senior Brian Christie (23 points) should also make their mark on the score sheet, while CCHL import Mathieu Foget should serve as a sparkplug despite his freshman standing.</p>
<p>While the Warriors return a large chunk of last year's roster, the departure of goaltender Rasmus Tirronen is hard to overlook. Sophomore Collin Delia impressed in limited action between the pipes, but it remains to be seen if the California native can match the production of Tirronen — who finished second in Hockey East last season with a .929 save percentage.</p>
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<p><i>By Jeff Cox</i></p>
<p>Merrimack will have even more depth up front, and the team continues to improve its skating ability across the board. Head coach Mark Dennehy made a strategic adjustment in his recruiting philosophy so that the Warriors will be a stronger skating team, which should help breaking pucks out of the zone and keeping possession.</p>
<p>That doesn't mean Merrimack won't still be a big, strong team that will look to utilize its physicality as an advantage, especially in the comfy confines of Lawler Arena.</p>
<p>Brett Seney, Jace Hennig and Mathieu Tibbet made up a terrific line as rookies a year ago and should be looked upon once again this season. Brian Christie, Hampus Gustafsson and Chris LeBlanc are three bigger power forwards who use their size and strength as leverage.</p>
<p>The defense loses Dan Kolomatis, but picks up mobile, puck-moving defender Ethan Spaxman, who will be a pro prospect down the line, once he bulks up. Marc Biega and Jared Kolquist are now sophomores with a year under their belts.</p>
<p>Collin Delia was terrific in net when called upon last season, and probably would have played more down the stretch if not for how good Rasmus Tirronen was. Drew Vogler was once a highly regarded prospect and should be a serviceable backup.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480213/2015-16-merrimack-college-warriors-hockey-season-preview-mark-dennehyConor RyanJeff Cox2015-10-08T13:35:08-07:002015-10-08T13:35:08-07:00Hockey East Season Preview and Preseason Rankings
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<figcaption>2015 Hockey East Tournament Champion Boston University | Matt Dewkett</figcaption>
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<p>It will be tough for Hockey East to top the season it had a year ago in 2015-16. Two member schools, Providence and Boston University, met in the national championship game. Two freshmen were selected in the top five of the 2015 NHL Draft.</p>
<p>The Friars, who won the national championship, didn't even make the Hockey East semifinals at the TD Garden. It was a year full of good publicity and fond memories for a league that enters its 32nd season this fall.</p>
<p>Jerry York's Boston College Eagles were selected first in the preseason coaches' and media polls. The Eagles have the consensus top freshman class in the country and the top goaltender in the conference in junior Thatcher Demko.</p>
<p>While there was mild disagreement between the coaches and media, both polls had Boston University, UMass Lowell and Providence rounding out the top four.</p>
<p><i>Editor's Note: Click on the team name to follow the link for the full preview of each school.</i></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9479677/2015-16-boston-college-eagles-hockey-season-preview-jerry-york-thatcher-demko"><b>Boston College</b></a><br>Head Coach: Jerry York<br>2014-15 Record: 21-14-3 Overall, 12-7-3 Hockey East<br>2015-16 Coaches' Poll: 1st<br>2015-16 Media Poll: 1st<br>Jeff Cox: 1st<br>Joshua Kummins: 1st<br>Conor Ryan: 1st<br>Top Returnees: Forwards Alex Tuch, Ryan Fitzgerald, Adam Gilmour, Zach Sanford, Austin Cangelosi, Chris Calnan; Defensemen Steve Santini, Ian McCoshen, Teddy Doherty, Scott Savage; Goaltender Thatcher Demko<br>Key Losses: Forwards Destry Straight, Quinn Smith; Defensemen Michael Matheson, Noah Hanifin<br>Best Newcomers: Forwards Jeremy Bracco, Colin White, Miles Wood, Chris Brown, JD Dudek; Defenseman Casey Fitzgerald; Goaltender Chris Birdsall</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9479981/2015-16-boston-university-terriers-hockey-season-preview-david-quinn-matt-grzelcyk" target="_blank"><b>Boston University</b></a><br>Head Coach: David Quinn<br>2014-15 Record: 28-8-5 Overall, 14-5-3 Hockey East<br>2015-16 Coaches' Poll: 2nd<br>2015-16 Media Poll: 2nd<br>Jeff Cox: 2nd<br>Joshua Kummins: 2nd<br>Conor Ryan: 2nd<br>Top Returnees: Forwards Danny O'Regan, Matt Lane, Robbie Baillargeon, Ahti Oksanen; Defensemen Matt Grzelcyk, Brandon Hickey, John MacLeod, Doyle Somerby, Brandon Fortunato, Brien Diffley; Goaltenders Connor LaCouvee, Sean Maguire <br>Key Losses: Forwards Jack Eichel, Evan Rodrigues, Cason Hohmann; Goaltender Matt O'Connor<br>Best Newcomers: Forwards Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Jordan Greenway, Bobo Carpenter, Ryan Cloonan; Defensemen Charlie McAvoy, Shane Switzer</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480065/2015-16-connecticut-hockey-season-preview-uconn-huskies-mike-cavanaugh"><b>Connecticut</b></a><br>Head Coach: Mike Cavanaugh<br>2014-15 Record: 10-19-7 Overall, 7-11-4 Hockey East<br>2015-16 Coaches' Poll: 9th<br>2015-16 Media Poll: 9th<br>Jeff Cox: 8th<br>Joshua Kummins: 5th<br>Conor Ryan: 10th<br>Top Returnees: Forwards Shawn Pauly, Spencer Naas, Kasperi Ojantakanen, Patrick Kirtland; Defensemen Derek Pratt, Johnny Austin, Ryan Segalla, David Drake, Joona Kunnas, Kyle Huson; Goaltender Rob Nichols<br>Key Losses: Forwards Trevor Gerling, Ryan Tyson; Defenseman Jacob Poe<br>Best Newcomers: Forwards Tage Thompson, Maxim Letunov; Defensemen Miles Gendron, Joseph Masonius</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480097/2015-16-university-of-maine-black-bears-hockey-season-preview-red-gendron"><b>Maine</b></a><br>Head Coach: Red Gendron<br>2014-15 Record: 14-22-3 Overall, 8-12-2 Hockey East<br>2015-16 Coaches' Poll: 10th<br>2015-16 Media Poll: 11th<br>Jeff Cox: 11th<br>Joshua Kummins: 12th<br>Conor Ryan: 12th<br>Top Returnees: Forwards Blaine Byron, Cam Brown, Steven Swavely, Nolan Vesey, Will Merchant; Defensemen Dan Renouf, Eric Schurhamer; Goaltender Sean Romeo, Matt Morris<br>Key Losses: Forwards Devin Shore, Connor Leen, Liam Pecararo; Defensemen Ben Hutton, Jake Rutt<br>Best Newcomers: Forwards Justin Rai, Dane Gibson, Brendan Robbins; Defensemen Robert Michel, Keith Muehlbauer, Stephen Cochrane, Sam Becker; Goaltender Robert McGovern</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480213/2015-16-merrimack-college-warriors-hockey-season-preview-mark-dennehy" target="_blank"><b>Merrimack</b></a><br>Head Coach: Mark Dennehy<br>2014-15 Record: 16-18-4 Overall, 5-14-3 Hockey East<br>2015-16 Coaches' Poll: 11th<br>2015-16 Media Poll:10th<br>Jeff Cox: 9th<br>Joshua Kummins: 10th<br>Conor Ryan: 8th<br>Top Returnees: Forwards Brett Seney, Hampus Gustafsson, Brian Christie, Jace Hennig, Chris LeBlanc; Defensemen Marc Biega, Jonathan Lashyn, Jared Kolquist; Goaltender Collin Delia<br>Key Losses: Forwards Clayton Jardine, Quinn Gould, Kyle Singleton, Vinny Scotti; Defensemen Dan Kolomatis, Justin Mansfield; Goaltender Rasmus Tirronen<br>Best Newcomers: Forwards Mathieu Foget, Ludvig Larsson; Defensemen Ethan Spaxman, Alex Carle; Goaltender Drew Vogler</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480125/2015-16-university-of-new-hampshire-unh-wildcats-hockey-season-preview-dick-umile"><b>New Hampshire</b></a><br>Head Coach: Dick Umile<br>2014-15 Record: 19-19-2 Overall, 10-11-1 Hockey East<br>2015-16 Coaches' Poll: 6th<br>2015-16 Media Poll: 8th<br>Jeff Cox: 10th<br>Joshua Kummins: 8th<br>Conor Ryan: 9th<br>Top Returnees: Forwards Tyler Kelleher, Andrew Poturalski, Shane Eiserman, Warren Fogele; Defensemen Matias Cleland, Cameron Marks, John Furgele; Goaltenders Danny Tirone, Adam Clark<br>Key Losses: Forwards Grayson Downing, Matt Willows, Casey Thrush; Defenseman Brett Pesce<br>Best Newcomers: Forwards Marcus Vela, Ara Nazarian, Jason Kalinowski, Frankie Cefalu; Defenseman Matt Dawson</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480757/2015-16-northeastern-university-huskies-hockey-season-preview-kevin-roy"><b>Northeastern</b></a><br>Head Coach: Jim Madigan<br>2014-15 Record: 16-16-4 Overall, 11-9-2 Hockey East<br>2015-16 Coaches' Poll: 5th<br>2015-16 Media Poll: 7th<br>Jeff Cox: 6th<br>Joshua Kummins: 7th<br>Conor Ryan: 7th<br>Top Returnees: Forwards Kevin Roy, Mike McMurtry, Dalen Hedges, Zach Aston-Reese, John Stevens; Defensemen Matt Benning, Colton Saucerman, Garrett Cockerill; Goaltender Kevin Roy<br>Key Losses: Forwards Mike Szmatula, Adam Reid, Torin Snydeman; Defenseman Dax Lauwers; Goaltender Clay Witt<br>Best Newcomers: Forwards Adam Gaudette, Lincoln Griffin, Jason Cotton; Defensemen Eric Williams, Jon Barry</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480649/2015-16-notre-dame-fighting-irish-hockey-season-preview-jeff-jackson-mario-lucia" target="_blank"><b>Notre Dame</b></a><br>Head Coach: Jeff Jackson<br>2014-15 Record: 18-19-5 Overall, 10-7-5 Hockey East<br>2015-16 Coaches' Poll: 7th<br>2015-16 Media Poll: 5th<br>Jeff Cox: 5th<br>Joshua Kummins: 9th<br>Conor Ryan: 6th<br>Top Returnees: Forwards Mario Lucia, Sam Herr, Thomas DiPauli, Steven Fogarty, Anders Bjork, Jake Evans; Defensemen Jordan Gross, Andy Ryan, Luke Ripley; Goaltenders Cal Petersen, Chad Katunar<br>Key Losses: Forwards Vince Hinostroza, Peter Schneider, Austin Wuthrich; Defenseman Robbie Russo<br>Best Newcomers: Forwards Joe Wegwerth, Andrew Oglevie, Dylan Malmquist, Jack Jenkins; Defenseman Bobby Nardella, Dennis Gilbert</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480689/2015-16-providence-college-hockey-season-preview-nate-leaman-defending-ncaa-champion"><b>Providence</b></a><br>Head Coach: Nate Leaman<br>2014-15 Record: 26-13-2 Overall, 13-8-1 Hockey East<br>2015-16 Coaches' Poll: 3rd<br>2015-16 Media Poll: 4th<br>Jeff Cox: 3rd<br>Joshua Kummins: 3rd<br>Conor Ryan: 4th<br>Top Returnees: Forwards Nick Saracino, Mark Jankowski, Trevor Mingoia, Brandon Tanev, Brian Pinho; Defensemen Tom Parisi, Jon Gilmour, Jake Walman, Anthony Florentino, Kyle Mckenzie; Goaltender Nick Ellis<br>Key Losses: Forwards Noel Acciari, Ross Mauermann, Shane Luke; Defenseman Mark Adams; Goaltender Jon Gillies<br>Best Newcomers: Forwards Erik Foley, Garrett Gamez, Bryan Lemos; Defensemen Vincent Desharnais, Steven Ruggiero; Goaltender Hayden Hawkey</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480253/2015-16-massachusetts-minutemen-hockey-season-preview-umass-john-micheletto"><b>UMass Amherst</b></a><br>Head Coach: John Micheletto<br>2014-15 Record: 11-23-2 Overall, 5-16-1 Hockey East<br>2015-16 Coaches' Poll: 12th<br>2015-16 Media Poll: 12th<br>Jeff Cox: 12th<br>Joshua Kummins: 11th<br>Joshua Kummins: 11th<br>Top Returnees: Forwards Dennis Kravchenko, Steven Iacobellis, Shane Walsh, Patrick Lee; Defensemen Ben Gallacher, Marc Hetnik; Goaltender Henry Dill<br>Key Losses: Forwards Frank Vatrano, Troy Power; Defensemen Brandon Montour, Oleg Yevenko<br>Best Newcomers: Forwards Austin Plevy, Joe Widmar, Kurt Keats; Defensemen Ivan Chukarov, Callum Fryer, Carmine Buono; Goaltender Nic Renyard</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480353/2015-16-umass-lowell-riverhawks-hockey-season-preview-norm-bazin"><b>UMass Lowell</b></a><br>Head Coach: Norm Bazin<br>2014-15 Record: 21-12-6 Overall, 11-7-4 Hockey East<br>2015-16 Coaches' Poll: 4th<br>2015-16 Media Poll: 3rd<br>Jeff Cox: 4th<br>Joshua Kummins: 4th<br>Conor Ryan: 3rd<br>Top Returnees: Forwards C.J. Smith, Adam Chapie, Joe Gambardella, Evan Campbell; Defensemen Dylan Zinc, Michael Kapla, Tyler Mueller; Goaltender Kevin Boyle<br>Key Losses: Forwards Terrence Wallin, Chris Maniccia; Defensemen Jake Suter, Zack Kamrass<br>Best Newcomers: Forwards Ryan Dmowski, Nick Master, Connor Wilson; Defensemen Niklas Folin, Avni Berisha; Goaltenders Sean Cleary, Christoffer Hernberg</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480857/2015-16-vermont-hockey-season-preview-uvm-catamounts-kevin-sneddon"><b>Vermont</b></a><br>Head Coach: Kevin Sneddon<br>2014-15 Record: 22-15-4 Overall, 10-9-3 Hockey East<br>2015-16 Coaches' Poll: 8th<br>2015-16 Media Poll: 6th<br>Jeff Cox: 7th<br>Joshua Kummins: 6th<br>Conor Ryan: 5th<br>Top Returnees: Forwards Brady Shaw, Mario Puskarich, Brendan Bradley, Jonathan Turk; Defensemen Alexx Privitera, Yvan Pattyn,,Dan Senkbeil; Goaltender Mike Santaguida<br>Key Losses: Forwards Jake Fallon, Colin Markison, Kyle Reynolds; Defensemen Michael Paliotta, Nick Luukko; Goaltender Brody Hoffman<br>Best Newcomers: Forwards Brian Bowen, Liam Coughlin, Craig Puffer, Conor O'Neil, Drew Best; Defensemen Mike Lee, Jake Kearly; Goaltender Packy Munson</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9465869/season-preview-preseason-rankings-boston-college-boston-university-providence-umass-lowellJeff CoxConor RyanJoshua Kummins2015-10-08T13:32:47-07:002015-10-08T13:32:47-07:002015-16 Maine Season Preview
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<figcaption>University of Maine junior forward Cam Brown | Matt Dewkett</figcaption>
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<p>It's shaping up to be a long winter up in Orono.</p>
<p>A year removed from the program's second sub-.500 record in three years, the Black Bears will attempt to right the ship this season without the assistance of 2013-14 Second Team All-Americans in forward Devin Shore and defenseman Ben Hutton, as both skaters signed NHL deals with the Stars and Canucks, respectively.</p>
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<p>Maine still has a solid group of forwards in Steven Swavely, Cam Brown, Nolan Vesey and Blaine Byron, but the biggest question for Maine lies in their defense — both on the blue line and in net.</p>
<p>Looking to add some physicality to a squad that ranked 51st out of 59 Division I programs in goals allowed per game (3.26), Maine's freshmen class features seven players measuring out at 6-foot-2 or higher — punctuated by 6-foot-6 defenseman Stephen Cochrane out of the USPHL.</p>
<p>Despite skating out both a larger defensive corps and a steady grouping of productive forwards, the Black Bears will struggle to claw their way out of the conference basement if they cannot establish some consistency in goal between junior Matt Morris (7-9-2, 2.99 GAA) and sophomore Sean Romeo (7-13-1, 3.04 GAA).</p>
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<p><i>By Jeff Cox</i></p>
<p>Red Gendron is hoping a bigger and heavier defense will protect one of three goaltenders he will run out each night in his third year at the helm in Orono. The verdict is still out on how successful the recruiting philosophy will be, but one thing is for certain. Maine will hope to play a physical, aggressive and challenging game each night out.</p>
<p>Despite losing Shore and Hutton to the pros a year early, Gendron is optimistic his team will be deeper and more prepared to not break down in the third period this season.</p>
<p>Blaine Byron, Cam Brown, Nolan Vesey and Steven Swavely will have to take steps in their offensive games to keep the Black Bears in games. Another player to watch is senior Will Merchant, a former top prospect out of Minnesota, who finally showed signs of fulfilling the hype in the second half of last season.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480097/2015-16-university-of-maine-black-bears-hockey-season-preview-red-gendronConor Ryan2015-10-08T13:21:30-07:002015-10-08T13:21:30-07:002015-16 UConn Hockey Season Preview
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<figcaption>Connecticut sophomore forward Spencer Naas | Matt Dewkett</figcaption>
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<p>Mike Cavanaugh's squad surpassed expectations in their first season in Hockey East, tying Maine for ninth place in the conference despite averaging 1.83 goals per game. UConn still doesn't possess the talent needed to vault itself into the upper echelon of Hockey East this year, but the program is certainly headed in the right direction.</p>
<p>Goaltender Rob Nichols should continue to impress in net after posting four shutouts and starting in all but one of the Huskies' games last season. However a young defensive corps consisting of five underclassmen often made life difficult for Nichols, who ranked fourth in the nation with 1,052 saves in 2014-15.</p>
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<p>A talented freshman class should alleviate some of the Huskies' woes both up front and on the blue line, with forwards Maxim Letunov and Tage Thompson, along with defensemen Miles Gendron and Joseph Masonius, expected to step into major roles from the outset.</p>
<p>Growing pains will certainly still be on display at the XL Center this season, but the gap between the Huskies and the conference's elite is closing faster than expected.</p>
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<p><i>By Jeff Cox</i></p>
<p>The Huskies coaching staff continues to elevate the talent level in Storrs, but a lot has to go right in year two of Hockey East in order for UConn to be successful. While there is more skill in place, there is still a lack of depth, especially up front.</p>
<p>Can Rob Nichols withstand another year's worth of workload without wearing down in February and March? Will the defense be better equipped to be more aggressive and take control of the time of possession? Can players like Spencer Naas and Shawn Pauly continue to get better and provide more of an offensive spark? There's no doubt four freshmen are very talented, but can they contribute right away?</p>
<p>All of those are intriguing questions, but one thing is for certain. Mike Cavauagh has UConn on the rise.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480065/2015-16-connecticut-hockey-season-preview-uconn-huskies-mike-cavanaughConor RyanJeff Cox2015-10-08T12:52:56-07:002015-10-08T12:52:56-07:002015-16 Northeastern Hockey Season Preview
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<figcaption>Kevin Roy | Matt Dewkett</figcaption>
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<p>It was a tale of two seasons for Northeastern in 2014-15 — as the Huskies trudged through a 0-8-1 start before concluding the year on a 16-6-3 run, finishing sixth in Hockey East and coming within one overtime period of its first Beanpot title since 1988.<br> <br>Northeastern will roll into the new season with a fair share of question marks — especially in net — but still possess enough firepower to make some noise in Hockey East this season.<br> <br>The return of senior captain Kevin Roy will once again give the Huskies offense a shot in the arm, as the All-American forward has averaged 41 points a season over his three campaigns at Matthews Arena.<br> <br>Junior forward Mike Szmatula's withdrawal to join the Minnesota Golden Gophers stands as a tough pill to swallow, but the Huskies still boast an impressive supporting cast behind Roy, led by juniors Dalen Hedges (34 points) and Zach Aston-Reese (23 points), as well as an intriguing pair of freshmen in Adam Gaudette and Lincoln Griffin.</p>
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<p><br>On defense, Northeastern's blue-line grouping should continue to gel over the course of the season. Bruins draft pick Matt Benning — who finished fourth amongst Hockey East defenseman with 24 assists last season — has made big leaps over each of his first two seasons, while senior Colton Saucerman and sophomore Garret Cockerill should also make sizable contributions.<br> <br>Without question, however, the biggest uncertainty for Northeastern lies in net, as the Huskies will have to make due after losing reliable backstop Clay Witt to graduation. Primary goaltending responsibilities are expected to fall on redshirt junior Derick Roy, whose performance in net could ultimately make or break the Huskies' hopes for a fruitful season.<br> <br>Avoiding an early-season slide will be crucial for Jim Madigan's group this season, but Northeastern's first-half slate of games certainly pulls no punches, as its first 14 games feature clashes with eight programs that posted a combined record of 311-190-58 last year.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480757/2015-16-northeastern-university-huskies-hockey-season-preview-kevin-royConor Ryan2015-10-08T12:33:16-07:002015-10-08T12:33:16-07:002015-16 Vermont Hockey Season Preview
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<img alt="Vermont captain Yvan Pattyn" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YUHGqInY6naAytYhMxKA72RMFhE=/0x105:3000x2105/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47366124/Vermont_Yale_Dewkett_337.0.0.JPG" />
<figcaption>Vermont captain Yvan Pattyn | Matt Dewkett</figcaption>
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<p>Looking to build off of a successful — if not erratic — campaign that saw Vermont punch a ticket to the Hockey East semifinals, the Catamounts will have to adjust this season without the presence of both Mike Paliotta and Nick Luukko on the blue line and Brody Hoffman in net.</p>
<p>That being said, few teams are better equipped to absorb the loss of key contributors than Kevin Sneddon's Catamounts.</p>
<p>While Hoffman, who finished second amongst Hockey East goalies with a 2.06 GAA, left UVM a year early in order to sign an entry-level deal with the Wild, the Catamounts still feature a plus netminder in junior Mike Santaguida.</p>
<p>The 5-foot-9 Santaguida might not convey much of an intimidating presence in net, but the Mississauga, Ontario, native has certainly proved that he can take the reins as the Catamounts primary goaltender after posting a 2.08 GAA with a .923 save percentage in 21 games last season.</p>
<p>In most cases, losing an All-American like Paliotta would serve as an irreplaceable hit for a Catamount defense that ranked ninth nationally last season at 2.22 goals allowed per game.</p>
<p>However, former Boston University defenseman Alexx Privitera is expected to step up as an integral member of UVM's blue line. Privitera made his mark across the stat sheet last season with UVM, ranking third on the team with 26 points while placing fourth among all Hockey East skaters with 78 blocks. Privitera and Co. will also welcome the arrival of freshman Mike Lee — a puck-moving defenseman that helped the Penticton Vees of the BCHL win the Fred Page Cup and the Western Canada Cup in 2014-15.</p>
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<p>After sitting out 12 games last season due to injury, former Hockey East Rookie of the Year Mario Puskarich will look to reassert himself as one of the top scorers in the conference, while fellow junior Brady Shaw will look to sustain momentum after a 19-goal season last year.</p>
<p>After previously announcing commitments to both BU and UMass Amherst, expect freshman power forward Liam Coughlin to produce in the dirty areas around the crease after a successful run with BCHL's Vernon Vipers.</p>
<p>Armed with a multitude of talent in just about every area on the ice, it should come as no surprise if Vermont is able to once again make some noise in the postseason.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2015/10/8/9480857/2015-16-vermont-hockey-season-preview-uvm-catamounts-kevin-sneddonConor Ryan