ECH Regular Season Preview: Atlantic
written By Alex Berger - October 7th, 2023Respect The Atlantic. That's one of our mantras here at Everything College Hockey and something we believe that every college hockey fan should live by. Yes, schools in the Atlantic may not always have the future NHL stars or the name recognition of a blue blood; but they do have die-hard fans, electric stadium atmospheres, and play some of the toughest hockey you'll find anywhere in the country.
A big addition to the conference this season is the return of Robert Morris University. The Colonials will play their first season since 2020-'21, after rallying fans from across the country to raise money to save their program.
Will RIT repeat as regular season champs? Does Canisius have the roster to run it back for another postseason championship? Can Air Force and Bentley take a step out of the bottom of the conference this year? Here's everything you need to know about the 11 Atlantic Hockey teams heading into the 2023 season.
ECH Preseason Poll (First Place Votes)
1. RIT (4)
2. Canisius (2)
3. AIC
4. Sacred Heart (2)
5. Army
6. Holy Cross
7. Niagara
8. Air Force
9. Mercyhurst
10. Robert Morris
11. Bentley
Pick for Postseason Champion: Canisius (3)
Others Receiving Votes: AIC (2), Sacred Heart (2), and RIT (1)
- Air Force Falcons
Record/Conference Finish: 12-22-2; 10th in Regular Season, DNQ in Postseason
Goals/Game: 2.64/game (T-37th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 3.56/game (T-57th)
Power Play: 15.8% (48th)
Penalty Kill: 81.5% (T-26th)
Three Biggest Returners: Luke Rowe (Defenseman; 7 goals - 17 assists - 24 points, led team in PPG), Clayton Cossentino (Forward; 6-15-21, led team with three GWG), and Guy Blessing (Goaltender; 6-8-1 in 15 games, 3.23 GAA, .889 SV%)
Three Biggest Departures: Willie Reim (Forward; 11-15-26, led team in points), Brandon Koch (Defenseman; 6-18-24, led team in assists), and Austin Park (Goaltender; 2-6-0 in 10 games, 3.10 GAA)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming Freshman Owen Baumgartner (Defenseman; 10-31-41 in 44 games in NAHL in 2022-'23)
Season Outlook -
Looking back at last year, it's almost like Air Force had four different seasons in one. From the start of the season to mid-November the Falcons went 6-5-2, including some good wins over Colorado College and RIT. Following that they went on a 1-11-0 skid, which included a nine-game losing streak. Then to end the season, they posted a 6-3-0 record in February, before losing their last five games to finish the year.
If Air Force looks to take a step out of the basement of the Atlantic, they'll need to avoid the losing streaks from last season. Luckily, their top goaltending duo from last year is returning and looks to bring some consistency to the position. Junior Guy Blessing (6-8-1, 3.23 GAA) and senior Maiszon Balboa (4-6-0, 3.07 GAA) posted 10 of the Falcons' 12 wins last season, and played in a combined 28 of the team's 36 games.
There will be a bit of turnover this year, but unlike a lot of teams in college hockey this season, it won't be through the transfer portal. The Falcons are not bringing any transfers in this year, and will certainly feel the loss of defenseman Brandon Koch. The graduate senior is transferring to Minnesota-State Mankato last season after leading Air Force in assists last year. Instead, the Falcons will bring in an 11-man freshman class, highlighted by defenseman Owen Baumgartner. The Minnesota native was named captain of the Oklahoma Warriors last season and was the team's top-scoring defenseman, top plus/minus leader (+27), named to the first-team all-NAHL team, and led Oklahoma to their first-ever NAHL championship. Baumgartner should be an immediate playmaker for the Falcons this season, and a player to keep an eye on over the course of his college career.
- American International Yellow Jackets
Record/Conference Finish: 18-14-6; 2nd in Regular Season, T-5th in Postseason
Goals/Game: 3.18/game (T-14th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.54/game (T-14th)
Power Play: 81.7% (25th)
Penalty Kill: 20.6% (24th)
Three Biggest Returners: Jordan Biro (Forward; 11 goals - 20 assists - 31 points, led team in assists), Dustin Manz (Forward; 10-13-23, five PPG), and Alexandros Aslanidis (Goalie; 8-3-1, 2.14 GAA, .923 SV%)
Three Biggest Departures: Blake Bennett (Forward; 22-13-35, led team in goals/points, eight PPG), Jarrett Fiske (Goalie; 10-8-6, 2.38 GAA, .923 SV%), and Nicholas Cardelli (Forward; 11-11-22, +14 plus/minus, five PPG)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Transfer Graduate Senior Logan Jenuwine (Forward; 3-3-6 in 17 games at Lake Superior in 2022-'23, 20 points in 2021-'22)
Season Outlook -
An upset in the Atlantic Hockey postseason tournament derailed an impressive season for American International last year, who missed the NCAA tournament for the first time in five years. Luckily for Yellow Jackets' fans, the team should be a year older and stronger, especially on the back end. Five of their top seven defensemen (Stella, Kramer, Callahan, Rickard, and Sommerville) are returning for the 2023 season. Those five not only combined for 77 points last season, but each played in 30 or more games.
That kind of experience will pair nicely with one of their top returning goaltenders, Alexandros Aslanidis (8-3-1, 2.14 GAA, .923 SV%), who posted great numbers in his limited role last season. Aslanidis should get some competition from transfer junior Cole Hudson, who's played in just two games during his two seasons at Vermont, but could take the reins as American International's starting goaltender this season.
If everything clicks on the defensive side, the Yellow Jackets may need to score three goals a night to win, something they averaged last season (3.18 goals/game). Leading the charge offensively is senior forward Jordan Biro who posted a career year in 2022-'23. The Alberta native dished a team-leading 20 assists and scored 11 goals, both career highs. Also keep an eye on graduate senior Dustin Manz, who tallied 23 total points and five power play goals last season, and incoming transfer Logan Jenuwine. The latter posted just six points in 17 games last season for Lake Superior State, but 20 in a full season the year before that. Jenuwine has had a rocky collegiate career [including when he was dismissed from Arizona State University for a team violation his freshman year], but he has the talent and the size (6'3", 205 lbs) to right the ship and make a real impact for American International this season.
AIC's non-conference schedule has some great matchups this year, including a home-and-home series against Quinnipiac and road series at Penn State right away in October. Those should be great tests before the gauntlet of the Atlantic begins.
- Army Black Knights
Record/Conference Finish: 14-19-4; 5th in Regular Season, T-5th in Postseason
Goals/Game: 2.65/game (T-37th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 3.22/game (T-44th)
Power Play: 20.9% (T-21st)
Penalty Kill: 81.8% (T-22nd)
Three Biggest Returners: Joey Baez (Forward; 21 goals - 7 assists - 28 points, 12 PPG, led team in goals), Max Itagaki (Forward; 4-29-33, led team in assists and points), and Gavin Abric (Goalie; 7-14-3, 3.23 GAA, .901 SV% in 25 games)
Three Biggest Departures: John Karanen (Forward; 11-17-28, led team with four GWG), Anthony Firriolo (Defenseman; 5-24-29, second in points, 4 PPG), and Brett Abdelnour (Forward; 10-14-24, second in power play goals)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming Freshman Brent Keefer (Forward; 19-28-47 in 52 games in NAHL in 2021-'22)
Season Outlook -
After beginning last season 1-8-1, Army turned it around to post a respectable 12-12-2 conference record and 5th place finish in the Atlantic. Despite 19 total losses on the season, the Black Knights played every team tough. 11 of their 37 games (30%) went to overtime last season, including nine games against Atlantic Hockey opponents.
Their schedule this season includes an exciting slate of non-conference opponents and a favorable draw of Atlantic Hockey series'. To begin the year, Army hosts Union before playing in the Ice Breaker with road games against North Dakota and Bemidji State in back-to-back nights. Other opponents include Penn State, Merrimack, and UMass-Lowell. All of those games will be a good matchup against some high-end teams in a variety of conferences. To finish out the year, Army plays 11 of their last 18 games at home (including 9 of their last 14 conference games).
Last year, Army was led by Joey Baez (21-7-28) and Max Itagaki (4-29-33) in scoring. The top two right wingers return this season after posting top-20 seasons nationally in goals (Baez, T-8th in NCAA) and assists (Itagaki, T-12th) respectively. Also returning is Ricky Lyle, who posted 13 goals, good for second-most on the team in 2022-'23. Oh, and one of their top incoming freshman is Brent Keefer; a 6'0", 170 lbs. forward who attended West Point last year, and posted 47 points in 52 games in the NAHL a year before that. It's a good reminder that these men, like those at Air Force, aren't just playing college hockey.
In net, starting goaltender Gavin Abric returns for his senior season after posting sub-par numbers in 2022. Although he tied for the team lead in wins (7), he posted nine more losses and averaged about 0.5 more goals/game than senior backup Justin Evenson. However, the fact that Abric played in nearly double the amount of games compared to his counterpart should prepare him well for a similar workload this season. Abric and a young defensive core [Army only has two upperclassmen defensemen] will be the x-factor in determining if they make their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.
- Bentley Falcons
Record/Conference Finish: 11-21-2; 9th in Regular Season, DNQ in Postseason
Goals/Game: 2.38/game (T-47th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 3.65/game (T-57th)
Power Play: 11.2% (60th)
Penalty Kill: 78.4% (T-43rd)
Three Biggest Returners: Nick Bochen (Defenseman; 5 goals - 15 assists - 20 points), Connor Hasley (Goalie; 6-10-2, 2.95 GAA, .910 SV% in 20 games), and Stephen Castagna (Forward; 7-8-15, 2 PPG)
Three Biggest Departures: Nicholas Niemo (Forward; 8-14-22, led team in points), Dylan Pitera (Forward; 9-5-14, led team in goals), and Lucas Vanroboys (Forward; 4-16-20, led team in assists)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming Freshman Chase Davis (Forward; 19-38-57 in 60 games in NAHL in 2022-'23)
Season Outlook -
Behind first-year coach Andy Jones, Bentley looks to rebound after their third-straight losing season. Jones replaces Ryan Soderquist, who led the Falcons for over two decades and posted a 277-377-85 career record. The biggest test for Jones will be rebuilding his team's special teams game. Last season, Bentley posted a below average penalty kill (78.4%) and abysmal power play (11.2%).
To make matters worse, the Falcons were hit hard in the transfer portal this offseason. Team-leading point scorer Nicholas Niemo (22 points) and Harrison Scott (15) left to Maine together, while Lucas Vanroboys (20) transferred to Massachusetts. In total, Bentley will have to place the point production of four of their top five scorers from last season. Only one player who scored more than five goals in 2022-'23, sophomore forward Stephen Castagna, is returning this year.
If Bentley can take a step forward, it all starts on the back end. Goaltender Connor Halsey returns for his sophomore season after posting decent numbers (2.95 GAA, .901 SV%) in his starting role last year. In front of him is a solid cast of returning, albeit small, defensemen. The average size of a Bentley defenseman this year is 5' 11.5", 183 lbs., but only two of them are freshman. The Falcons' defense will need to be relied upon heavily throughout the season, especially during the first couple of months as the young forwards work to fill the point production that left from last year.
- Canisius Golden Griffins
Record/Conference Finish: 20-19-3 in Regular Season; 4th in Regular Season, 1st in Postseason
Goals/Game: 2.81/game (T-28th)
Goals Against/Game: 2.83/game (T-29th)
Power Play: 22% (16th)
Penalty Kill: 77.6% (T-47th)
Three Biggest Returners: David Melargani (Defenseman; 4 goals - 21 assists - 25 points, led team in assists), Randy Hernandez (Forward; 8-13-21, top returning goal scorer), and Jackson Decker (Defenseman; 3-17-20)
Three Biggest Departures: Keaton Mastrodonato (Forward; 16-20-36, led team in points), Ryan Miotto (Forward; 17-18-35, led team in goals, PPG [8], and GWG [5]), and Jacob Barczewski (Goalie; 16-15-1, 2.64 GAA, .918 SV% in 32 games)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Transfer Senior David Fessenden (Goalie; 7-14-1, 2.65 GAA, .911 SV% in 25 at New Hampshire in 2022-'23)
Season Outlook -
Three minutes into the second period of last year's Midwest Regional semifinal, graduate senior forward Nick Bowman scored one of the prettiest goals of the NCAA Tournament and put Canisius up 2-1 on the #1 team in the country. That was however, before Minnesota scored eight-straight goals to advance to the regional final, but you could tell there was something in the air for head coach and "Friend of the Pod" Trevor Large and his team. Canisius qualified to the tournament for the first time in 10 years after winning the Atlantic Hockey postseason tournament, and look to build on that success this season.
Large will have to do that with a reloaded roster, as the Golden Griffins brought in eight transfers and four freshman. Those players, including goaltender David Fessenden from New Hampshire (2.65 GAA, .911 SV%), will have to play a big role immediately. Fessenden takes over Jacob Barczewski, who himself transferred to Michigan after he was in net for 16 of Canisius' 20 wins from a season ago. Canisius will also miss forwards Keaton Mastrodonato and Ryan Miotto who combined for 71 points. Miotto chose to transfer to Vermont for his graduate senior season, while Mastrodonato signed with the Dallas Stars organization.
Thankfully for the Griffs, they are bringing back a good amount of scoring with David Melargani & Jackson Decker at the point, alongside Randy Hernandez and Atlantic Hockey newcomer Griffin Loughran. Griffin seems like the ultimate Griff for obvious reasons, and he is looking to return to his Sophomore form where he posted 23 goals and 16 assists for Northern Michigan in 2020.
From a statistical standpoint, Canisius could improve a step beyond just replacing the goals and assist lost from last year's roster. In 2022-'23, they were 37th in the nation in faceoff win percentage (48.9%), 49th in Corsi (45.2%) which tracks the number of shot attempts taken and lost, and T-45th in shots on goal per game (27.2/game). All of those stats translate to a team that needs to posses the puck more if they want another chance at the NCAAs.
- Holy Cross Crusaders
Record/Conference Finish: 17-21-3; 7th in Regular Season, 2nd in Postseason
Goals/Game: 2.39/game (T-47th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.90/game (T-32nd)
Power Play: 14.9% (50th)
Penalty Kill: 82.4% (16th)
Three Biggest Returners: Jack Ricketts (Forward; 16 goals - 16 assist - 32 points, led team in points, tied for team lead in assists), Liam McLinskey (Forward; 21-4-25, led team in goals, 6 GWG, 6 PPG), and Jason Grande (Goalie; 12-7-1, 2.33 GAA, .911 SV%)
Three Biggest Departures: Nick Hale (Defenseman; 7-10-17, 120 career games, Captain), Alex Peterson (Forward; 5-14-19, fourth in points, Assistant Captain), and Grayson Constable (Forward; 6-6-12, Assistant Captain)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming Freshman Will Elias (Defenseman; 5-20-25 in 52 games in BCHL in 2022-'23)
Season Outlook -
Last year, Holy Cross had one of the biggest underdog runs of the season After starting the year 9-16-1, the Crusaders posted an 8-5-2 second-half record to qualify for the Atlantic Hockey postseason tournament. During the playoffs as the #7 seed, Holy Cross upset both American International and RIT on the road to make it to the championship game. The cinderella story ended there, however, as the Crusaders were shut out by Canisius 3-0.
It can't be understated how important leadership is when making that kind of run, which is why it's worth nothing that three of the four Holy Cross captains (C Nick Hale [17 points] and A's Alex Peterson [19] and Grayson Constable [12]) transferred schools this offseason.
The only returning C is captain Jack Ricketts, who led the Crusaders with 32 points last season. The Ontario native really jumped from his sophomore to junior season, increasing his point production from 0.51 to 0.78 points/game. Up front, Ricketts is joined by 20+ goal scorer Liam McLinskey. The junior scored 21 last year, tied for the eighth best in the country.
An optimistic look on this year's Holy Cross team was their great run to end last season, coming just one game short of their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2006. They'll need to bring that momentum into the start of the season, which includes matchups against Connecticut, UMass-Lowell, and Quinnipiac during the first-half schedule. There are some questions marks that remain however, including who will take the reins at starting goaltender and how new assistant captains Tyler Ghiardosi, Jack Robilotti, and Jake Higgins will step up into their leadership roles.
- Mercyhurst Lakers
Record/Conference Finish: 10-23-3; 8th in Regular Season, T-5th in Postseason
Goals/Game: 2.72/game (T-35th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 3.39/game (T-51st)
Power Play: 11.0% (61st)
Penalty Kill: 81.6% (25th)
Three Biggest Returners: Mickey Burns (Forward; 11 goals - 7 assists - 18 points), Steven Argiogianis (Forward; 4-15-19, top returning point scorer), and Dustin Geregach (Defenseman; 3-10-13, one of four players with double-digit assists)
Three Biggest Departures: Eric Esposito (Forward; 17-15-32, led team in goals/points), Rylee St. Onge (Forward; 8-7-15, Captain), and Tyler Harmon (Goalie; 6-16-2-2, 3.16 GAA, .915 SV% in 24 games)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming Freshman Trent Sambrook (Defenseman; 11-41-52 in 56 games in MJHL in 2022-'23)
Season Outlook -
It was a season to forget both on and off the ice for Mercyhurst last year. Yes, the Lakers only won one nonconference game and finished the year on a 4-13-1 skid, but it was the headlines away from the ice that gave the team a bad look. Back in March, the team suspended junior forward Carson Briere indefinitely after he was recorded pushing a woman's wheelchair down a flight of stairs. The video went viral, which put Briere, Mercyhurst, and college hockey as a whole in a bad light. Briere was eventually charged and signed a professional contract with a team in Slovakia. Hopefully his decision to leave the program allows Mercyhurst to move on from the incident and work to improve their team's culture.
Looking ahead at the 2023 season, the Lakers will need to improve in one-goal games (they went 4-10 in such games last year) and in their second-period play. In the latter, Mercyhurst was outscored 26-46 in the middle frame compared to a 34-32 mark in the first and 36-37 mark in the third. If those numbers are flipped, the Lakers could have easily been playing for a .500 or better record in March instead of fighting to make the postseason tournament (which they made).
Mercyhurst was another Atlantic Hockey team who took their lumps in the transfer portal this offseason. Their two captains, Rylee St. Onge (15 points) and Joseph Maziarz (6), both entered the portal alongside defensemen Cade Townend (15) and forward Johnathan Bendorf (13). Oh, and team-leading point scorer Eric Esposito (32) graduated after nearly doubling his career point total. The former New Hampshire Wildcat posted 19 points in four years there before scoring 17 goals and 15 assists last year. Look to senior forward Mickey Burns to pick up some of that scoring right away to begin the season.
- Niagara Purple Eagles
Record/Conference Finish: 19-18-2; 6th in Regular Season, T-3rd in Postseason
Goals/Game: 2.98/game (23rd in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 3.23/game (44th)
Power Play: 17.9% (39th)
Penalty Kill: 79.3% (37th)
Three Biggest Returners: Shane Ott (Forward; 10 goals - 18 assists - 28 points), Carter Randklev (Forward; 13-11-24), and Jay Ahearn (Forward; 7-9-16, named captain for 2023-'24)
Three Biggest Departures: Casey Carreau (Forward; 10-21-31, led team in points), Ryan Cox (Forward; 14-14-28, led team in goals), and Chad Veltri (Goalie; 18-16-3, 2.78 GAA, .906 SV% in 37 games)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Transfer Graduate Senior Jarrett Fiske (Goalie; 10-8-6, 2.38 GAA, .923 SV% in 24 games at American International in 2022-'23)
Season Outlook -
Niagara was just one period away from advancing to the Atlantic Hockey title game last year, but gave up two third-period goals to lose 4-2 to the eventual champions Canisius. The result was a culmination of an ineffective season in the final frame. The Purple Eagles were outscored 52-33 in the third despite getting the shots on goal numbers close (347 shots for, 391 against). Playing close in the third should be a point of emphasis for Niagara heading into this year.
There are some positive statistics to build on from last year though. The Purple Eagles were 10-4 in one-goal games, were 6-2-0 in nonconference regular-season games, and posted a .500 record in road games.
Niagara welcomes in just under a dozen new student-athletes to the team this year, including five transfers. That includes a reunited pair of brothers, Connor and Luke Mylymok, who come into western New York from Alaska and Minnesota-Duluth respectively. Despite posting just 14 totals points in three years at Duluth, Luke will always be considered a hero by Bulldogs fans for scoring the game-winning goal in the 5th overtime against North Dakota in the Midwest Regional Final in 2021. Connor was solid as a forward for Alaska with 14 points in two years, but will need to cut back on the penalty minutes. He was charged for 83 in just 29 games last season.
A couple of potential question marks on the roster have been answered, at least in terms of the depth chart. One of their biggest was at starting goaltender. The Purple Eagles lost Chad Veltri, last year's starting goaltender, to Robert Morris -- but they are gaining a different Atlantic Hockey goalie in Jarrett Fiske from American International (2.36 GAA, .923 SV%). On offense, Shane Ott seems to be the most set up for success. The junior posted 18 points as a freshman and 28 last year. With the Purple Eagles leading goal scorer (Ryan Cox) and point scorer (Casey Carreau) both graduating after last season, Ott is set up for a big third-year jump.
- RIT Tigers
Record/Conference Finish: 25-13-1; 1st in Regular Season, T-3rd in Postseason
Goals/Game: 3.26/game (T-9th)
Goals Against/Game: 2.56/game (T-16th)
Power Play: 20.1% (28th)
Penalty Kill: 87.5% (2nd)
Three Biggest Returners: Carter Wilkie (Forward; 14-26-40, led team in points), Gianfranco Cassaro (Defenseman; 14-18-32, +19 plus/minus rating), and Aiden Hansen-Bukata (Defenseman; 2-30-32, led team in assists, +19)
Three Biggest Departures: Kobe Walker (Forward; 12-11-23, team-leading 8 PPG, Captain), Andrew Petrucci (Forward; 3-5-8, Captain), and Matt Kellenberger (Defenseman; 3-6-9)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming Freshman Christian Catalano (Forward; 30-27-57 in 59 games in NAHL in 2022-'23)
Season Outlook -
The Tigers were hit with an upset in the postseason tournament after a fantastic regular season, including winning their first regular-season title since 2011. RIT went 18-7-1 in conference play, good for 10 points better in the standings than second-place AIC, but lost to Holy Cross in the Atlantic Hockey semifinals., derailing a great chance at an NCAA Tournament bid.
Luckily for RIT fans, the Tigers are returning a lot of their roster from last year, including 11 of their top 12 scorers, six of their eight defensemen, and their starting goaltender. They have some of the most consistency on both ends of the ice returning in the Atlantic, and debatably should be even better this season.
Although they are getting back a 40-point scorer in junior Carter Wilkie (14-26-40), RIT's strength is on the defensive line. Leading the way are seniors and assistant captains Gianfranco Cassaro and Aiden Hansen-Bukata. The pair combined for 64 total points and a +38 plus/minus rating in 76 combined games in 2022-'23. That pairing may be one of the best in college hockey this year. And not only does this defensive group have skill, but the Tigers have some real size on the blue line. They have three defensemen who are 6'3" this season, two of which they are bringing in as freshmen.
Yes, RIT is set up for another great conference run in the Atlantic, but they have some great nonconference games on the schedule this year too. They'll appear in the Ledyard Classic in late December with Dartmouth, Maine, and Lake Superior State, and also have scheduled games against Notre Dame and New Hampshire. RIT definitely should be on the radar of college hockey fans this season.
- Robert Morris Colonials
Record/Conference Finish: N/A
Goals/Game: N/A
Goals Against/Game: N/A
Power Play: N/A
Penalty Kill: N/A
Three Biggest Returners: (From 2020-'21): Carson Hebert (Forward; 3-3-6 in 15 games), Gavin Gulash (Forward; 1-4-5 in 22 games), and Matt Hutton (Forward; 0-0-0 in 2 games)
Three Biggest Departures: N/A
Top Offseason Acquisition: Transfer Graduate Senior Rylee St. Onge (Forward; 8-7-15 in 24 games at Merychust in 2022-'23)
Season Outlook -
Robert Morris returns to college hockey from a two-year hiatus after fans from across the country had to literally raise the money to save the program. The Colonials last played in the 2020-'21 season and posted a respectable 15-9-0 record, good for 3rd in the Atlantic. There will be some rust, unfortunately, and time for the team to gel together. Just six players from 2020-'21 are on this years roster. Those half-dozen combined for just 11 total points in 39 games in their freshman/redshirt that season. And to fill out the rest of the roster, Robert Morris is bringing in 23 new players; 10 transfers and 13 freshman. That incoming slate of freshmen will be a key part in rebuilding the Colonials' program over the next three to four years.
Before we look ahead at a rebuilt program, however, Robert Morris still has to play this season. There are a handful of good transfers coming in, led by forward Rylee St. Onge and goaltender Chad Veltri, who were each brought to play key roles for this RMU squad. St. Onge scored eight goals and was a captain at Mercyhurst last season, while Veltri comes in after winning 18 games with a 2.78 GAA at Niagara.
On the ice, I expect RMU to play with a bit of an edge out of the gate. Not only have they not played for two seasons, but five of their first seven matchups this year are conference games. Usually those games are a bit more physical and intense, which should be a great re-introduction to college hockey. It's a great thing for the game to have them back, but there's a chance it could be a struggle for them right away.
- Sacred Heart Pioneers
Record/Conference Finish: 17-17-3; 3rd in Regular Season, T-5th in Postseason
Goals/Game: 2.89/game (T-24th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 3.03/game (T-38th)
Power Play: 16.2% (44th)
Penalty Kill: 80.7% (T-31st)
Three Biggest Returners: Kevin Lombardi (Forward; 12-12-24, led team with three GWG), Braeden Tuck (Forward; 5-15-20, captain), and Conner Hutchinson (Defenseman; 3-17-20, six penalty minutes in 34 games)
Three Biggest Departures: Neil Shea (Forward; 14-16-30, led team in goals/points, assistant captain), Austin Magera (Forward; 8-20-28, led team in assists, tied for team highest plus/minus rating [+6]), and Luke Lush (Goalie; 14-16-3, 2.69 GAA, .899 SV% in 35 games)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Transfer Graduate Senior T.J. Walsh (Forward; 7-10-17 in 35 games at Rensselaer in 2022-'23)
Season Outlook -
Sacred Heart is a program on the rise, just recently opening a brand-new $70-million dollar arena this past January. Everything College Hockey was there for the first game at Martire Family Arena, a stunning new facility on campus which has one of the best atmospheres anywhere in the country. Even though the Pioneers dropped that arena-opening game, they posted a respectable third-place finish in the Atlantic and their best season since 2019-'20.
The Pioneers will be young this season, bringing in seven freshmen and grabbing three other sophomores from the transfer portal. They also have one of the most crowded goaltending rooms in the conference, with four different players ranging from transfers (sophomore Chase Clark from Quinnipiac) to three-year players at SHU (graduate senior Justin Robbins). The latter played in 28 games for the Pioneers two season ago, and is the likely choice to take on most of the load early in the season.
Graduate senior forward Kevin Lombardi should again be a team leader. The assistant captain scored 12 goals and added another dozen assists last year, and is the highest returning point scorer on this year's Sacred Heart team. Also coming back on the right wing is graduate senior captain Braeden Tuck. The Calgary native posted 20 points last year and could be paired with Lombardi on the first line of first unit of the power play.
