Canisius
Atlantic Hockey Regular Season Champions
21-11-7 Overall 18-4-6 Conference
Key Departures: Geoff Fortman (D), Charles Williams (G).
Top Returners: Dylan McLaughlin (F), Ryan Schmelzer (F), Nick Hutchinson (F), Matt Hoover (F), Cameron Heath (D), Jimmy Mazza (D).
Top Newcomers: Logan Gestro (D), Matt Long (F), Grant Meyer (F).
Canisius is coming off of arguably their best season in program history since joining Division 1 in 1998, winning their first ever conference regular season championship. They would make it to the Conference Semi-Final before falling to Robert Morris. They only lose 2 key players including Charles Williams who was a Mike Richter Finalist last season, the award given out to the best goalie in college hockey. Geoff Fortman will also be missed on the backend as he was one of their best defenders last season. All of their forwards from last season are set to return, Junior Dylan McLaughlin was the teams leading goal scorer last season, also leading in assists and points and will be a crucial part to their offense once again. Senior captain Ryan Schmelzer was second on the team in assists and points and will also be a big part to the Griffins offense this season. Junior Matt Hoover returns from a nice freshman campaign averaging over a point per game and Cameron Heath who should be the teams leader on the blue line this season. Freshman Grant Meyer comes in from the Fargo Force (USHL) where he was a top player the past 2 seasons, and was also an alternative captain for them the past season. Matt Long comes in from the NAHL where he captained the Springfield Jr. Blues last season also having a nice 83 points in 116 games the past 2 seasons.
21-11-7 Overall 18-4-6 Conference
Key Departures: Geoff Fortman (D), Charles Williams (G).
Top Returners: Dylan McLaughlin (F), Ryan Schmelzer (F), Nick Hutchinson (F), Matt Hoover (F), Cameron Heath (D), Jimmy Mazza (D).
Top Newcomers: Logan Gestro (D), Matt Long (F), Grant Meyer (F).
Canisius is coming off of arguably their best season in program history since joining Division 1 in 1998, winning their first ever conference regular season championship. They would make it to the Conference Semi-Final before falling to Robert Morris. They only lose 2 key players including Charles Williams who was a Mike Richter Finalist last season, the award given out to the best goalie in college hockey. Geoff Fortman will also be missed on the backend as he was one of their best defenders last season. All of their forwards from last season are set to return, Junior Dylan McLaughlin was the teams leading goal scorer last season, also leading in assists and points and will be a crucial part to their offense once again. Senior captain Ryan Schmelzer was second on the team in assists and points and will also be a big part to the Griffins offense this season. Junior Matt Hoover returns from a nice freshman campaign averaging over a point per game and Cameron Heath who should be the teams leader on the blue line this season. Freshman Grant Meyer comes in from the Fargo Force (USHL) where he was a top player the past 2 seasons, and was also an alternative captain for them the past season. Matt Long comes in from the NAHL where he captained the Springfield Jr. Blues last season also having a nice 83 points in 116 games the past 2 seasons.
Air Force
Air Force is coming of a tremendous season seeing themselves barely take second place in the regular season to Canisius, but they did end up winning the Atlantic Hockey Tournament helping them clinch a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Fortunately for Air Force, they bring back a huge group from last season which was one of the best defensively in the country having the top player and and the 7th lowest goals against. They also tied Penn State with the best face-off percentage in the country as well, hoping that experience will help them out with the season coming ahead and spark some more on the offensive side of the puck. A.J. Reid graduated and will be a loss for the Falcons depth this season, but they do bring in a decent crop of forwards in their recruiting class. Isaac Theisen tallied 46 points last season in 56 games with the Coulee Region Chill (NAHL), Walker Sommer averaged nearly a point a game with the New Jersey Hitmen (USPHL Premier), and Max Harper who led the Topeka Roadrunners last year in goals and points. Alex Mehnert comes in on the backend from the Omaha Lancers (USHL) and goalie Erik Anderson from the Pikes Peak Miners who was the top goalie in the RMJHL last season leading all goalies in wins, GAA, shutouts, and Sv%. Junior goalie Shane Starrett left in the offseason signing with the Edmonton Oilers so Anderson will be hoping to get a crack at the crease to start off the upcoming season.
NCAA Tournament Bid
Atlantic Hockey Tournament Champions
27-10-5 Overall 19-6-3 Conference
Key Departures: Shane Starrett (G), A.J. Reid (F).
Top Returners: Jordan Himley (F), Phil Boje (D), Matt Koch (D), Dan Bailey (D), Kyle Haak (F), Evan Giesler (F), Evan Feno (F).
Top Newcomers: Erik Anderson (G), Alex Mehnert (D), Max Harper (F), Shawn Knowlton (F), Walker Sommer (F), Isaac Theisen (F).
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| Air Force forward Kyle Haak is one of their top returning players, hoping to help his team this season get back to the NCAA Tournament. (Photo by: Mark Reis, The Gazette) |
Army
18-14-5 Overall 15-10-3 Conference
Key Departures: Parker Gahagen (G), Ryan Nick (D), Clint Carlisle (F).
Top Returners: Tyler Pham (F), Conor Andrie (F), Dalton MacAfee (D), Zach Evancho (F), Dominic Franko (F), Brendan Soucie (F), Alex Wilkinson (D), Cole Bruns (G).
Top Newcomers: Matthew Berkovitz (D), John Zimmerman (D), Tucker DeYoung (F), Mason Krueger (F), Kevin Dineen (F).
Army is coming off of their first season over .500 since the 2006-2007 campaign and return a good core group of players from last season in which they are hoping to clinch their first ever NCAA Tournament bid. They lose senior netminder Parker Gahagen who was one of the top goalies in the conference, Ryan Nick who was a key defenseman on the team, and senior forward Clint Carlisle. They return 4 freshman from last season (forwards Zach Evancho, Brendan Soucie, Dominic Frankoand defenseman Alex Wilkinson) who all could have big sophomore season, all 4 averaged over a point per game last season. Forward Kevin Dineen comes in from the Coulee Region Chill (NAHL) where he averaged over a point per game last season, Mason Krueger also comes in from the NAHL where he led the Corpus Christi Ice Rays with 56 points in 60 games last season, and Tucker DeYoung who played for the New Jersey Hitmen last season and finished 4 amongst all forwards in points last season in the USPHL Premier League. Defenseman John Zimmerman captained the Lone Star Brahmas last season who finished the season as the NAHL champions last season which he was key part of. 2014 5th round draft pick Matthew Berkovitz comes in from the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) having a nice 25 point season last year on the blue line.
Robert Morris
22-12-4 Overall 15-10-3 Conference
Key Departures: Daniel Leavens (F), Rob Mann (D).
Top Returners: Brady Ferguson (F), Alex Tonge (F), Eric Israel (D), Timmy Moore (F),
Luke Lynch (F), Francis Marotte (G), Alex Bontje (D).
Top Newcomers: Dylan Lubbesmeyer (G), Brett Beauvais (D), Michael Louria (F), Nick Prkusic (F).
Robert Morris returns a strong group this season in Atlantic Hockey including Brady Ferguson who has a good chance to be a Hobey Baker candidate come the end of the season. Alex Tonge also returns on the frontend who averaged over a point a game last season and top scoring defenseman Eric Israel returns as well. Freshman goaltender Francis Marotte also returns coming off of a wonderful season last year going 17-8-3 with a 2.07 GAA and a .931 Sv%. Daniel Leavens will surely be a big loss for their offense but the Colonials are hoping some of their recruitment class can help to replace him. They bring in Nick Prkusic from the Brooks Bandits (AJHL) who had 58 points in 42 games last season including 18 points in 13 post season games. Robert Morris also has two transfers incoming this season, Brett Beauvais who comes in from Bemidji State and Michael Louria who comes in from Umass-Lowell. Both will be hoping to add depth to a Robert Morris team that is hoping to get back to the NCAA Tournament.
Top Returners: Brady Ferguson (F), Alex Tonge (F), Eric Israel (D), Timmy Moore (F),
Luke Lynch (F), Francis Marotte (G), Alex Bontje (D).
Top Newcomers: Dylan Lubbesmeyer (G), Brett Beauvais (D), Michael Louria (F), Nick Prkusic (F).
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| Senior Brady Ferguson is one of the top returning players in the country this season and will most likely be a Hobey Baker candidate. (Photo by: Jenn Hoffman/@jenhoffman93) |
Robert Morris returns a strong group this season in Atlantic Hockey including Brady Ferguson who has a good chance to be a Hobey Baker candidate come the end of the season. Alex Tonge also returns on the frontend who averaged over a point a game last season and top scoring defenseman Eric Israel returns as well. Freshman goaltender Francis Marotte also returns coming off of a wonderful season last year going 17-8-3 with a 2.07 GAA and a .931 Sv%. Daniel Leavens will surely be a big loss for their offense but the Colonials are hoping some of their recruitment class can help to replace him. They bring in Nick Prkusic from the Brooks Bandits (AJHL) who had 58 points in 42 games last season including 18 points in 13 post season games. Robert Morris also has two transfers incoming this season, Brett Beauvais who comes in from Bemidji State and Michael Louria who comes in from Umass-Lowell. Both will be hoping to add depth to a Robert Morris team that is hoping to get back to the NCAA Tournament.
Holy Cross
14-15-7 Overall 11-10-7 Conference
Key Departures: Mike Barrett (F).
Top Returners: Danny Lopez (F), T.J. Moore (F), Scoot Pooley (F), Spencer Trapp (D), Charlie Barrow (D), Johnny Coughlin (D), Paul Berrafato (G).
Top Newcomers: Logan Milliken (D), Logan Ferguson (F), Peter Kessel (F).
Holy Cross only loses one starter from last season, forward Mike Barrett who finished 3rd on the team last season in points. Senior forwards Danny Lopez and T.J. Moore will be a key component to the Crusaders offense this season, both were the top two point producers on the team last year and senior forward Scott Pooley will also play a big role for the offense. Young defenseman Charlie Barrow, Spencer Trapp, and Johnny Coughlin will look to gain off of last seasons experience and will be anchors on the backend this season for Holy Cross. Logan Ferguson comes in from the Canmore Eagles (AJHL) who he captained last season and was one of the top forwards in the entire league last season amassing a total 94 points in 60 games. Peter Kessel could also help out on the offense coming in from the Robertson Cup Champion Lone Star Brahmas where he was a member of the NAHL All Tournament Team last year tallying a point per game in the post season.
RIT
14-22-1 Overall 13-15-0 Conference
Key Departures: Caleb Cameron (F), Mike Rotolo (G), Danny Smith (F).
Top Returners: Erik Brown (F), Myles Powell (F), Adam Brubacher (D), Gabe Valenzuela (F),
Ryan Kruper (F), Brady Norrish (D), Chase Norrish (D).
Ryan Kruper (F), Brady Norrish (D), Chase Norrish (D).
Top Newcomers: Logan Drackett (G), Regan Seiferling (D), Nick Bruce (F), Alden Dupuis (F), Jacob Hamacher (F), Bryson Traptow (F).
RIT is coming off of one of their toughest seasons in awhile, winning just under .400% of their games. On the plus side they return practically all of their key starters from last years team aside from senior netminder Mike Rotolo and senior forwards Danny Smith and Caleb Cameron. The Norrish twins will be a key piece to the Tigers defense this season alongside Adam Brubacher who is coming off of a 23 point freshman season. Sophomore forward Ryan Kruper is also hoping to improve off of his freshman season where he averaged over a point per game. Erik Brown and Gave Valenzuela also had respective seasons last year and will be crucial to the teams offense this season. Last years team captain Myles Powell also returns hoping to exceed his 24 point season from last year and hopefully bring the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament. Logan Drackett comes in from Calgary Canucks where he was honored with the award of AJHL Best Goaltender last season finishing with a 29-14-3 record, .918 Sv%, and a 2.35 GAA. The Yorktown Terriers (SJHL) Regan Seiferling comes in leading his teams defenseman in points last season with 34 in 42 games, Nick Bruce who played for the Johnstown Tomahawks (NAHL) last season where he finished 3rd in the league in points (67 points in 60 games), Alden Dupuis tallied a point per game last season with the Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL), and Bryson Traptow who split last season with the Camrose Kodiaks and Whitecourt Wolverines in the AJHL and averaged over a point per game the past 2 seasons.
RIT is coming off of one of their toughest seasons in awhile, winning just under .400% of their games. On the plus side they return practically all of their key starters from last years team aside from senior netminder Mike Rotolo and senior forwards Danny Smith and Caleb Cameron. The Norrish twins will be a key piece to the Tigers defense this season alongside Adam Brubacher who is coming off of a 23 point freshman season. Sophomore forward Ryan Kruper is also hoping to improve off of his freshman season where he averaged over a point per game. Erik Brown and Gave Valenzuela also had respective seasons last year and will be crucial to the teams offense this season. Last years team captain Myles Powell also returns hoping to exceed his 24 point season from last year and hopefully bring the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament. Logan Drackett comes in from Calgary Canucks where he was honored with the award of AJHL Best Goaltender last season finishing with a 29-14-3 record, .918 Sv%, and a 2.35 GAA. The Yorktown Terriers (SJHL) Regan Seiferling comes in leading his teams defenseman in points last season with 34 in 42 games, Nick Bruce who played for the Johnstown Tomahawks (NAHL) last season where he finished 3rd in the league in points (67 points in 60 games), Alden Dupuis tallied a point per game last season with the Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL), and Bryson Traptow who split last season with the Camrose Kodiaks and Whitecourt Wolverines in the AJHL and averaged over a point per game the past 2 seasons.
Mercyhurst
15-20-4 Overall 11-13-4 Conference
Key Departures: Jack Riley (F), Kyle Dutra (F).
Top Returners: Derek Barach (F), Lester Lancaster (F), Joseph Duszak (D), Tyler Best (F), Jonathan Charbonneau (D), Zach Todd (D), Jeremy Wu (D).
Top Newcomers: Garrett Metcalf (G), Quinn Wichers (D), Cory Caruso (F), Nathan Bryer (F).
Mercyhurst had one their worst seasons in program history last season just getting over the .400 mark, but they do return practically every piece from last years team including 5 of their 6 starting defenseman from last season and their for top forward in points. Jack Riley and Kyle Dutra will surely be a big departure from the Lakers offensive depth this season but newcomers Nathan Bryer and Cory Caruso are hoping to possibly fill those spots and be contributors for Mercyhurst's offense this season. Bryer comes in from the NAHL where he finished 6th in points for the Corpus Christi Ice Rays last year and Caruso who tallied 56 points in 57 games last season and was the alternate captain for the Brockville Braves (CCHL). Defenseman Quinn Wichers also comes in from the CCHL where he played for the Kemptville 73's tallying 24 points in both of the past 2 seasons and making the CCHL Second All-Star Team last season. 2015 4th round pick Garrett Metcalf also comes in transfering from Umass-Lowell playing in 4 games last season and could be a huge boost for the team this season.
Mercyhurst had one their worst seasons in program history last season just getting over the .400 mark, but they do return practically every piece from last years team including 5 of their 6 starting defenseman from last season and their for top forward in points. Jack Riley and Kyle Dutra will surely be a big departure from the Lakers offensive depth this season but newcomers Nathan Bryer and Cory Caruso are hoping to possibly fill those spots and be contributors for Mercyhurst's offense this season. Bryer comes in from the NAHL where he finished 6th in points for the Corpus Christi Ice Rays last year and Caruso who tallied 56 points in 57 games last season and was the alternate captain for the Brockville Braves (CCHL). Defenseman Quinn Wichers also comes in from the CCHL where he played for the Kemptville 73's tallying 24 points in both of the past 2 seasons and making the CCHL Second All-Star Team last season. 2015 4th round pick Garrett Metcalf also comes in transfering from Umass-Lowell playing in 4 games last season and could be a huge boost for the team this season.
Bentley
13-19-7 Overall 10-12-6 Conference
Key Departures: Max French (F), Tanner Salsberry (D).
Top Returners: Kyle Schmidt (F), Ryner Gorowsky (F), Jonathan Desbiens (F), Brett Orr (D), Alexey Solovyev (D).
Top Newcomers: Matt Lombardozzi (D), Charlie Marchand (D), Brett Mennear (F), Luke Santerno (F), Michael Zuffante (F).
Bentley loses 5 players to graduation including top forward Max French who led the team in points the past 2 seasons and they also lost freshman defenseman Tanner Salsberry who was one of their top defenseman last season as he will transfer to a different school. They do however return 9 of their top 10 point producers from last season which includes this years captain Kyle Schmidt who led the team in goals last season. 4 of their top defenseman return including Brett Orr who has a nice freshman season last year finishing 2nd in points behind sophomore Alexey Solovyev who averaged just over a point per game. Matt Lombardozzi comes in from the Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) and Charlie Marchand of the Brooks Bandits (AJHL), both which played key roles in their teams winning their league championships last season. Brett Mennear comes in having finished 4th in the BCHL last season in points with 79 in 58 games also making the Second All-Star Team, Luke Santerno finished 15th with 64 points in 57 games also tallying 14 points in 10 post season games.
Sacred Heart
13-19-5 Overall 10-15-3 Conference
Key Departures: Justin Danforth (F), Jordan Minello (F), Evan Jasper (F), Mitch Nylen (D).
Top Returners: Liam Clare (D), Zach Tsekos (F), Ruslan Rahkmatov (D).
Top Newcomers: Josh Allan (D), Alex Bates (D), Marc Johnstone (F), Jordan Kaplan (F), Mel Melconian (F), Matt Tugnutt (F).
It will be an interesting season for Pioneers who lost their 3 top forwards (Justin Danforth, Jordan Minello, and Evan Jasper) as well as 3 of their starting defenseman including senior captain Mitch Nylen. Liam Clare will be the backbone of the teams defense this season hoping to help the team to an NCAA bid for the first time in program history. Zach Tsekos is looking to improve off of his first season where he tallied 16 points in 31 games, he will be a crucial part to the teams offense this season. Josh Allan was the captain last season on the blue line for the Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL) where he just missed averaging a point per game, Marc Johnstone also was a captain last season leading the Chicago Steel of the USHL to the Clark Cup, Jordan Kaplan tied for 15th last season in the NAHL with 56 points, Mel Melconian of the Aurora Tigers tied for 9th in the OJHL with 29 goals, and Matt Tugnutt who was one of the top forwards for the Kemptville 73's (CCHL) for the past 5 seasons.
American International
8-20-8 Overall 7-14-7 Conference
Key Departures: Austin Orszulak (F).
Top Returners: Dominic Rocobaldo (D), Blake Christensen (F), Martin Mellberg (F), Hugo Reinhardt (F), Dominik Florian (F), Andrew Debrincat (D), Janis Jaks (D) Patrik Demel (D).
Top Newcomers: Stefano Durante (G), Brennan Kapcheck (D), Chris Dodero (F), Ryan Papa (F), Tobias Fladeby (F), Darius Davidson (F).
AIC is coming off of one of the best seasons they have had in recent years. They return their entire starting defensive core from last season including Dominic Rocobaldo who still has one year of eligibility left. They also bring back their 6 top forwards including 4 freshman (Florian, Mellberg, Christensen) who led the forward group in points last year. Austin Orszulak will be a loss to the Yellow Jacks offensive depth, but they do bring in Ryan Papa who transfers in from St. Cloud State, Tobias Fladeby who finished second on the Bismark Bobcats in points last season with 53, Chris Dodero almost averaged a point per game with the Janesville Jets (NAHL), and Darius Davidson from the Surrey Eagles who finished 16th in the BCHL in points with 63. In net they bring in Stefano Durante who was one of the top goalies in the OJHL last season with the Cobourg Cougars going 24-6-0 with a league leading 1.92 GAA and a .930 Sv%.
Niagara
5-31-3 Overall 3-23-2 Conference
Key Departures: Stephen Pietrobon (F), Vinny Muto (D), Jackson Teichroeb (G).
Top Returners: Stanislav Dzakhov (F), Kris Spriggs (F), Johnny Curran (F), Noah Delmas (D).
Top Newcomers: Brian Wilson (G), Chris Harpur (D), Jack Zielinski (D), Eric Cooley (F), Justin Kendall (F), Nicolas Mucci (F), Zach Mills (F).
Niagara had a tough season last year only winning 5 games on the season. They do bring back a decent returning group from last years team but they do lose starting goaltender Jackson Teichroeb and one of their top defenseman Vinny Muto. Stephen Pietrobon will also be a lose for Niagara as he was one of their top forwards last season. Zach Mills comes in having a nice season last year with the Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL) tallying over a point per game in the post season and Nicolas Mucci who was a top forward in the OJHL last year with the Wellington Dukes, and Chris Harpur who had a nice season with the Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL).
Top Returners: Stanislav Dzakhov (F), Kris Spriggs (F), Johnny Curran (F), Noah Delmas (D).
Top Newcomers: Brian Wilson (G), Chris Harpur (D), Jack Zielinski (D), Eric Cooley (F), Justin Kendall (F), Nicolas Mucci (F), Zach Mills (F).
Niagara had a tough season last year only winning 5 games on the season. They do bring back a decent returning group from last years team but they do lose starting goaltender Jackson Teichroeb and one of their top defenseman Vinny Muto. Stephen Pietrobon will also be a lose for Niagara as he was one of their top forwards last season. Zach Mills comes in having a nice season last year with the Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL) tallying over a point per game in the post season and Nicolas Mucci who was a top forward in the OJHL last year with the Wellington Dukes, and Chris Harpur who had a nice season with the Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL).
Preseason Predictions
1. Robert Morris
2. Air Force
3. Canisius
4. Army
5. Holy Cross
6. RIT
7. Bentley
8. Mercyhurst
9. American International
10. Sacred Heart
11. Niagara
Top 10 Atlantic Hockey Freshman
F- Nick Prkusic (Robert Morris)
F- Logan Ferguson (Holy Cross)
F- Nick Bruce (RIT)
F- Brett Mennear (Bentley)
F- Luke Santerno (Bentley)
F- Mel Melconian (Sacred Heart)
F- Nicolas Mucci (Niagara)
F- Brett Mennear (Bentley)
F- Luke Santerno (Bentley)
F- Mel Melconian (Sacred Heart)
F- Nicolas Mucci (Niagara)
D- Matthew Berkovitz (Army)
G- Logan Drackett (RIT)
G- Stefano Durante (AIC)
Player of the Year: Brady Ferguson (Robert Morris)
Rookie of the Year: Logan Ferguson (Holy Cross)
Goalie of the Year: Francis Marotte (Robert Morris)
G- Stefano Durante (AIC)
Player of the Year: Brady Ferguson (Robert Morris)
Rookie of the Year: Logan Ferguson (Holy Cross)
Goalie of the Year: Francis Marotte (Robert Morris)
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