FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2014 MEN'S HOCKEY
College Ice Hockey 2014-15 Season Preview
Season Begins October 10
VICTORIA, Minn.–
After Union College concluded the 2013-14 Season by winning the National Championship, giving the ECAC back-to-back National Titles, I will take a look at previewing the 2014-15 Ice Hockey season. Below is my preview and my top-16 NCAA
College Ice Hockey teams (my preseason ranking next to each team) for
the upcoming season. Enjoy.
Junior Gopher goalie Adam Wilcox will win the 2014-15 Hobey Baker |
Preseason Rankings
#1 Minnesota Golden Gophers
The Gophers return their top seven scorers and nine of their top 10 (barring early departures) with Hobey Baker frontrunner and goaltender Adam Wilcox.
Senior Captain Kyle Rau looks to bring Minnesota a National Championship |
2013-14 Record: 28-7-6, National Runners Up
Conference: Big 10
Last NCAA Title: 2003
Top Returning Scorers: F Kyle Rau, F Sam Warning, D Mike Reilly, F Justin Kloos, F Travis Boyd, F Hudson Fasching, F Taylor Cammarata, F Seth Ambroz, G Adam Wilcox
Key Losses from last season: D Jake Parenteau, D Justin Holl, F Tom Serratore, F Nate Condon, G Michael Shibrowski
Minnesota Prospects: Tommy Novak, Tyler Sheehy, Ryan Collins, Jack Glover, Ryan Lindgren, Ryan Norman, Rem Pitlick, Jack Ramsey, Sam Rossini, Ryan Zuhlsdorf, Steve Johnson, Nick Lehr, Scott Reedy
Lines:
C Kyle Rau, LW Sam Warning, RW Hudson Fasching
C Justin Kloos, LW Taylor Cammarata, RW Jack Ramsey
C Travis Boyd, LW Leon Bristedt, RW Seth Ambroz
C Gabe Guertler, LW Vinni Lettieri, RW Connor Reilly
D Mike Reilly, D Jack Glover
D Brady Skjei, D Ryan Collins
D Ben Marshall, D Michael Brodzinski
G Adam Wilcox
Schedule:
2014 Ice Breaker Tournament | |||
10/10/14 | vs. Minnesota Duluth | South Bend, Ind. | TBA |
10/12/14 | RPI/Notre Dame | South Bend, Ind. | TBA |
10/24/14 | vs. Bemidji St | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
10/25/14 | vs. Bemidji St | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
10/31/14 | vs. St. Cloud State (Home & Home) | TBD | TBA |
11/01/14 | vs. St. Cloud State (Home & Home) | TBD | TBA |
11/07/14 | vs. Notre Dame | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
11/08/14 | vs. Notre Dame | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
11/14/14 | vs. Minnesota Duluth | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
11/15/14 | at Minnesota Duluth | Duluth, Minn. | TBA |
11/21/14 | vs. US Under-18 Team # | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
11/28/14 | at Boston College | Boston, Mass. | TBA |
11/29/14 | at Northeastern | Boston, Mass. | TBA |
12/05/14 | at Michigan State * | East Lansing, Mich. | TBA |
12/06/14 | at Michigan State * | East Lansing, Mich. | TBA |
24th Annual Mariucci Classic | |||
01/02/15 | UMass-Lowell, RPI, Merrimack | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
01/03/15 | UMass-Lowell, RPI, Merrimack | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
01/08/15 | at Michigan (Possible) * | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBA |
01/09/15 | at Michigan * | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBA |
01/10/15 | at Michigan (Possible) * | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBA |
01/15/15 | vs. Wisconsin (Possible) * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
01/16/15 | vs. Wisconsin * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
01/17/15 | vs. Wisconsin (Possible) * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
2nd Annual North Star College Cup | |||
01/23/15 | vs. Minnesota State | Xcel Energy Center | TBA |
01/24/15 | Minnesota Duluth/Bemidji State | Xcel Energy Center | TBA |
01/29/15 | at Wisconsin (Possible) * | Madison, Wis. | TBA |
01/30/15 | at Wisconsin * | Madison, Wis. | TBA |
01/31/15 | at Wisconsin (Possible) * | Madison, Wis. | TBA |
02/05/15 | vs. Ohio State (Possible) * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
02/06/15 | vs. Ohio State * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
02/07/15 | vs. Ohio State (Possible) * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
02/12/15 | vs. Michigan (Possible) * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
02/13/15 | vs. Michigan (Possible) * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
02/14/15 | vs. Michigan (Possible) * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
02/15/15 | vs. Michigan (Possible) * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
02/19/15 | at Penn State (Possible) * | State College, Pa. | TBA |
02/20/15 | at Penn State * | State College, Pa. | TBA |
02/21/15 | at Penn State (Possible) * | State College, Pa. | TBA |
02/26/15 | vs. Michigan State (Possible) * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
02/27/15 | vs. Michigan State (Possible) * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
02/28/15 | vs. Michigan State (Possible) * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
03/01/15 | vs. Michigan State (Possible) * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
03/06/15 | at Ohio State * | Columbus, Ohio | TBA |
03/07/15 | at Ohio State * | Columbus, Ohio | TBA |
03/13/15 | vs. Penn State * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
03/14/15 | vs. Penn State * | Mariucci Arena | TBA |
2015 Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Tournament | |||
03/19/15 | Quarterfinals | Detroit, Mich. | TBA |
03/20/15 | Semifinals | Detroit, Mich. | TBA |
03/21/15 | Championship Game | Detroit, Mich. | TBA |
#2 North Dakota Sioux After a dreadful start to last season the Sioux proved they belong towards the end of the year as they came one second short of forcing overtime and try for their first national championship since 2000. North Dakota does not play Minnesota again this year and will have the upper hand and be the preseason favorites in the NCHC.
2013-14 Record: 25-14-3, NCAA Frozen Four
Conference: NCHC
Last NCAA Title: 2000
Top Returning Scorers: F Mike Parks, F Mark MacMillan, F Drake Caggiula, F Jordan Schmaltz, G Zane Gothberg
Key Losses from last season: D Dillon Simpson, F Derek Rodwell, F Mitch MacMillan, G Clarke Saunders
Minnesota Prospects: Shane Gersich, Austin Poganski, Zach Yon, Matt Kiersted, Mitchell Mattson, Trevor Olson, Tucker Poolman, Hayden Shaw, Luke Voltin
Lines:
C Mark MacMillan, LW Drake Caggiula, RW Mike Parks
C __________, LW Stephane Pattyn, RW Luke Johnson
C Connor Gaardner, LW Brendan O'Donnell, RW ________
C Colten St. Clair, LW Bryn Chyzyk, RW Andrew Panzarella
D Jordan Schmaltz, D________
D Nick Mattson, D Paul LaDue
D Keaton Thompson, D Troy Stecher
G Zane Gothberg
Schedule:
Fri, Oct 10 | Bemidji State | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Oct 11 | Bemidji State | at Bemidji, Minn. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Oct 17 | Colorado College * | at Colorado Springs, Colo. | 8:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Oct 18 | Colorado College * | at Colorado Springs, Colo. | 8:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Oct 24 | Providence | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Oct 25 | Providence | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Sat, Nov 01 | Air Force (U.S. Hockey HOF Game) | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Fri, Nov 07 | Wisconsin | at Madison, Wis. | TBA | ||
Sat, Nov 08 | Wisconsin | at Madison, Wis. | TBA | ||
Fri, Nov 14 | Miami * | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Nov 15 | Miami * | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Nov 21 | St. Cloud State * | at St. Cloud, Minn. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Nov 22 | St. Cloud State * | at St. Cloud, Minn. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Nov 28 | Nebraska Omaha * | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Nov 29 | Nebraska Omaha * | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Dec 05 | Lake Superior State | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Dec 06 | Lake Superior State | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Dec 12 | Denver * | at Denver, Colo. | TBA | ||
Sat, Dec 13 | Denver * | at Denver, Colo. | TBA | ||
Sat, Jan 03 | U.S. Under-18 Team (Exh.) | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Jan 09 | Minnesota Duluth * | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Jan 10 | Minnesota Duluth * | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Jan 16 | Niagara | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Jan 17 | Niagara | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Jan 23 | Colorado College * | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Jan 24 | Colorado College * | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Jan 30 | Nebraska Omaha * | at Omaha, Neb. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Jan 31 | Nebraska Omaha * | at Omaha, Neb. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Feb 13 | Denver * | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Feb 14 | Denver * | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Feb 20 | Western Michigan * | at Kalamazoo, Mich. | TBA | ||
Sat, Feb 21 | Western Michigan * | at Kalamazoo, Mich. | TBA | ||
Fri, Feb 27 | St. Cloud State * | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:37 p.m. | ||
Sat, Feb 28 | St. Cloud State * | Grand Forks, N.D. | 7:07 p.m. | ||
Fri, Mar 06 | Miami * | at Oxford, Ohio | TBA | ||
Sat, Mar 07 | Miami * | at Oxford, Ohio | TBA | ||
Fri, Mar 13
- Sun, Mar 15 |
NCHC Quarterfinals (Best-of-3) | at TBD | TBA | ||
Fri, Mar 20
- Sat, Mar 21 |
NCHC Frozen Faceoff | at Minneapolis, Minn. | TBA | ||
Fri, Mar 27
- Sun, Mar 29 |
NCAA Regionals | at TBD | TBA | ||
Thu, Apr 09
- Sat, Apr 11 |
NCAA Frozen Four | at Boston, Mass. | TBA |
#3 Boston College Eagles BC lost Johnny Hockey and their top line but the Eagles bring in Noah Hanifin and Sonny Milano. With the Frozen Four in Boston, BC has to have motivation for this year.
Thatcher Demko |
2013-14 Record: 28-8-4, NCAA Frozen Four
Conference: Hockey East
Last NCAA Title: 2012
Top Returning Scorers: G Thatcher Demko, F Ryan Fitzgerald, F Austin Cangelosi, D Michael Matheson
Key Losses from last season: D Isaac MacLeod, F Kevin Hayes, F Johnny Gaudreau, F Patrick Brown, F Bill Arnold
Minnesota Prospects: N/A
Minnesota Prospects: N/A
#4 Union College Dutchmen The Defending National Champions lost a lot of talent from last year's team, but Union can look to Head Coach Rick Bennett to bring in top-tier talent.
#5 Colgate University Raiders The Raiders bring back all but one skater and a backup goalie, including the Spink twins. Don Vaughan's team is the clear-cut favorites in the ECAC this year.
#6 St. Cloud State Huskies Charlie Lindgren will step into the crease to fill the void of Ryan Faragher. Another solid recruiting class will offset key departures.
#7 Ferris State Bulldogs The Bulldogs lose three of their top four scorers and a key defenseman, but C.J. Motte should return between the pipes to anchor the boys from Big Rapids.
#8 UMass-Lowell River Hawks Norm Bazin's team has been devastated by pro signings and graduation. The River Hawks will take a step back, but Bazin's body of work should bring in new talent that can step right in.
#9 Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks The Mavericks return a talented squad that made life difficult for UMass-Lowell in the NCAA Tournament. Mike Hasting's team should be the class of the WCHA.
#10 Quinnipiac University Bobcats Two years ago Quinnipiac made the final in the NCAA Tournament and they finished No. 10 in last year's final rankings. The Bobcats return enough talent to make another run in this year's tourney.
#11 Providence College Friars
#12 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
#13 Ohio State Buckeyes
Daniel Ciampini |
2013-14 Record: 32-6-4, National Champions
Conference: ECAC
Last NCAA Title: 2014
Top Returning Scorers: F Daniel Ciampini, F Mike Veccione
Key Losses from last season: D Mat Bodie, F Daniel Carr, F Matt Hatch, F Kevin Sullivan, F Cole Ikkala
Minnesota Prospects: Ben Newhouse
Minnesota Prospects: Ben Newhouse
#5 Colgate University Raiders The Raiders bring back all but one skater and a backup goalie, including the Spink twins. Don Vaughan's team is the clear-cut favorites in the ECAC this year.
Tyson Spink |
2013-14 Record: 20-14-5, NCAA Tournament
Conference: ECAC
Last NCAA Title: N/A
Top Returning Scorers: F Tyson Spink, F Tylor Spink, F Darcy Murphy, F Mike Borkowski
Key Losses from last season: None
Minnesota Prospects: N/A
Minnesota Prospects: N/A
Jonny Brodzinski |
2013-14 Record: 22-11-5, NCAA Tournament
Conference: NCHC
Last NCAA Title: N/A
Top Returning Scorers: F Jonny Brodzinski, F Kalle Kossila, F David Morley, F Joey Benik, F Jimmy Murray,
Key Losses from last season: D Kevin Gravel, F Nic Dowd, G Ryan Faragher
Minnesota Prospects: Jake Wahlin, Mitch Slattery, Ryan Poehling, Jack Poehling, Nick Poehling, Jimmy Schuldt, Zach Driscoll, Judd Peterson, Blake Winiecki
Minnesota Prospects: Jake Wahlin, Mitch Slattery, Ryan Poehling, Jack Poehling, Nick Poehling, Jimmy Schuldt, Zach Driscoll, Judd Peterson, Blake Winiecki
Justin Buzzeo |
2013-14 Record: 29-11-3, NCAA Tournament
Conference: WCHA
Last NCAA Title: N/A
Top Returning Scorers: F Justin Buzzeo, F Kyle Schempp, D Jason Binkley,
Key Losses from last season: D Scott Czarnowczan, F Garrett Thompson, C Cory Kane
Minnesota Prospects: N/A
Minnesota Prospects: N/A
Adam Chapie |
2013-14 Record: 26-11-4, NCAA Tournament
Conference: Hockey East
Last NCAA Title: N/A
Top Returning Scorers: F Adam Chapie, D Christian Folin, D Zack Kamrass
Key Losses from last season: F Joseph Pendenza, F Derek Arnold, F Josh Holmstrom
Minnesota Prospects: Chris Forney, Lucas Kohls, C.J. Smith,
Minnesota Prospects: Chris Forney, Lucas Kohls, C.J. Smith,
Matt Leitner |
2013-14 Record: 26-14-1, NCAA Tournament
Conference: WCHA
Last NCAA Title: N/A
Top Returning Scorers: F Matt Leitner, F Jean-Paul Lafontaine, F Bryce Gervais, D Zach Palmquist, F Zach Stepan,
Key Losses from last season: F Johnny McInnis, F Zach Lehrke
Minnesota Prospects: Hunter Warner, Max Coatta, C.J. Franklin, Josh French, Jason Krych, Eli May,
Minnesota Prospects: Hunter Warner, Max Coatta, C.J. Franklin, Josh French, Jason Krych, Eli May,
Sam Anas |
2013-14 Record: 24-10-6, NCAA Tournament
Conference: ECAC
Last NCAA Title: N/A
Top Returning Scorers: F Sam Anas, F Matthew Peca, F Travis St. Denis, F Bryce Van Brabant
Key Losses from last season: D Zach Tolkinen, F Kellen Jones, F Connor Jones, F Jordan Samuels-Thomas
Minnesota Prospects: Vince Pedrie, Bo Pieper, Canon Pieper,
Minnesota Prospects: Vince Pedrie, Bo Pieper, Canon Pieper,
Ross Mauermann |
2013-14 Record: 22-11-6, NCAA Tournament
Conference: Hockey East
Last NCAA Title: N/A
Top Returning Scorers: F Ross Mauermann, F Nick Saracino, C Mark Jankowski, C Noel Acciari, F Shane Luke,
Key Losses from last season: D Steven Shamanski, F Derek Army,
Minnesota Prospects: N/A
Minnesota Prospects: N/A
Mario Lucia |
2013-14 Record: 23-15-2, NCAA Tournament
Conference: Hockey East
Last NCAA Title: N/A
Top Returning Scorers: F Mario Lucia, F Vince Hinostroza, F Sam Herr,
Key Losses from last season: D Stephen Johns, D Shayne Taker, F T.J. Tynan, F Bryan Rust, F Jeff Costello,
Minnesota Prospects: Dylan Malmquist, Connor Hurley, Bo Brauer, Tony Bretzman, Jordan Gross, Matt Hellickson,
Minnesota Prospects: Dylan Malmquist, Connor Hurley, Bo Brauer, Tony Bretzman, Jordan Gross, Matt Hellickson,
Ryan Dzingel |
2013-14 Record: 18-14-5,
Conference: Big 10
Last NCAA Title: N/A
Top Returning Scorers: F Ryan Dzingel, F Max McCormick, F Tanner Fritz, F Nick Oddo, F Nick Schilkey,
Key Losses from last season: F Alex Szczechura,
Minnesota Prospects: Jack Daugherty, Tyler Nanne, Miguel Fidler, John Wiltala,
Minnesota Prospects: Jack Daugherty, Tyler Nanne, Miguel Fidler, John Wiltala,
Josh Archibald |
2013-14 Record: 17-18-2,
Conference: NCHC
Last NCAA Title: N/A
Top Returning Scorers: F Josh Archibald, F Dominic Zombo, F Jake Guentzel, D Nick Seeler
Key Losses from last season: D Michael Young, F Ryan Walters, F Brock Montpetit,
Minnesota Prospects: Avery Peterson, Luc Snuggerud, Steven Spinner, Phil Beaulieu, Jack McNeely, Jake Montgomery, Jake Randolph, Tyler Vesel,
Minnesota Prospects: Avery Peterson, Luc Snuggerud, Steven Spinner, Phil Beaulieu, Jack McNeely, Jake Montgomery, Jake Randolph, Tyler Vesel,
Caleb Herbert |
2013-14 Record: 16-16-4,
Conference: NCHC
Last NCAA Title: 2011
Top Returning Scorers: F Caleb Herbert, F Justin Crandall, F Kyle Osterberg, F Alex Iafallo, C Tony Cameranesi, D Andy Welinski, F Dom Toninato,
Key Losses from last season: F Joe Basaraba
Minnesota Prospects: Joey Anderson, Mikey Anderson, Nick Swaney, Karson Kuhlman, Neal Pionk, Nick Wolff, Jared Bethune, Blake Heinrich, Adam Johnson, Nick McCormack, Hunter Miska, Kobe Roth, Jared Thomas, Riley Tufte,
Minnesota Prospects: Joey Anderson, Mikey Anderson, Nick Swaney, Karson Kuhlman, Neal Pionk, Nick Wolff, Jared Bethune, Blake Heinrich, Adam Johnson, Nick McCormack, Hunter Miska, Kobe Roth, Jared Thomas, Riley Tufte,
Nic Kerdiles |
2013-14 Record: 24-11-2, NCAA Tournament
Conference: Big 10
Last NCAA Title: 2006
Top Returning Scorers: F Nic Kerdiles, D Jake McCabe, F Joseph LaBate, D Kevin Schulze, F Grant Besse, G Joel Rumpel
Key Losses from last season: D Joe Faust, D Frankie Simonelli, F Tyler Barnes, F Mark Zengerle, F Michael Mersch, F Jefferson Dahl
Minnesota Prospects: Brock Boeser, Matt Freytag, Max Zimmer, Cullen Hurley,
Minnesota Prospects: Brock Boeser, Matt Freytag, Max Zimmer, Cullen Hurley,
Bonus:
#17 Connecticut Huskies
Shawn Pauly |
2013-14 Record: 18-14-4,
Conference: Atlantic Hockey
Last NCAA Title: N/A
Top Returning Scorers: F Shawn Pauly, F Trevor Gerling, F Brent Norris, F Pat Kirtland, D Jacob Poe
Key Losses from last season: F Billy Latta, F Brant Harris, F Jordan Sims,
Minnesota Prospects: Will Garin, Spencer Naas, Johnny Austin
Minnesota Prospects: Will Garin, Spencer Naas, Johnny Austin
Final 16 NCAA Tournament Prediction
1. Minnesota
2. Boston College
3. Ferris State
4. North Dakota
5. Colgate
6. Union (N.Y)
7. St. Cloud State
8. Minnesota State-Mankato
9. Quinnipiac
10. Notre Dame
11. Wisconsin
12. Providence
13. UMass-Lowell
14. Ohio State
15. Minnesota-Duluth
16. Connecticut
Have a Wonderful Summer Hockey Fans!!
Twitter: @AVJ21
Instagram: Aaron Morem