February 18, 2009

Friday, February 27, 2009
12:00 pm         #6 Marist College vs. #7 Montclair State
3:00 pm           #4 Boston College vs. #9 Western Connecticut State
6:00 pm           #3 Univ. of Connecticut vs. #10 Univ. of New Hampshire
9:00 pm           #5 Central Connecticut State vs. #8 Penn State University

Saturday, February 28, 2009
5:15 pm           Highest winning seed vs. Lowest winning seed
8:15 pm           2nd Highest winning seed vs. 2nd Lowest winning seed

Alex Cornetta
12/03/2008

Ask anyone who has been involved of the UNH Club Hockey team and they will tell you what first comes to mind when former assistant coach Seth Barham’s name is mentioned these days.

“He is one of the most positive kids I’ve met,” said Assistant Coach Steve McIsaac on Barham’s character as a coach. “He’s there for everyone, whether it’s a kid playing for coach Umile, a kid, playing for us, he’s always there and always upbeat, and always has something to bring to hockey. 

While no longer serving on the Club Hockey Team’s staff, Barham’s coaching legacy and model of discipline at UNH have transcended his efforts, now in the Marines overseas in Iraq. “I feel he made the right decision because it was something he has wanted to do, God bless the guys that make that decision,” said McIsaac of Seth’s commitment, who over the years has become one of Barham’s close friends through in involvement in the program.

Almost two months into his nearly year long deployment, the 24 year old is fondly remembered and thought of by the coaches and players who worked with him from early 2004 to mid 2006.  “Seth was a real student of the game.  He brought an aspect to the game where he was a player that had all the tools but, he was better able to explain it to others,” said McIsaac, the team’s all-time leading scorer.

A strong presence to the Club team’s progression for nearly three years, Barham’s impact on team development and chemistry remains much evident to date in the team’s overall routines.  “From playing on the team with there only being one coach, it was a lot to handle. Coming back and looking at Seth’s role, he was, from an organizational standpoint a tremendous asset,” said Assistant Coach Scott Behan. Having played on the club team before Barham’s arrival on the staff, and then coaching alongside him, Behan recognized early on the improvement he quickly brought to the team. “He helped coordinate not only the defense, but the team in general and literally was a big part of keeping the team together.”
Though not having played on the squad, Barham’s talent as a disciplined, young coach made him a leader at heart to the players he mentored over the years, his maturity often commented on as being well ahead of his age.  “He was four or five years younger than me at the time when I was a senior. We had a great relationship, but if we didn’t see eye to eye on something he was never one to criticize harshly, and I think that made him better able to motivate players,” said McIsaac.  “He’s a very creative thinker when it comes to stuff like that. For somebody that didn’t play as much as the kids he was coaching his mind was well beyond his experience.”

Following his departure from UNH in 2006, Seth spent a year as a cameraman for the Carolina Mudcats, an affiliate of the Florida Marlins. It was there his father says that Seth developed a strong interest in being a sports journalist, before heading back up to New England, enlisting in the Marines in January of 2008.

After graduating with high honors from Fort Meade Maryland this past August, Seth was deployed on October 9th, with his tour expected to end September next year. Barham is currently serving in the 4th Infantry division of Fort Carson Colorado as a Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist in Iraq, the only specialist of his title in the 2nd brigade 4th infantry division. He currently travels throughout Iraq doing interviews for the public affairs office for his division.

“The military has been everything I could have asked for and more,” comments Seth. “It has given me strength and guidance to my life and the camaraderie is unbelievable, meeting complete strangers and becoming brothers and sisters together on one team shortly thereafter is an amazing feeling.”  I recently ran into one of my battle buddies out here in the sandbox and just the feeling we shared we didn't have to even speak to know what we were thinking, just knowing that a few months earlier we went through three months of hell together.  Head Coach Jer Braley, now in his eleventh year with the team added, “When I found out he was going over I sent him an email and the biggest thing I wanted to leave him with was this, “you’ve now entered a select group of heroes of which there is no finer group of men and/or women.  “If we really accomplish anything here, it’s to pay tribute not only to what Seth has done for our program but what he’s also doing for this country.”

Hailing originally from North Carolina, Seth’s Father (Ernie Barham) commented on Seth’s hospitable demeanor being reflective of his very family oriented upbringing.  “As far as the compassion goes it was more or less the parental thing,” said Barham, who was Seth’s baseball coach from his years in T-ball until his mid-teens. A former military officer, Barham retired shortly after his son’s birth in 1984, and was able to be around for much of Seth’s upbringing.

 “His dad was at every game, he was one of our biggest fans. To me personally, it’s a situation that really hits home,” said Braley. “I come from a military family and had grandfathers and uncles who have served in the past.  Something like this really hits home for a lot people around the holidays.”

A multi sport athlete in high school, Seth played baseball and hockey while at Exeter high school before graduating in 2003. While playing hockey at Exeter, the high school won two state championships in the time he was on the team. Upon entering UNH in the fall of 2003, Seth’s continued involvement with friends from high school hockey encouraged his coaching involvement in the club team, of which he was recommended to Head Coach Braley.

Equally as much a devoted friend on and off the ice to many of the players and coaches, the distinction between coach and friend was evident when working together, though many
have said this was never an issue with his relationship with others involved with the team.

“I think that the coaching aspect of it, the x’s and o’s is key, but a lot of what we have to do is manage emotions and bring a team together and I think that one of one of the big assets was his relationship with the players and ability to motivate,” said Braley.
Sr Captain Jeff Brown commented on Seth’s demeanor as a coach, “I felt like he was my friend more than anything, I think that’s what’s most memorable about him was that he made us feel comfortable being around him, both on and off the ice.  When you were doing well, he would be happy for you, and when you weren’t doing well he wouldn’t come down hard on players, always positive.”

“To have an individual like that who could really challenge my thought process kind of opened up the box to different ideas. I think that when we talk about what the program was like before with what it is now, some of those ideas really translated into a new direction for this team,” said Braley.  “What you see in this program now fifteen years in the making is how there’s been a continued level of evolution all the way through, while still maintaining tradition.”

To realize the young man’s legacy to the UNH club hockey team, according to Braley it is one that resounds with the team’s mission statement. “We provide student athletes with an opportunity to get a great education and play an extremely competitive and demanding brand of hockey. At a school where hockey and education are steeped in tradition, the University of New Hampshire’s Club Hockey team strives for excellence, both on and off the ice.”  No greater excellence has been achieved and the UNH Club Hockey team would ask that everyone give thanks to one of our Heroes.

Interested parties are encouraged to send care packages to the following address:
            PFC Seth Barham 
            HHT Co 2nd STB 4th ID 
            FOB ECHO, APO, AE 09332 
            sbarham11@yahoo.com

A new tradition has emerged for William Paterson University Ice Hockey, with the puck dropping against The College of New Jersey at the Ice Vault Arena, in the 2nd Annual SoBe’ Life Water Garden State Cup. The Pioneers season began with a goal of making the ACHA National Championships that they missed by a one goal loss to Kentucky. Over the past two seasons the Pioneers have an amazing record of 61-14 -8 and have already defended last season’s first Garden State Cup victory. This will also be their first season in five years without former captain Ray Katinsky guarding the defensive zone and they will also begin their first season in the Super East Collegiate Hockey League (SECHL) and the schedule will be a very challenging one to boot.

There is an atmosphere of excitement swirling through the brisk building off of Barbour Pond Road. Fresh faces are plenty throughout the Pioneers lineup, but there are still plenty of the same cast of characters including last year’s leading scorer and MACHA All-Star Albert Campbell (35 goals, 39 assists), along with last year’s standout freshman Shaun McTigue, who only dressed for 27 games due to a broken wrist suffered in a game in Atlanta against Kennesaw State University. In the half-season that McTigue took the ice for, he recorded an astounding 23 goals and 24 assists. With a healed wrist and one season of ACHA hockey under his belt, McTigue along with Campbell will be looked upon to lead the offensive charge once again. Katinsky may be gone, but the torch could not have been passed to a better successor than junior forward Jason Fortino. Fortino is a vocal leader who backs up his words with his stick. In his first season with the Pioneers last season, Fortino cemented his stature as a leader by becoming a constant locker room presence. His teammates took notice and voted him co-captain along with Katinsky.

Like last season, the Pioneers are deep at the forward position. They were the highest scoring team in ACHA D2 and Pioneer Pest Anthony Houlis will once again be on the prowl with his sand paper style of play. His on the edge style of play often overshadows his consistent offensive production of 16 goals and 10 assists from a season ago and he must maintain focus to contributing to the Championship dream. Johnny Gomez and Brian Peacock are also two veteran forwards that will grab your attention this season. Brian Peacock brings a different element to the WPU offense, his defensive awareness is almost unmatched by anyone on the team. He is arguably the best penalty killer, along with Mike Hodgman, and gives the forward corps a balanced attack.

Steve Celentano, Mike and Nick Hodgman, Craig Junda, and Ryan LaCorte, Lance Beckman all add his physical play and quick feet to form their own unique game to the WPU attack. Mike and Nick Hodgman may be the smallest players on the team, but their presence is large. Their willingness to stand in front of the net and take a beating and muck it up in the corners will garner attention, not to mention their ability to put the puck in the net. When it comes to hockey smarts, they are Rhode Scholars. Mike Hodgeman and Lance Beckman are no strangers to mucking it up. These two are strong at both ends of the ice and along the boards, and provide the team with a nice physical presence.

One physical presence will be Alternate captain Ryan LaCorte, his speed and leadership is a necessity for this team and clearly leads the team on the ice with his effort and selfless play. Steve Celentano is the iron man of the team, having never missed the game. He is also as close to automatic as they come in the face-off circle. Look for his ferocious snapshot to find the back of the net on a consistent basis. Craig Junda has a deft scoring touch and will be looked upon to bring a veteran presence to the team on a nightly basis with hard work and more physical play. Justin Liscio had a terrific second half to his season last year and looks to add more ice time to his resume.

New recruits include former AJYHL and New Jersey All State player Matt Gillen. Gillen has just been amazing to start the season with hard work, great attitude and strong leadership. Rob Prezioso, and will be pivotal to the Pioneers success this year showing great tenacity and speed in the teams aggressive forechecks. Travis Mech, transferred from out of state university and returns to NJ where he was a very productive player in the Midget hockey circles, and Mike Dalton round out the forwards

On the defensive side of the puck, the Pioneers may be deeper and definitely better than last year. Yes, they have lost stalwart Ray Katinsky, along with graduate Joe Kazimar and Greg Zisa but returning is Dan Moser, Rob Carroll, Anthony Zipfel, and Brendan LaCorte. These four will be looked upon to lead the defense which hosts a cast of new recruits. Carroll has all the makings of an ACHA All American as he has reported back to his shape of 212 lbs and has averaged over a point in every game he has played in Pioneer uniform. Chris Moser will join his twin brother Dan Moser in the Defense and can be an offensive threat as well.  Matt Duffy, 6’3” 203 lbs. and Matt Zaleski 6’4” 189 lbs. should strike fear into the hearts of oncoming forwards with their size and physical presence. Another big plus for the club is Justin Hoch. Hoch has been a 3 time all star in Junior A and has impressed the Staff with his puck control and his ability to handle him in the corners. Ryan McCloone also has moved from Forward to provide some strong experience and veteran steadiness.

In goal, it’s the same story as last year. It doesn’t get better for a team when there are three goalies capable of stealing a game on any given night. With Kyle Finnerty, Charlie D’Angelo, and Matt Deering tending the Pioneer goal, this team will be very tough to score against let alone beat. “I have three capable goaltenders, these guys are making life hell for me to decide who will be the #1 guy” said Coach Ken Scarpa “ in my mind they will play themselves in or out and I am looking for a leader who rises above the others with their play and attitude.”

Ian Michaelchuck, and Bill Katinsky both former standouts at forward for the Pioneers, will join Co-Head Coaches Ken Scarpa and Bob Carnathan and as an assistant coaches on the coaching staff. Managers Ashley Mormino and Piper Adams also return to the team this year, providing the Pioneers with an excellent coaching staff and management team.
With a 11-4 record through the first portion of their schedule and a Northeast Rank of #2 already under their belts, the Pioneers look ready to go for the 2008-2009 season.

November 14, 2008
Kyle Dorau, Sports Editor - CCSU Recorder

BURRILLVILLE, RI -- The CCSU Hockey team made it back to back road victories on Friday night, as they doubled up the Bryant Bulldogs by a score of 6-3 at Levy Community Rink.  Ryan Paglinco and Kevin McConnell each had a pair of goals to pace the Blue Devils.

CCSU came into the game ranked fourth in the Northeast, looking up at a third ranked Bryant team who held a slim lead over the Blue Devils in the voting.  Central didn’t seem to care, as they came out and dominated the Bulldogs in the first period.  “To get a win against this team, on the road where it’s always a tough place to play, it’s big for us,” said head coach Jim Mallia.

Paglinco got CCSU on the board first, as he took a pass from McConnell and went high glove side on Bryant net minder Jon Stachelek.  “I was just going to the net hard,” Said Paglinco.  “Kevin gave me a really nice pass, put me wide open, and just put a shot over the goalie’s glove.”

The Blue Devils continued to mount offensive pressure, as Kevin McConnell found an open lane to the net and came in slow went high on a backhand shot to make it 2-0.  “Their goalie was patient,” said McConnell.  “But he left a hole on the right side open, so I put it upstairs.”

Central poured it on some more in the closing minutes.  Bryant sustained some pressure in the CCSU zone, but a nice outlet pass sent Paglinco and Rob DiClemente on a two-on-one.  Again the shooter went high, as DiClemente converted on the odd-man rush to make it 3-0.

CCSU picked up where they left off in the second period, as Paglinco banged home a rebound in a four-on-three situation to give Central a four goal cushion.  It was his second goal of the game.

Once the Blue Devils had the four goal cushion, they began to play much more passive.  It was from that point on that the Blue Devils began to have problems controlling play.  “That’s something that we’re going to need to figure out,” said Mallia.  “Whether it be focus, comfort, cockiness, I’m not sure exactly what it is, but we’ll figure it out.”

Bryant’s John May got the bulldogs on the board in the second frame.  A fluttering wrist shot handcuffed CCSU junior goalie Carmine Vetrano for May’s first tally of the season.

McConnell answered back, dangling through the offensive zone and got his second of the game in response, making the deficit four goals once again.

The third period saw the Blue Devils hold off a suddenly energized Bryant attack, but not without some trepidation.  Jonathan Gautier of the Bulldogs cut the deficit back to three as he managed to beat Vetrano.

In a four-on-four situation, Joe Fusco of Bryant cut Central’s lead to two at 5-3.  Moments later, CCSU dodged another bullet, as a turnaround shot nailed the post.

The wind was taken out of Bryant’s sails as Dave Windish finished off the Bulldogs with a soft backhand that Stachelek should have had, closing out the scoring at 6-3.

Central had three players receive ten minute misconducts for failure to wear a mouth guard.  “Technically the mouth guard is supposed to be in your mouth,” said Mallia.  “As everybody knows, it’s tough to play with a mouth guard in your mouth.”

Bryant was missing four key players for violating a team rule.  Each of the four players received a total of 12 games and are in the early stages of serving those suspensions.

CCSU Hockey goes on the road Thursday to face William Paterson, ranked second in the Northeast.  They return home on Sunday to host a matinee game against UNH.  Game time is 1:00 PM at Newington Arena.

November 5, 2008

Click for Schedule

On Thursday the 5th Annual Siena College Showcase will kick off when Marist College battles Texas Tech University at the Albany County Hockey Facility at 9:15 PM.  This year’s Showcase will feature eight teams: Florida Gulf Coast University (FL), Kennesaw State University (GA), Marist College (NY), Montclair State University (NJ), Texas Tech University (TX), University of Vermont (VT), Wagner College (NY) and Siena College. 

“We are very excited with this year’s Showcase schedule and look forward to some outstanding hockey.  We really had to scramble when Grand Valley pulled out of the Showcase in late September because of a GMHL scheduling conflict,” said Paul Hebert, Siena’s General Manager.  Because of the late withdrawal it was impossible to find one team to replace Grand Valley, who was scheduled to play four games.  Thankfully, Marist College, Montclair State and the University of Vermont all had openings in their schedules and agreed to fill in for Grand Valley.  “We are extremely grateful that Marist, Montclair and Vermont all stepped in to help solidify the schedule.  In the end, everything worked out just fine,” Hebert, said.  Click here for the 2008 Siena College Showcase schedule.

With the first ranking period and more than half the first semester behind them, the Siena Saints are pleased with how things have gone so far.  Siena is currently the #1 ranked team in the Northeast Region and has a record of 10-2-0.  The Saints, however, realize there are many big games to play before they can even think about the ACHA Regionals, SECHL Playoffs and ultimately the ACHA National Championship Tournament.  Saints Head Coach, Lee Bormann said, “We play one game at a time.  We cannot afford to underestimate any team on our schedule this year.”  The Saints must now get focused on Texas Tech who, despite their 3-7-1 record, are a very skilled team and can win on any given night.

October 28, 2008

Article written by Blake Janelle

The UNH Club Hockey team left the 07/08 season with mixed emotions.  On the one hand, UNH earned it’s highest ever Northeast Ranking (#4) and it’s first ever birth to the Super East Playoffs, losing a close game to eventual winner and national power Siena College.  On the other was a devastating loss to UConn in the Northeast Regional tournament, denying UNH a trip to the National Tournament and dashing its hopes for the 3rd consecutive year.  “Last years loss was definitely tough.  Not only were we the higher seed going into the game, but it was also our third straight loss in a regional final” said Captain Jeff Brown.

The Wildcats look to rebound in the 08’/09’ season and have added a wealth of new talent to join a group of dedicated veterans. The ‘Cats added 17 new faces to their 31-player roster. They will also welcome back Sr Captains Jeff Brown, Tyler Loopley, and Jr Captain Brian Agahigian. “As leaders, we’re working hard to teach the newcomers the importance of playing hard and staying focused on the task at hand... Throughout each practice, shift, period and game of this entire season” said Brown.

The rookies, to include eight defenseman, seven forwards and two goalies, will join a tight nit, seasoned group of veteran players.  Head Coach Jer Braley believes that the veterans will play a vital role in helping the team stay focused. “Whenever you add that large a number to your team, there's always a period of adjustment. That said, the veteran's have done an outstanding job integrating this years class with the team.  They’ve learned some hard lessons over the past few years and have come back hungrier than ever.”  According to Agahigian, some of those lessons are more mental than anything else, “We need to stay strong emotionally whether we are up or down.  The season can be a mental rollercoaster and if you get too caught up in the moment, you can lose focus of the end goal.”

On the campus of Durham, NH, there seems to be a feeling that the 08/09’ season could be the year. While there’s up-and-coming talent for future years, the Wildcats certainly aren’t waiting for anything or anyone. Coach Braley believes that this team will improve upon the shortcomings of previous years:  “Each year you go into to tryouts with the goal of improving your team in as many areas as possible.  Time will tell but, I think we were fortunate to have added {both} talent and depth to our goal-tending, defense and forward positions.”

Will this be enough to punch a ticket to Grand Rapids?  “This year is going to be tougher than any in years past” said Braley.  “You have more quality teams fighting for the same goals.  If we’re going to take that next step, we’ll have to earn it for sure.”  When asked about the goals for this year’s team, Sr Captain Tyler Loopley replied “A trip to Nationals and the SECHL Playoffs. This is why we play the game. We've knocked on the Nationals door the past three years but weren't able to get over the hump. I think we've all learned some lessons along the way that will help us take the next step.”

October 23, 2008

The Montclair State Ice Hockey team demands a seven-day commitment from its players.  Skaters battle through several practices, dry-land training, and classrooms, on top of a rough forty game schedule.  For some of the Red Hawks, however, that just isn’t enough.

Over the past year six of the student athletes- Sean Guenther, Zach Lancaster, Eric Zullo, Matt Popan, Eric Perdon, and Billy Freeswick- have obtained jobs with the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils.  They fulfill roles in game day operations and other hockey-related activities.  With both teams being local favorites, the players could not be more satisfied with their jobs.

Captain Sean Guenther, a member of the New York Rangers “Blue Crew,” comments on his job, “Working for the New York Rangers is an extremely exciting experience. It’s a dream come true for any young hockey fan to get a chance to work for an NHL team, but to work for the New York Rangers is exceptional.  Getting the chance to skate on the Garden ice, whether its during a game cleaning the ice, or helping current and former NHL players run clinics, is an experience unlike any other.  I am extremely lucky to get an opportunity like this and I wouldn't trade it for anything.”

Matt Popan, a junior on the team, works across the Hudson River for the New Jersey Devils.  He too experiences a similar passion for his line of work, “It’s amazing to have the opportunity to work for the New Jersey Devils, and the fact that I’m working with two of my closest friends and teammates, Erik Perdon and Billy Freeswick, makes it that much better.”

Popan goes on to explain some of his in game duties, “Three times per period, during the TV time-outs, we get the privilege of actually skating alongside the pros.  Our job is to go out on the ice and clear excess snow from various areas of the arena, such as the goal creases and in front of the benches.  It’s an experience and thrill to be skating so close to some of the NHL’s superstars like Henrik Lundqvist, Alexander Ovechkin, and Daniel Alfredsson.  Skating on the same ice as the pros, in front of thousands of people, and being able to do it with two of my closest friends all adds up to one of the greatest jobs I will probably ever have.”

Freshman Eric Zullo, a die-hard fan of the Rangers, savors every second of his experience, “Working for the New York Rangers has been a dream come true.  Being a Rangers fan my whole life, the experience of actually being able to work for them is amazing.  It's also awesome having Sean and Zach working with me.  We are all pretty close and this just allows us to get out and go to work with a historic NHL franchise.”

Zullo goes on to explain how he came about getting the job, "In mid-June, Coach Lee asked Sean, Zach, and I if we would be interested in a possible summer camp job with the Rangers.  We were more than interested so he passed our names along.  A few weeks later, I received a call to work two weeks of NYR Youth Summer camp in late July and early August.  Those two weeks were a great experience and that turned into me being offered a job as one of the Blue Crew.  Ever since then I have been getting more opportunities and offers from the Rangers.  It's really amazing to have this type of opportunity at nineteen years old."

Coach Lee Elias remarks, “Having the chance to help these kids realize some of their dreams is wonderful.  It also is a great learning experience for them, not only with the type of hockey they are able to witness on a weekly basis, but also the life lessons, time management, and job skills they will be able to learn. It’s a complete package.”

When asked how the players feel about each other working for rival teams, Eric Zullo summed it up, “"Well, we get into it sometimes about who is the better team, but at the end of the day we’re all Red Hawks."

Two teams from the Super East will be participating in this year's American Collegiate Hockey Association Men's D2 Showcase Tournament which is being hosted by Twin Ponds - East Ice Arena in Hershey, PA.  Marist and Siena Colleges will round out a field of eighteen participating teams from around the country.  Other participants from ACHA D2's Northeast Region include Western Connecticut State University, Vermont, RIT, University of Massachusetts – Amherst and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.  Southeast Region participants include UMBC, NC State, Kentucky, Georgetown, Temple and Wagner College combining with Central Region's Davenport, 2007-2008 National Champions, Robert Morris – Maroon and Missouri State – Maroon.

Siena College will play their first game on Friday, October 17th at 9 PM playing against the Southeast Region’s NC State while Marist College will face off earlier in the day against another Southeast Region opponent, Temple.  Saturday will see Siena battling with Central Region's Missouri State – Maroon and Marist matching up against another Southeast Region opponent Kentucky.  The final contest for Siena will be against Kentucky while Marist’s will be against NC State.

The Men's D2 Showcase Tournament is one of the ACHA's premiere events of the ice hockey season.  This event was established to provide a mechanism for college bound hockey players to learn more about ACHA and the level of play at this intercollegiate level.  During the tournament, the ACHA provides interested players and their families with information about the ACHA as well as what colleges and universities participate at the various divisional levels.  Each year many college bound players benefit from these information sessions.  ACHA Men's D1 and D3 also have Showcase events each year. 

This year's Men's D2 Showcase promises to be an exciting, competitive event for all involved and a great way to spend the weekend learning more about non-Varsity intercollegiate hockey.  To learn more about the American Collegiate Hockey Association, see our link on the SECHL website’s home page.  We hope to see you at “The Showcase”!

October 13, 2008

The Marist hockey program has been improving over the past few years and now the excitement that is surrounding the team is immense. Experience, depth, and a dose of youth are important aspects of any successful hockey team and this year’s team has more depth and great balance - more than they have ever had in the recent past. With the mix of tested upperclassmen and a talented freshman class, this season promises to be a very exciting one.

Marist made progress during the 2007-08 campaign but will look to improve even further during the 2008-09 season.  The key now is to translate that experience and depth into victories.  The team is poised to take the next step as a program, which is to get into one of the top two ranking spots in the Northeast Region and earn an automatic berth to the ACHA Division 2 National Championship in Grand Rapids, MI as well as becoming a threat in SECHL Playoff Tournament and competing for a league title.

To accomplish their goals, the Red Foxes must be more consistent on the ice. The talent is there for Marist to succeed but now the team must display it every day to in order to reach its potential.  The need to also improve in special teams is a must.  There isn’t one area the team can afford to be lax with. But there is the belief that this team has the right people to accomplish that and the right leadership to steer us in that direction.

Serving as captains during the 2008-09 season the captains are Kevin Rich, Reny Mazorra, and Matt Suizdak.  These captains are definitely one of the team’s strengths this year.  They are all seasoned players and extremely committed, entering the season physically fit and ready to lead.

Goaltenders
Perhaps the biggest strength of the 2008-09 is the team’s goaltenders. Junior Justin Frei, senior Tim Fleming, and sophomore’s Jay Amato, Stephen Massimillo all return to the team.  Frei comes of a solid ’07-’08 campaign, and looks to lead these talented goaltenders this season.  There will be some healthy competition for playing time.

Defenders
The Red Foxes return a number of talented defensemen but the key for Marist is how to fill the hole left by 2008 graduating class. One way to fill the void is with the help of a talented veteran group, with numerous returning blue liners having at least two years of collegiate experience coupled with a promising new crop of defensemen.  Consistency will be key for these players.  Returning players include Juniors Greg Buggisch, Captain Matt Siuzdak, Sharif Soliman and Senior Tim Goodrich.  New additions include sophomore Steve Williams and freshman Mike Ozolnieks and Steve Rizz.

Forwards
Another strength of the 2008-09 squad is at the forward position. The unit is the deepest in recent years and features a number of skilled players capable of putting up numbers.  Returners along with a talented set of freshmen should provide some more scoring power for the Red Foxes.  Return players Senior captain Kevin Rich, Junior Captain Reny Mazorra, Junior Gary Berberich and Dan Pasquale, Sophomores Kyle Lukas, Matt Rodriguez, Brendan Cuddihy and Mike Scotko.  New additions include Freshmen Charlie Gotard, Pat Brown and Junior James Pielli.

Schedule
The Red Foxes will once again challenge themselves in non-conference play in order to help prepare for SECHL play. Marist opened their season with a 7 – 4 victory at Sacred Heart. The non-conference schedule is highlighted by such teams as Kentucky, Wagner, Texas Tech, Boston College, NC State, Temple, and others.

The Red Foxes opened SECHL play at home vs. Siena, resulting in a 2 – 1 defeat, the game winning goal scored with less than 10 seconds remaining in the third period. Marist will play Central Connecticut St., Holy Cross, Montclair St., NYU, New Hampshire, Siena, and William Paterson two times during the season.

The 28 game schedule will be challenging one this season and will hopefully result in a SECHL Championship Game and a berth ACHA Division 2 National Championship.

By Colin Clark, Holy Cross Beat Writer
October 9, 2008
      
Despite last year ending rather poorly, the Holy Cross Crusaders appear optimistic and prepared for the upcoming season.  Having graduated five talented seniors with no upcoming juniors filling the void, the team’s leadership descends to current juniors Mike Falvey and Chris Piccirilli.  “We’re putting last year behind us and moving on,” says Falvey regarding last season’s second half. “We’ve got a lot of the same players and we’re looking to do well.  The talent is definitely here.  We just need to come together and perform.”

Last year’s team had talent but was unable to successfully execute.  This years team hopes to be able to find winning ways starting from the top down.  The coaching staff has received a makeover as former HC player Andy Weber has been named head coach.  “I’m glad to be apart of the program.  We have had great practices from day one.  The guys seem eager to play, and if we work together, the season should be a good one,” said Coach Weber.  Steve Sullivan will also be back behind the bench as Andy’s assistant.  Both coaches look to improve the team’s ability by playing a disciplined style of defensive play while running some different systems in hopes of capitalizing on more offensive opportunities.

The team’s schedule remains similar to last year’s based around 14 very strong league games and non league games against Bryant, Penn St, UVM, and Boston University.  The Crusaders look forward to its first ever match up with newly added SECHL member William Patterson University and rekindling a rivalry with NECHA’s University of Vermont. 

HC was hoping for another freshman class like last year, but due to some injuries and call ups the team will only have 3 freshmen on it to start the season.  Both players and coaches view the small incoming class with a positive perspective.  “Listen, I’d love to have an incoming class of ten Sidney Crosby’s, but I think (the small class) can be a good thing”, says sophomore Steve Cardinal.  “The majority of the team has played together last season and I think now we’re more comfortable”.  While the team appeared rusty in the first few practices, they have since improved and come together as a cohesive unit.  Players admit that they sense a new positive vibe permeating throughout the locker room and on the ice.  Excitement over the new coaching and a fresh season has rejuvenated a communal desire to play which the Crusaders haven’t witness since the early part of last year.  “This is a new team”, co-captain defenseman Chris Piccirilli explains.  “A lot of the same players, but definitely a new team.  We’ve got a whole new attitude”.  The Crusaders excitedly await their season, which will begin Friday, October 17th at Chelsea Piers against New York University.