With the hockey regular season beginning for some teams already, players and coaches alike are eager to start playing for real. The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association has begun its 12th season of play, with MSOE, Concordia, Marian, Lawrence  and Northland all having taken to the ice for regular-season games over the past two weeks.

The USCHO.com preseason poll was released October 26, and for the second-straight season, the MCHA has a Top 15 preseason selection. Adrian has come in at No. 6 – it’s highest-ever ranking - and also received one of the 20 first-place votes.

MSOE got things started quickly, sweeping a pair of league games from Concordia in a home-and-home series, posting victories of 9-1 and 5-1.

The league also had a nice showing in its non-conference games as well, as both Lawrence and Marian earned a win over UW-Eau Claire, with the Sabres winning, 5-3, followed by the Vikings earning a 3-2 decision.

No. 6 Adrian began its season with a tough exhibition against the US Nationals U-18 team, falling 3-2 in a shootout. Meanwhile, Northland and Lake Forest dropped their openers, falling to a pair of teams in the national rankings.

Players of the Week

Michael Soik	Evan Johnson	Brad Scurfield

Milwaukee School of Engineering junior forward Michael Soik (Stevens Point, Wis.) stepped up big in being named the MCHA Player of the Week. The mechanical engineering major tallied six points in the weekend sweep of the Falcons, scoring twice (one short-handed) while adding four assists. He finished +4 on the weekend.
Other nominees: Brendan Hull (Marian), Evan Johnson ( Lawrence )

Lawrence University Vikings junior goalkeeper Evan Johnson (Suwanee, GA) gives LU a great start to the season with a strong performance in net to earn the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors. The economics major stopped 32 of 34 shots against Eau Claire , including 15 in the second period alone.
Other nominees: Alex Bjerk (Marian), Michael Johnson (MSOE)

-Lawrence University Vikings freshman forward Brad Scurfield (Midland, Mich.) gives Lawrence two winners this week, scoring the game-tying goal against Eau Claire to help him earn MCHA Freshman of the Week honors.
Other nominees: Brendan Roberts (Marian), Jordan Keizer (MSOE)

The following are season previews for each MCHA team compiled by the SID offices.

Adrian College
The biggest news in the offseason for the Adrian College men's hockey program was the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA) being granted an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division III tournament for the first time. The Bulldogs have missed out on the playoffs for the past two years due to what has been considered a poor schedule despite putting together a record of 53-4-1 in their first two seasons of varsity hockey. If the team can put together another campaign of excellence in 2009-10, they will be given an opportunity to represent the conference. The Bulldogs know that gaining a three-peat of regular season and Harris Cup championships will not be an easy task.

"Our program has the same goals as the first two years," said head coach Ron Fogarty. "We want to get better everyday and win each time out. We want to win the MCHA and everything else will fall into place. I'm been asked about the automatic qualifier and if we would rest kids in certain situations. My answer has been "no", because every game still counts the same. If we are in position to once again win our conference, then being full throttle is the only way to achieve success." When asked about the team's mentality changing or them being nervous about a one-game situation, Fogarty responded "every game is paramount and one bounce can change everything. We know we have to take care of business for 60 minutes every time on the ice. Our best players will play every game and there will be no days off. I like that we are hosting the Harris Cup again this year. Our guys have worked hard to get to this point."

The news could not be much better for the Bulldogs as they only lost a few players from last season's roster who made a significant impact. Adam Krug, a 2007-08 Second Team All-American, will be missed on the first line. Krug played so well alongside Eric Miller and Shawn Skelly over the past two seasons. It seemed like they always knew where each other was on the ice. Krug played in 57 career games for the Bulldogs after transferring from Wayne State , a Division I program. He scored 52 goals and assisted on 77 others for a total of 129 points. He served 115 penalty minutes and had a +85 plus/minus rating with 20 power play goals and six short-handed tallies.

Mike Leone came over in the second half of last season after transferring from Utica College . Leone made a strong impact as a freshman with nine goals and 16 assists in 14 games for Adrian . He had a +19 plus/minus rating and also had three game-winners. Leone is currently playing for the top-ranked team in ACHA Division I, the Lindenwood Lions. Eric Bailen and Mike Fiorillo are also on longer with the team. Bailen played in just three games a year ago and was hampered by an injury which proved to be career ending. Fiorillo played in 14 games in 2008-09 and scored a pair of goals with three assists.

The team looks poised for another run at the conference hardware in 2009-10. Miller and Skelly return on the first line and will be joined by newcomer Zach Graham. Graham has big shoes to fill but his numbers last year as a member of the Thorold Blackhawks of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) speak volumes. He played in 47 games and tallied 102 points to lead the league in scoring. He had 38 goals and 64 assists. The 6' 0" forward from Palmerston , Ontario also had 91 penalty minutes.

Miller has been overshadowed at times by Krug and Skelly over the past two years, but his talent is second-to-none. He saw his goal production drop significantly between his freshman and sophomore seasons as the team's depth has grown. Miller led the team with 40 goals in 2007-08 and tallied 18 goals a year ago. He saw his assist numbers jump up to 33 and he totaled 51 points in 2008-09. Miller was slowed down by injury late in the season but still managed to play in 25 games. Miller has 120 career points in 53 games for Adrian and has scored 20 power play goals, five short-handed goals and six game-winners.

Skelly is the reigning MCHA Player of the Year and was named First Team All-West Region by USCHO.com as a sophomore. If you look at the shear numbers, Skelly actually was better as a freshman with 74 points, but scored huge goals in clutch moments all season long as a sophomore. He led Division III in goals with 30 and points per game with 2.40 in 2008-09. He has 139 career points in 58 games and has tallied 32 power play goals and 12 game-winners in his career.

On the second line, look for Kyle Watson and Mike Dahlinger to continue to show improvement. Dahlinger made a jump in production in his second year with the program and had 15 goals as a sophomore, which was a 10-goal increase from his freshman year. He finished the season with 40 points and a +34 plus/minus rating. Watson is a throwback player who brings toughness to the line. He totaled 13 points a year ago and served 57 penalty minutes. His 144 penalty minutes over the last two seasons are the most on the team. Andrew Dovey, a 6' 2" forward will be joining the line after playing for the Stoney Creek Warriors of the GOJHL in 2008-09. Dovey tallied 47 points in 39 games with 16 goals and is a native of Burlington , Ontario .

The third line features a trio of returners in Sam Kuzyk, Brad Houston and Mike Towns. Kuzyk saw his goal totals drop a year ago, but his assist numbers doubled to 24 as a sophomore. He has scored 28 career goals and has 64 points in 55 games. Houston has been a reliable player and showed more grit as a sophomore with 66 penalty minutes. He scored 17 goals and recorded 15 assists with a +25 plus/minus rating. Towns brings a physical presence to the line. He does a good job with puck possession and saw his numbers increase as a sophomore. Towns had five goals and 15 assists and was up six points from his freshman year. Towns has served 116 penalty minutes in 55 games as a Bulldog.

The fourth line brings together Drew Satterley with a pair of newcomers. Satterley is a physical force on the line and scored four goals with 45 penalty minutes as a sophomore. Blake Barkwell, a 6' 0" left winger from Winnipeg , Manitoba , sat out last season after playing previously for the Phoenix Polar Bears of the Western States Hockey League (WSHL). Barkwell tore it up offensively with 70 goals and 58 assists in 48 games. Jeff Young, a 5' 9" forward from Red Deer , Alberta , played a year ago for the Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) and was the second leading scorer on the team with 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in 65 games. Joel Workman, Eric Frieday and Mark Gertsakis are also back this season and will be pushing the forwards.

The defensive pairings feature five returners and one newcomer. Chris Stansik and Quinn Waller formed a formidable duo last season and will anchor the defensive again this season. Both were First Team All-MCHA selections a year ago and Waller served as team captain. Waller has set MCHA records for points by a defenseman during his first two seasons with the Bulldogs. He has 80 points with 11 goals and 69 assists in 58 career games for the black and gold. He tallied 34 points as a sophomore and had four power play goals and a +44 plus/minus rating. Stansik scored nine goals a year ago and added 23 assists. He has 66 career points in 57 games with a +84 plus/minus rating which is third best in the program's brief history.

Jeremy Klaver will likely be paired with newcomer Kyle Crawford this season. Klaver is a sound player who stays out of the box while still putting pressure on the opponent. He has scored seven goals in each of his first two years and tallied 19 points a year ago. He has nine power play goals in his career and is a +70 plus/minus in 55 games. Crawford is a 6' 2" native of Glencoe, Ontario who played for the Wellington Dukes of the Ontario Junior "A" Hockey League in 2008-09. Crawford played in 50 games for the Dukes and recorded 57 points with 19 goals and 38 assists. He also served 82 penalty minutes and was named the top defensemen in the Eastern conference in 2008. He also played in the OPJHL All-Star Game.

The third pairing features Bobby Hineman and a host of players competing for the other spot. Hineman saw action in 24 games a year ago and had 17 points. He served 33 penalty minutes and scored four power play goals. Rob Hodnicki, Zach Galia and Riley Hughes are likely the front runners for the final spot but are also being chased by Reed Renaud, Eric Roman and newcomers Shawn Courtney and Kyle Gallinger. Courtney is a brute who served 138 penalty minutes in 50 games for the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and Gallinger played for the Sarnia Blast of the Western Ontario Junior "B" League.

Brad Fogal is the clear-cut favorite in goal for the Bulldogs after a pair of fine seasons between the pipes. Fogal was named All-MCHA as a sophomore and set the single season record for wins. He has a 45-3-1 record in his first two years at Adrian with 10 shutouts and a 1.73 goals against average and .928 save percentage. Marc Stuart and Jeremy Cross will serve as backups this season. Stuart and Cross each saw limited time last year. Cross played in 10 games and made two starts. He allowed just two goals and made 38 saves while posting a shutout. Stuart saw time in five games and made 20 saves without allowing a goal.

The coaching staff underwent a change during the offseason as Matt Nicholson accepted a job as an assistant coach at Robert Morris University . In his place steps in Stavros Paskaris, who played his college hockey at Wayne State University and coached for Ohio University 's ACHA team. Paskaris is a native of Dearborn , Michigan and has a great knowledge and passion for the game along with deep ties to the state of Michigan .

Concordia University
Heading into his third season at the helm, CUW men’s hockey coach Tony Hrkac knows that his team needs to improve in all facets of the game after a 4-22-1 record in 2008. Concordia was 4-16-0 in the league, ahead of only Northland (1-18-1).

Top scorer Sam Aide is gone but Jon Smith (8 goals and 8 assists), and Niclas Soderberg (4 goals and 14 assists) return. Hrkac likes what he has seen of first year players Dustin Partacz and Brad Lukasz in terms of scoring potential.

The Falcon defense, very suspect one year ago, returns team leaders Jari Sanders, who scored 3 goals and added 12 assists, and Steve Panas (1 goal and 13 assists). Sanders and Panas were 5th and 6th in conference scoring among defensemen. Concordia, however, was last in the league in scoring defense, giving up an average of 5.5 goals per conference game.

"It will take us a while to get everyone on the same page, but we are collectively faster and more skilled than the past two years," said Hrkac. "I look for us to defend better and be in position to win games in the third period."

Finlandia University
The Finlandia University men’s hockey team is looking to improve upon their 10-13-2 overall record and fifth-place MCHA conference finish when they hit the ice for the 2009-2010 season. There is reason for optimism as the Lions return 18 letter winners, including goaltender Ryan Donovan and the top four scorers from a season ago. Top scorer and All- MCHA selection Quinn McIntosh returns to bolster the blue line and All-MCHA Freshman Team member James Neitsch leads a talented group of forwards. McIntosh tallied 3 goals and 19 assists for 22 points overall, finishing tenth in MCHA scoring and second among MCHA defensemen. Neitsch led the Lions with 11 goals and finished second in team scoring with 20 points. He also tied for first among MCHA freshman point-getters with 17. Donovan, a two-year starter between the pipes for the Lions returns after playing in 20 games and posting a 7-12-1 record with a 3.53 goals against average and .890 saves percentage. Also returning for the Lions are forwards Brandon VanAcker and Charlie Benik who finished third and fourth in team scoring respectively. VanAcker had 5 goals and 12 assists while Benik garnered 17 overall points including 4 goals and 13 assists.

The Lions are welcoming 7 newcomers in 2009-2010, including senior transfer Matt Marchel from the University of Minnesota-Crookston. Marchel was Crookston’s second leading scorer and one of the top-scoring defensemen in the MCHA. Marchel finished with 6 goals and 7 assists in 2008-2009.

Head coach Joe Burcar, in his ninth season behind the bench for the Lions points to special teams as an area in need of improvement. Despite finishing second in MCHA power play percentage at 18.7% and fifth in penalty kill percentage at 81.2%, Burcar would like to see those numbers go up. The 2008-2009 totals were some of the lowest numbers in team history. “Special teams cost us at least five games last year,” Burcar said. “I’d like to see us closer to 30% on the power play and 91-92% on our penalty kill.”

The Lions will open their season with home games against MCHA newcomer Lake Forest on November 6-7. The Lions will play three MIAC teams as non-conference opponents in 2009-2010. The Lions will travel south to play Gustavus Adolphus and St. Johns in December while Augsburg College will visit the Upper-Peninsula for the first time in early January.

Lake Forest College
The Lake Forest College men’s hockey team is all but starting over this season. The Foresters will begin play in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association after 17 years as a member of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association. In addition to a new set of opponents, the squad itself has also changed as just nine of the 25 varsity players were with the program in 2008-09.

One thing that has not changed for Forester men’s hockey is the coaching staff. Tony Fritz has been the team’s head coach since 1978 and is assisted by Ken Klein (18th year) and Seamus Gregory (2nd year). Fritz’s 31 years at Lake Forest are just one less than the other seven coaches in the league have at their institutions combined and he has 342 career victories to his credit.

Fritz will be looking for production and leadership on and off the ice from captain Adam Love and assistant captain Jason Taylor. The seniors have combined for 58 career points on 28 goals and 30 assists. Other returning forwards include fellow senior Peter Pfeffer (15 career points) and three players who transferred to the College last year – senior Sean Farley (15) and juniors Anthony Ventura (11) and Justin Maciuk (10). Eight freshman forwards will have opportunities to begin making an impact on the program right away.

Returning to the defensive corps are senior Nick Ghidina, junior Tyler Gross, and sophomore Joel Gard. The trio combined for four goals and six assists in 2008-09 and is joined by junior transfer Jordan Cutler. Four freshmen at the position will also look to contribute from the start.

Nowhere on the ice is there greater uncertainty for the Foresters than at goaltender, where three freshmen will compete for the chance to continue the fine play at the position (.911 save percentage over the last seven seasons) that has become a trademark of Forester hockey.

Lawrence University
The Lawrence University hockey team opens the 2009-10 season coming off its best campaign in school history and with a number of key returning players. The Vikings finished 16-11-1 a season ago and won the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Northern Division title.

“We feel we are more prepared than we have been the past couple of years at this point because of the significant amount of returning players on our roster,” Lawrence head coach Mike Szkodzinski said. “However, we won’t  know until the puck drops how losing the seniors from the previous season will affect the group as a whole. We are confident in our leadership group and looking forward to seeing them step forward and take ownership in this team.”

The defense starts with junior goaltender Evan Johnson, who led the nation with seven shutouts a season ago. He set school season records with a 13-9-1 record, a .918 save percentage and a 2.11 goals against average. The Vikings also return sophomore Brady Kain, who saw limited action last season, and have newcomer Michael Baldino.

“Evan Johnson has earned the No. 1 job with his play last year and his off-season work ethic,” Szkodzinski said. “He will be pushed this year by Mike Baldino and Brady Kain. We will need Evan to be as steady as last season if we expect to compete with the elite teams in our league.”

A strong corps of defensemen is led by senior captain Mike Ackley. The defenders allowed only 2.43 goals per game last season, which set a school record.

The Vikings also return junior defensemen Corey Garrett, Jon Sheridan and Pat Brenner and sophomores Jameson Raymond, Jesse Byam-Katzman, Jim Crowley, Chris Sims, Colin Smith and Reijo Wahlin. Raymond, who finished first among defensemen on the team with 16 points (four goals, 12 assists), was chosen for the MCHA All-Freshmen team.

“This group really adjusted well to the college level last year,” Szkodzinski said. “Led by Mike Ackley, they were steady and improved each day.  We hope to see this group continue on that path.”

The offense took a big hit with the graduation of the school’s career goals and points leader, Nick Jennette. The Vikings do return a number of talented forwards, led by senior Marc Howe, and welcome three newcomers to the group.

Howe, an All-MCHA selection during his career, finished tied for the team lead last season with 14 goals. He finished with 10 assists and 28 points. Howe has 46 goals for his career and is only three shy of breaking the school’s career record. He also has 84 points, just 20 away from breaking the school record.

Also back among the forwards are seniors Masa Takahashi and Jon Sacks, juniors Scott Minarcik, Jacob Esch and Joe Affinati and sophomores Ben DiMarco, Matt Hughes and Jonathan Bellotti.

New to the mix at forward are Sweden ’s Gustaf Ahlberg, Brad Scurfield and Michael Sorrenti.

“We struggled to score goals last year, and we lost Nick Jennette to graduation,” Szkodzinski said. “We feel that our forwards have speed, grit and the ability to score goals. It will be interesting to see who steps up when given more opportunity this year.”

Marian University
The Marian University men’s hockey team is excited to open the 2009-2010 season as they look to put last year’s season in the past. Head Coach Jasen Wise believes the Sabres have what it takes to compete in the competitive Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association this season and hopes a tough schedule early on will help them do just that.

Coach Wise noted that four (UW-Superior, Adrian College, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Eau Claire) of the first six teams the Sabres play this season finished the regular season in the top 18 of the USCHO.com Poll. Wise believes the tough competition will give the Sabres a good idea where they stand and will help prepare them for what looks to be a tough conference once again this season.

Marian also faces last year’s national runner-up, Gustavus Adolphus College , in their first series to begin the New Year.

Wise stated that a key to this year’s team will be more production from the blue line. “Getting more production from the blue line was a major priority this offseason. I believe we have added some depth there that will provide both skill level and physical play,” stated Wise. “We have a good idea what we will get from our forwards on the ice, but we have a young blue line, so it may take some time to see how the newcomers adjust to playing collegiate hockey,” commented Wise.

As for the MCHA, Wise stated he sees Lawrence University , Finlandia University and Marian being the preseason favorites to win the North Division. In the South, he stated Adrian College is the clear favorite, followed by MSOE and Lake Forest College .

Positional Breakdown
Goaltenders
Senior Cullen Caldwell ( Calgary , AB ) is the Sabres top returning goalie and will be the starter going into the season. Caldwell was a First Team All-MCHA selection his freshman year and Wise hopes he can back to that form again. Caldwell was 4-2-1 in eight games played a year ago. He had a .910 save percentage, to go along with a 2.44 goals-against-average.

Wise also expects freshman Alex Bjerk ( Roseau , MN ) to challenge Caldwell at some point in the season. Bjerk is the top incoming freshman goaltender and Wise is looking for him to compete everyday in practice and challenge for the #1 spot.

Justin Da Maa ( Waupun , WI ) is another new goaltender that will look to compete for time.

Defenders
Wise pointed out senior assistant captain, Ryan Hitchcock ( Butte , MT ) and freshman Tommy Fitzpatrick ( Ft. McMurray , AB ) as two defenders who have impressed the coaching staff in practice so far. Hitchcock scored 12 points (4G/8A) a year ago. He also scored three times on the power play.

Other defenders back for Marian are seniors Nick Henkemeyer ( Prior Lake , MN ) and Mitch Bye ( Burlington , ON ). Henkemeyer scored 8 points (3G/5A) a year ago, while scoring twice on the power play. Junior Zack Fray ( Cambridge , ON ) also returns.

Newcomers looking to make a difference for the Sabre defense this year are Nathan Brummitt (Calgary, AB) and Mitch Kriz ( Berwyn , IL ).

Forwards
Senior captain Jason Ford ( Milford , MI ) returns and has the forwards playing a high level early on noted Wise. Ford will start the season as the center on the opening line. Ford was second on the team in scoring last year with 19 points (6G/13A).

Junior assistant captain, Brendan Hull ( Calgary , AB ) also returns and Wise believes he’s ready to rebound from an injury-shortened sophomore season. He is currently playing with the top freshman forwards on the team in Dakota Dubetz ( Chestermore , AB ) and Brendan Roberts ( Calgary , AB ).

Wise also noted he expects a solid season out of another freshman Andy Kuchler ( Lomira , WI ), who is centering the second line.

Marian has great depth returning at the forward position as nine other players return. Senior Nick Cinquegrani ( Rolling Meadows , IL ) is back after a 15-point (5G/10A) junior season. He is currently 16th on the all-time scoring list at Marian with 68 points (31G/37A).

Juniors Todd Collins ( Whitby , ON ) and Randy Wills ( Flint , MI ) return to provide some quality experience. Collins was third on the team in scoring last season with 18 points (11G/7A). He led the team with 5 short-handed goals.

Marian has five sophomores returning, three of which were in the top five in scoring last season for the Sabres. Adam Freeman ( Wauwatosa , WI ) was named to the MCHA All-Rookie Team a year ago after leading the Sabres in scoring with 23 points (13G/10A). He led the team with six power-play goals. Lane Boswell ( Calgary , AB ) scored 18 points (11G/7A) a year ago, while Justin Cormier ( Calgary , AB ) added 17 points (7G/10A). Freshman Brian Pierpont ( Superior , WI ) will look to contribute for the Sabres as well.

Chris Thompson ( Woodbury , MN ) and Ryan Compeau (Romeo, MI) are Marian’s other returning sophomores. Thompson scored 11 points (4G/7A) in his rookie season.

MSOE
The MSOE Raiders finished the 2008-09 season with a 15-12-2 record and were second only to returning champion Adrian College . The 2009-10 Raiders hockey team features the same toughness and tenacity from last year’s team, which carried them into the Harris Cup final.

The 2009-10 edition of Raiders hockey will have the same toughness and tenacity that saw them through last year’s playoffs. Leadership will come through captains Stephen Smiddy ( Grand Rapids , Mich. / East Grand Rapids) and Michael Johnson ( Eagle River , Alaska / Chugiak). All conference selection Smiddy returns at the forward position while Johnson, one of the key Raider defensemen, returns for his second season in a Raider uniform after transferring from Division I Air Force Academy.

Scoring threats will come from Michael Soik ( Stevens Point , Wis. / SPASH) and Brock King ( Medicine Hat , Alberta / Medicine Hat High). The 5-10 junior forward Soik comes off a sophomore season filled with injuries that limited him to playing in only 17 games, scoring seven goals and nine assists; he recovered in time to be named to the MCHA All-Tournament team. King stepped in nicely in his rookie season, adding eleven goals (the most on the team) and eight assists and earning him MCHA all-freshman honors. “Brock (King) is always coming through with a timely goal,” said head coach Mark Ostapina. The defense will be anchored by Johnson and Michael Siergiej ( Eagle River , Wis. / Northland Pines). Last season Siergiej played in 28 games, scoring two goals and five assists.

Connor Toomey ( Burlington , Mass. / St. Sebastian’s) returns in goal for the Raiders. In his first season his 2.71 goals against average was 3rd in the conference and 42nd in the nation. He was also 3rd in the conference in save percentage with .905, and was the MCHA’s all-freshman goaltender selection.

From the 2008-09 lineup, the Raiders graduated five players including four-time all-MCHA defenseman Jason Woll. Woll recently had a tryout with the Milwaukee Admirals and will play again this season with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.

Outside of the conference, the Raiders face St. Thomas in St. Paul , Minn. on Dec. 11-12, and will compete in the Oswego Tournament on Jan. 2-3 in Oswego , New York . This year, a conference championship for the Raiders will mean a trip to the NCAA tournament as the MCHA receives an automatic bid for the 2010 season. To reach that goal, the Raiders must bust through a strong Adrian team, as well as formidable foes Finlandia, Lawrence, Marian and new MCHA opponent, Lake Forest . The Raiders will open the regular season in the Kern Center , October 30, against Concordia-Wisconsin.

Northland College
Northland College Hockey will begin its 12th season of NCAA Division III hockey and its 11th season competing in the MCHA conference.  The Jacks will look to build on previous seasons and are hopeful for a strong season.  “We are looking to take steps forward year after year and are hopeful that this year will be an exciting one.”  Fabiilli said.

Looking to help transition the hockey program will be a key group of returners along with some added talent in all positions.

Returning for the Jacks will be Junior Captain Chad Moore along with Senior Assistant Captain Matt Tanneberg and Junior Assistant Captain Shaun Newman, “we are looking at Chad ,Matt and Shaun to take on the leadership role for the hockey program this year, and I am very confident in all three and their capabilities” Fabiilli said.

On forward the Jacks return players Chad Moore, Jake Carlson, Josh Spiegel, Nick Matson, Ryan Pageau, Craig Turner, Bryan Kim, Josh Lopez, Brandon Gassi, Kyle Smythe and Erik Bachynsky.  The Jacks also return Matt Tanneberg, Brian Zwawa, Joe Belanger, and Shaun Newman on the blue line. Also returning will be Junior goalie Dan McIntosh and Sophomore goalie Kyle Finch   “All of our returners have one to two more years of experience which will help our program take steps forward.  We are still relatively young and have room to grow and mature, we look to our returners to build on their accomplishments from last year and continue to improve daily.  We actually have a lot of returners compared to years past and this should help our program as well.”  Fabiilli said

Joining the Jacks for their first season will be 11 new faces in, Kraig Wright, Nick Hewko, Colin McIntosh, Nick Doiron, Jamieson Webking, Matt Lindsay, David Manning, Austin Southerland, Andrew Efronson, Mattias Persson and Shane Buckley. “We have a pretty big class coming in to help the program move forward and look to these young guys to contribute and develop over the years.  All of these players have added depth in all three positions and we are excited about the class we have brought in.”  Fabiilli said

Schedule:
Five games against top NCAA teams and 12 home contests highlight the 2009-10 Northland hockey schedule. “I am very excited about our schedule for this season, we will be playing some tremendous competition in and out of conference,” Fabiilli said.

Northland will open up the season playing one non conference game at home against the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point on Oct. 28th and open up conference play at home Nov. 6th and 7th against MSOE.

This season the Jacks will meet St. Scholastica, Concordia Moorhead and Bethel to round out the non conference play, in total, the Jacks will play 25 regular-season games, including 20 against MCHA foes. Northland will play Finlandia, Lawrence and Marian four times, two games at home and two on the road. The Jacks will host Concordia Wisconsin and MSOE for two games, while traveling to play Lake Forest and Adrian in a two-game set.