6. Northeastern Huskies
Top Returnees- Vinny Saponari, Garrett Vermeersch, and Ludwig Karlsson
Key Losses- Steve Quailer, Anthony Bitetto, and Justin Daniels.
In his second year behind the bench, Northeastern coach Jim Madigan brings back a wealth of solid forwards, a group that some would argue is as deep as any team in the league. Last year, the Huskies had some great wins over teams like Michigan, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and Boston University but were not able to play well down the stretch and ended up missing the Hockey East playoffs. With 5 star recruit Kevin Roy headed to NU this season, I think he will add even more skill and talent to an already deep front twelve. However, bad goaltending and inexperienced D could and probably will cost NU a chance at home ice and the NCAA tournament.
7. Massachusetts Minutemen
Top Returnees- Conor Sheary, Mike Pereira, and Joel Hanley
Key Losses- TJ Syner and Danny Hobbs
New coach John Micheletto will learn a lot about his team in a very short amount of time as UMass opens the season with games vs BC, BU, and UNH in the first four weeks of the year. Losing their two best offensive players from a year ago will hurt and the goaltending is still up in the air but if guys like Carzo, Power, and Kiely can step up and score goals, UMass should be headed back to the Hockey East playoffs. I don't see them going much further than that because it's not easy to adjust to a new coach and a new system in this league.
8. Maine Black Bears
Top Returnees- Joey Diamond, Kyle Beattie, and Adam Shemansky.
Key Losses- Spencer Abbott, Matt Flynn, Will O'Neil, and Matt Mangene.
After making it back to the NCAA's a season ago, things are looking bleak this season up in Orono after the Black Bears lost four of their top five scorers (two being defenseman). Joey Diamond was a scoring machine last year but I don't think he will be able to carry this team alone without the help of Abbott and Flynn, both of whom graduated last spring. On defense, Nick Pryor and Mark Nemec will lead an experienced group but up front, freshman Will Merchant and Devin Shore are going to need to step up and score goals immediately in order for this team to have any success.
9. Merrimack College Warriors
Top Returnees- Mike Collins, Jordan Heywood, and Kyle Bigos
Key Losses- Ryan Flanigan, Joe Cannata, and Jesse Todd
No team loses three of their top four scorers, a Hobey Baker type goalie, and doesn't go through a rough patch (unless of course you're BC). The Warriors will struggle to put pucks in the net this season as no one emerges as a "go to guy" that can score on a consistant basis for this team. An experienced defense could help fill the hole left void by Joe Cannata in net but I don't expect the scoring and goaltending to be good enough for the Warriors to make it back to the playoffs.
10. Vermont Catamounts
Top Returnees- Connor Brickley, Kyle Reynolds, and Nick Bruneteau.
Key Losses- Sebastian Stalberg, Drew MacKenzie, and Rob Madore.
Last season was a terrible one to say the least for Kevin Sneddon and his staff. Things were looking a little bit better this season with a strong recruiting class coming in but once Zemgus Girgensons decided against going to UVM, things once again look grim in Catamount Country. If the freshman can step up and guys like Reynolds and Brickley put together stellar seasons, I could see this team making the playoffs but I wouldn't count on it.
Stay tuned for part two tomorrow night.
Hitting the Links-
Until next time,
GO EAGLES !
Hockey East Predictions Part 1: Teams 6-10 Ready to Compete
The anticipation for the upcoming Hockey East season is reaching a fever pitch as fans eagerly await the puck drop. In this two-part series, we will dissect the conference's landscape, offering predictions and insights into the teams that will make a mark in the coming season. This first part will focus on teams ranked 6th to 10th in the conference standings, highlighting their strengths, key players, and the challenges they may face. Additionally, we will address frequently asked questions about Hockey East to provide a comprehensive understanding of the conference.
The Mid-Tier Teams:
Hockey East boasts a diverse range of teams, each with its unique strengths and aspirations. Here are the teams ranked 6th to 10th in the conference, along with our predictions for their performance in the upcoming season:
6. University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML):
Previous Season Performance: 6th place in Hockey East
UMass Lowell has consistently been a competitive team in Hockey East, known for their strong defensive play and disciplined style. While they may not have the flashiest offense, their ability to keep games close and capitalize on opponents' mistakes often serves them well. This season, we predict that UML will maintain their mid-tier standing and be a tough contender for any team they face.
Key Players to Watch:
Connor Sodergren (Forward): A dynamic offensive player, Sodergren's ability to create scoring opportunities will be crucial for UML's success.
Seth Barton (Defenseman): Barton's defensive prowess and puck-moving skills make him a valuable asset on the blue line.
7. University of Vermont (UVM):
Previous Season Performance: 9th place in Hockey East
The Catamounts are a team looking to climb the ranks in Hockey East. UVM has shown flashes of potential in recent seasons, and they are working hard to build a competitive program. While they may not be a top contender just yet, they have the potential to surprise some teams and improve their standing this season.
Key Players to Watch:
Ace Cowans (Forward): Cowans' scoring ability and playmaking skills will be vital for UVM's offense.
Matt Beck (Goaltender): Strong goaltending can be a game-changer, and Beck will be relied upon to keep UVM in close games.
8. Merrimack College (MC):
Previous Season Performance: 10th place in Hockey East
Merrimack College is a team that has faced its share of challenges in Hockey East. They have been working diligently to strengthen their program and compete at a higher level. While they may not be a top contender this season, they will aim to improve their performance and build a foundation for future success.
Key Players to Watch:
Jordan Seyfert (Forward): Seyfert's offensive contributions will be crucial for Merrimack's scoring efforts.
Zachary Eder (Defenseman): Eder's defensive skills and ability to move the puck effectively will be essential for the team.
9. University of New Hampshire (UNH):
Previous Season Performance: 8th place in Hockey East
UNH is a team with a rich history in Hockey East, and they are determined to return to the upper echelons of the conference. While they faced some challenges in the previous season, they have the potential to make significant improvements and climb the standings. UNH's success will depend on their ability to find the right balance between offense and defense.
Key Players to Watch:
Angus Crookshank (Forward): Crookshank's scoring ability and offensive creativity will be critical for UNH's success.
Benton Maass (Defenseman): Maass's defensive reliability and ability to contribute offensively will be valuable for the team.
10. University of Maine (UMaine):
Previous Season Performance: 7th place in Hockey East
The Black Bears of UMaine have been a competitive team in Hockey East, known for their strong defensive play and never-say-die attitude. They often make life difficult for their opponents with their gritty style of play. This season, we predict that UMaine will maintain their mid-tier standing and be a team that no one can underestimate.
Key Players to Watch:
Eduards Tralmaks (Forward): Tralmaks' scoring ability and physical presence make him a key player for UMaine's offense.
Keith Muehlbauer (Goaltender): Goaltending can be a game-changer, and Muehlbauer's performance will be crucial in close contests.
FAQs About Hockey East:
What is Hockey East?
Hockey East is a collegiate ice hockey conference that features some of the top men's and women's hockey programs in the United States. It was founded in 1983 and has a rich history of competition and excellence.
How does the Hockey East regular season work?
The Hockey East regular season typically consists of teams playing a series of games against conference opponents. Points are awarded for wins and ties, and the team with the highest point total at the end of the regular season is crowned the conference champion.
Do Hockey East teams compete in the NCAA tournament?
Yes, Hockey East teams compete in the NCAA tournament, vying for the national championship. The tournament typically includes teams from various conferences across the country.
What is the significance of the Beanpot Tournament in Hockey East?
The Beanpot Tournament is an annual ice hockey tournament that features four Boston-based college hockey teams: Boston University, Boston College, Harvard, and Northeastern. It's a prestigious event that garners significant attention in the region.
How can I watch Hockey East games?
Hockey East games are typically televised or streamed online through various platforms. You can check the official Hockey East website for information on game schedules and where to watch.
The mid-tier teams of Hockey East are poised to compete fiercely in the upcoming season. While they may not always receive the spotlight, their dedication and determination make every game in the conference exciting to watch. As the season unfolds, these teams will look to make their mark, surprise their rivals, and strive for a higher standing in the conference. In part two of our series, we will delve into the top-ranked teams in Hockey East and offer further predictions and insights into their prospects for the season ahead.
No comments:
Post a Comment