Northeastern back for more

A year ago, Northeastern was the Cardiac Kid of college hockey, turning around a woeful 2-11-2 start by stringing together a 20-1-2 streak to win the Hockey East title for the first time since 1988 and earn a berth in the NCAA Midwest Regional. NU returns 19 letter-winners and 73 percent of its offensive output from that squad, including 106 goals (most in nation). Key are forwards Zach Aston-Reese and Nolan Stevens, both of whom notched 40-point campaigns, and Nolan's older brother, John, a heady two-way skater. The Stevens are sons of LA Kings associate head coach John Stevens. Sophomore goalie Ryan Ruck returns after putting up solid numbers (20-11-4, team-record 2.36 GAA) a year ago. Among nine newcomers to watch are local products Matt Filipe (Malden Catholic) and Ryan Shea (BC High).