Friday, June 20, 2014

Hockey Today: Previewing the 2014 Men's Ice Hockey Season

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.

Michael Parks

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

#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.

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

#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


#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.


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


#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.

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


#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.

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,


#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.


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,


#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.


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,


#11 Providence College Friars
 
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


#12 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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,


#13 Ohio State Buckeyes

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, 

#14 Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks

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,


#15 Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs

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,


#16 Wisconsin Badgers

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,

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

  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

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