College Hockey Source

ECAC HOCKEY

Brown - This team is steadily improving every year under . If Jack Maclellan is back this season his name will be highlighted on every opposing coach's scouting report. Mike Clemente might not have the best numbers in the ECAC but surely is one of the top goaltenders in the league talent wise. Keep an eye on Dennis Robertson who had 17 points in 30 games on defense as a freshman for the Bears.

Clarkson - The Golden Knights will likely face a year of rebuilding with a new coach. Clarkson doesnt have a go to scorer and they lose their top defenseman in Bryan Rufenach and Mark Borowiecki to graduation and the pro ranks respectively. Paul Karpowich who played strong in between the pipes last season returns. The team will benefit greatly if talented defenseman Andrew Himselson and forward Julien Cayer can raise their levels of play this season.

Colgate - Loses top scorer Francios Bresebois, but bring back Austin Smith and Chris Wagner who came on strong last season in the Red Raiders surprising run to the ECAC Final Four. Mihalik looks like the answer in net. Don't be surprised if Colgate is the most improved team in the ECAC next season.

Cornell - Garman and Iles will battle for time in net and that's a good thing for Cornell. The Devines are gone, but Nick Agostino is back on defense and is poised to have a terrific season. Greg Miller doesnt get alot of attention but is one of the best skaters in the ECAC. Incoming freshman Brian Ferlin will have an immediate impact for the Big Red. Expect a top three finish.

Dartmouth - James Mello had a terrific junior season for Dartmouth. Leading scorers Scott Fleming and Adam Escolet will be tough to replace. Matt Linbald has shown that he can put up points, but Dartmouth will have to muster up some scoring from their upperclassmen if they want to improve.

Quinnipiac - Jeremey Langolis has shown he can produce at every level and could become a big star in the ECAC. The Jones' stood out for Quinnipiac as freshman and will likely be asked to play bigger roles this season. Eric Hartzell doesnt get enough credit in net for the Bobcats, he's one of the top returning goaltenders in the league.

Harvard - Danny Biega is a star on defense for the Crimson. The team has plenty of talent with more on the way. Michalek will provide an upgrade at goaltender, a position that has to be addressed.

RPI - The Engineers lose their top two scorers in 2 time All American Chase Polacek and Tyler Helfrich. On top of that standout goaltender Allen York has forgone his final season of eligibility to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. On the bright side the Engineers return All American defenseman Nick Bailen who will run the power play. Sophmore to be Brock Higgs leads  a solid group of forwards.

St.Lawrence - Greg Carey was a freshman sensation for the Saints with 23 goals. If he can repeat that success the Saints could be dangerous. Kyle Flanagan looks like a star and George Hughes was already one of the best defenseman in the ECAC as a sophomore. The Saints seem to shuffle goaltenders every year and last season went with the freshman Matt Weininger in net for 24 games. It will likely be up to him and senior to be Robby Moss to settle the situation in net.

Princeton - Sean Bonar looks like the next star ECAC goaltender. The former BCHL star had a great freshman campaign for the Tigers. Andrew Calof will play a big role for Princeton. The team loses three of their top four scorers however with Calof, the team's top scorer as a freshman being the exception. Taylor Fedun got the credit on defense last season but Derrick Pallis flew under the radar and will be counted on heavily this season

Union - All-ECAC goaltender Keith Kincaid signed with the New Jersey Devils organization and leaves a big question mark in net for the Dutchmen. Troy Grosenick will most likely replace him. Union will be a contender in the ECAC again because of the depth of their forwards. Six of Union's top seven scorers will be back including Zajac, Jeremy Welsh, and Daniel Carr, one two and three in points for the Dutchmen offense that averaged 3.60 goals per game in 2010-2011.

Yale - The Bulldogs have gone from basement apartment to penthouse since coach Keith Allain arrived on campus. Three of the top five scorers are gone from a team that spent a substantial amount of time ranked number one in the nation and earned the top seed in the NCAA Tournament. Yale will also be looking for a replacement in net for Ryan Rondeau. Expect this team to again be a top contender for the ECAC Championship because Brian O'Neill and Andrew Miller are the league's best 1-2 punch at forward and Kenny Agostino will join them in forming another potent Bulldog offense.

Hockey East

Boston College - The defending Hockey East regular season champions took a few losses this summer. Gone are leading scorers Cam Atkinson, Brian Gibbons and Jimmy Hayes. The highest scoring forward returning for the Eagles is Pat Mullane  with 29 points. It seems every time the Eagles lose a super scorer like Atkinson another one steps up. Parker Milner is the favorite to replace four year starter John Muse, winner of two National Championships.

Boston University - The Terriers will be back in a major way this season. The top seven scorers return and the freshman class is loaded. No forward put up huge numbers for BU last season but Alex Chaisson, Chris Connolly, Corey Trivino, Sashir Gill, Charlie Coyle and defenseman Adam Clendening all topped 25 points. Matthew Nieto has the ability to be a top line player on most Hockey East teams. Five of the six regular defenseman return with the loss being David Warofsky a year early to the pro's. Kierean Millan returns in net for his senior year and is one of the best in the nation.

Maine - Gustav Nyquist is gone, but the Black Bears will be in good shape. Spencer Abbot leads a talented group of forwards that includes Brian Flynn and Robbie Diamond. On defense Will O'Neill anchors an experienced group. Goaltending was inconsistent last season and either Shawn Sirman, Dan Sullivan or Martin Quellete will have to step up if Maine is going to fare any better this year.

Massachusetts -  The Minutemen were down last season but there is hope. Ten of last season's eleven top scorers are back. Daniel Hobbs could be a star in the Hockey East this year. Paul Dainton has graduated leaving the team without its best player from last season. Jeff Teglia will like get the majority of the starts in net this year. He was untested as a freshman behind Dainton but had a strong junior career.

Massachusetts-Lowell- The Riverhawks return their top three leading scorers. Last season the Redhawks used three freshman goaltenders and only won 5 games. Doug Carr fared the best of the three, but that isn't saying a whole lot. The team will benefit from a talented freshman class this year including Tyler Brickler who can contribute immediately.

Merrimack - The team loses a ton of offensive firepower. Gone are last season's top three scorer's in Stephane Da Costa who left early for the pros and reliable seniors Joe Cucci and Chris Barton. However with senior to be Joe Canatta in net they'll have a chance to win every night. Canatta is a workhorse for Merrimack and appeard in net every game for the team in 2010-2011.  Jordan Heyward and Brandon Ellis were quick studies as freshman defenders and should be improved this season giving Merrimack some strength at the blue line.

New Hampshire - The top three scorers have all graduated. Paul Thompson, Mike Sislo and Phil Di Simone combined for 141 points last year. However the Wildcats rely on their seniors every year and somebody will step up and become the star. Canidates include Stevie Moses, who put up 26 points as a junior and is the leading scorer among returning forwards and John Henrion and Mike Borisenok. You can't count out a team that returns a goaltender like Matt Di Girolamo who played every minute but two in net for New Hampshire last season. Blake Kessel and Blake Kostolansky are great defenseman.

Providence - The Friars won 8 games last season and lose their top three scorers. Nate Leaman is going to have his hands full. The only bright spot is in net where Alex Beaudry can give the Friars a chance to compete in the Hockey East. The team's top  returning forward Tim Schaller had 5 goals, and the highest scoring defenseman had no goals and only 5 assists last season, leaving the Friars without much firepower from the point.

Northeastern - The Huskies lost their top three scorers to graduation. Brodie Reid was impressive in puttiing up 28 points as a freshman. Jamie Oleksiak, the hulking 6'8 defenseman should return and add leadership to the blue line. In net junior Chris Rawlings and sophomore Clay Witt provide the Huskies with a solid tandem.

Vermont - The Catamounts lose little from a team that won eight games last season. Rob Madore is back in net, if he can improve his consistancy the Catamounts will compete. Sebastian Stalberg looked good last season and could be the go to guy up front. Connor Brickley was a highly regarded recruit last summer but was limited to four goals as a freshman. He should improve this year with the right linemates.

WCHA

Alaska- Tommy Grant is gone but Matt Bailey showed that he can produce in his freshman season. Two freshman goalies shared time in net last season Rob Gunderson and Chris Kamal. Alaska lacks depth though and will have to come up with some more goals this year if they plan on being compettitive.

Bemjdi State - The Beavers showed they can compete in the powerful WCHA last season. Dan Bakala was great in net and has Brad Hunt and Sam Randle in front of him again this year on defense. Jordan George was one of the most productive forwards in the WCHA last season as a sophomore and will get plenty of attention.

Colorado College - The Tigers weren't exactly an offensive powerhouse last season and they lose leading scorer Stephan Schultz to graduation. Joe Howe is a capable goaltender and the Tigers should be set in their own end.

Denver - Anthony Maiani is gone but top scorers Drew Shore Jason Zucker return. Losing Matt Donavan early to the pro's was a huge blow. Sam Brittan is back and net and should be one of the best goaltenders in the nation in his sophomore campaign. David Makowski is a great puck moving defenseman and will likely be a leader on the power play..

Minnesota-Duluth - The defending national champions will go one of two ways. Either Aaron Crandall will step up and replace Kenny Reiter in net and one of their many talented forwards will replace Mike Connolly's 28 goals, or they will take a step back in the WCHA and finish in the middle of the pack. Losing hulking defenseman Justin Faulk was tough for the Bulldogs, what a great player

Minnesota - The Golden Gophers lose their top three scorers to graduation in Jacob Cepis, Jay Barriball and Mike Hoeffel. Erik Haula is back and will likely be the the go to guy on offense in his sophomore season. Zac Budish only appeared in 7 games last season, if he's healthy this year the Gophers forwards will be productive. Cade Fairchild and Aaron Ness are gone on defense, Ness left early to sign with the New York Islanders organization. Kent Patterson is back and should provide solid goaltending.

Nebraska-Omaha - The top three producers Joey Martin, Matt Ambroz and Rich Purslow are graduated.Alex Hudson is back at forward and Matt White showed huge potential as a freshman. In net John Faulkner played big. Defenseman Michael Young could have a big future with the Mavericks.

Michigan Tech - This team managed to win four games last season. Milos Gordic returns up front and is the best scoring threat for Michigan Tech. Kevin Genoe is back in goal, where he will likely see a ton of rubber.

North Dakota - The Sioux averaged 4 goals a game last season. But that was with Matt Frattin, Evan Trupp, and Brett Hextall. Whether they can do the same this season with Corbin Knight and Danny Kristo leading the way up front is debateable but not unlikely. Throw in Brock Nelson, a 2010 first round NHL draft selection and this years top forward recruit Rocco Grimaldi and the Fighting Sioux could be an offensive juggarnaut again. Chay Genoway graduated but Ben Blood and Derek Forbot will hold down the fort. Aaron Dell is in net for the Sioux and should have another great season.

St. Cloud State - Garrett Roe meant alot to this team and won't be easy to replace. Leading scorer Drew LeBlanc is back and should be a force again this season. Cam Reid was impressive as a freshman putting up 29 points in 37 games. Mike Lee is back in net and looking to regain the form he showed as a freshman.

Wisconsin - Defenseman Justin Schultz continued the Badger tradition of producing offensive defenseman who can run the power play in his sophomore season but the team will be without Jake Gardiner who left early for the pro's. Craig Smith is the leading returning scorer among forwards. Mark Zengerle had a great freshman season finishing with 36 points. John Ramage is a rugged defender and will be counted on once again to shut down opposing team's top forwards. In net the Badgers will have to replace two seniors in Scott Gudmandson and Brett Bennett.

CCHA

Alaska - The Nanook's return their leading scorer in Cody Kunyk, who had 12 goals and 30 points as a freshman. The team's top defenseman Joe Sova has left early to pursue a pro career. In net Scott Greenham played every minute for Alaska last season. He'll be back as a senior this year. Andy Taranto had a solid sophomore season and can be expected to be a main contributor on offense this year. The Nonook's faired well on special teams in the CCHA finishing 2010-2011 ranked 4th in the league in power play percentage and penalty killing.

Bowling Green - The good news is ten of the top eleven scorers return lead by Jordan Samuels-Thomas and Brett Mohler. The bad news is that Bowling Green scored an amazingly low 1.46 goals per game last season. Starting goaltender Andrew Hammond returns in net. Nine freshman appeared regularly for the Falcons last season and a year of experience will do them good.

Ferris State - Travis Quellette and his team leading 21 points return but not much else for the Bulldogs. The truth is that goaltender Pat Nagle stole more games for Ferris State last season than any other goaltender in the nation. He's gone, and Taylor Nelson will likely attempt to replace him.

Michigan - Both goalies graduated this year but the Wolverines have super prospect John Gibson coming in so there likely won't be much of a drop off in net. Four of the top five scorers are also gone. Defenseman Jon Merill is the leading scorer coming back, assuming he doesnt go pro. Chris Brown can put up huge numbers if he is given that role this season. The blue line is loaded with top flight talent including Lee Moffie, Brandon Burlon, Mac Bennett, and Kevin Clare.

Lake Superior State - Kevin Kalpacka is a really good goaltender who stole games for the Lakers last season. His .924 save percentage was impressive. Dominic Monardo is a threat up front. Kyle Haines is back on defense and should provide the team with some solid defending. Lake Superior ranked near the bottom of the league in goals and team defense last season.

Miami - The team loses Carter Camper and Andy Miele to graduation. Miami was the highest scoring team in the conference last season and had the second best team defense. Connor Knapp and Cody Reichard will likely continue their battle to be the starter in net, each is capable. Reilly Smith could be a Hobey Baker contender up front. Chris Wideman is a solid defender and can run the power play.

Michigan State - It was a rough season for the Spartans in 2010-2011, Luckily the team returns its top three scorers in Derek Grant, Brett Perlini and defenseman Torey Krug.The Spartans have two capable goaltenders in Drew Palmisano and Willie Yanakeff, it should be interesting to see which emerges as the starter.

Northern Michigan -  Tyler Gron, Justin Florek, and Andrew Cherniwchan, the team's top three scorers from last season, all return. Standout goaltender Reid Ellingson also returns in net for what should be a year of improvement for the Wildcats but only if Ellingson has support and they can improve the overall team defense from one that allowed a conference leading 3.11 goals per game last season

Notre Dame - The Irish bring back a wealth of talent and should be one of the top teams in the CCHA. Tynan and Lee were sensational as freshman combining for 98 points. Also Riley Sheahan, Nick Larson and Bryan Rust and are back in for what should be a high scoring attack. On defense Stephen Johns and Sam Calabrese provide a solid two way punch. Mike Johnson should see the bulk of playing time in net.

Ohio State - Luckily the Buckeyes have a talented recruiting class coming in because they lose their top five scorers from last season including Sergio Somma and John Albert, two stars who tied for the team lead in points with 34. The team also loses Shane Sims its top defenseman. Cal Heeter is back in net following a season in which he played all but 26 minutes in net for the Buckeyes. Ryan Dzingel was one of the best players in the USHL last season and should give the team some instant offense.

Western Michigan - The Broncos aren't going away this season. Though leading scorer Max Campbell is gone, the team brings back Chase Balisy and Shane Berschbach. Greg Squires is a solid player too. Nick Pisellini will start in goal, he'll be a junior. Matt Tenneyson is a solid defender and can chip in offensively.