UMass hopes to surprise many Carvel likes talent, skill of young roster
HOCKEY EAST
As Hockey East drops the puck on its 35th season, one thing is clear: No matter how much the 11 league coaches try to discount the preseason poll, virtually all use it as a motivational tool once behind closed locker room doors.
Those picked in the lower side cry disrespect. Those in the upper region adopt cautious optimism.
A prime case is UMass, which finished eighth a year ago and then won a first-round series against Vermont before falling to defending playoff champion Northeastern, led by its potent troika of Hobey Baker Award winner Adam Gaudette and linemates Dylan Sikura and Nolan Stevens. HE coaches have tabbed UMass in sixth.
Third-year coach Greg Carvel clearly believes the poll isn’t quite right.
“We’ve been picked to finish mid-pack, but I think we can still be a little higher,” Carvel said.
That confidence (pressure?) on the shoulders of the young Minutemen (19 freshmen and sophomores) has been embraced.
“We’ve started trying to build every day,” said UMass star defenseman Cale Makar. “I think, for sure, the prospects are to improve every day. At the end of the day, any motivation you can get can carry you through the season. If you’re feeling the pressure, then maybe you’re in the wrong sport.”
Boston College, which captured the regular season title last year, was the top pick of the coaches, garnering 5-of-11 available first-place votes, one more than Providence. What makes the Eagles so attractive is that they didn’t lose a single underclassmen — with only Michigan graduate transfer Kevin Lohan ending his one-year eligibility.
“I can’t recall over the years. It’s different. It’s a real good feeling, as long as they are good players,” said BC coach Jerry York, who enters his 47th season as college hockey’s winningest coach (1,053).
York added 1999 BC captain Brendan Buckley to his staff, filling a void left by Greg Brown, a two-time HE Player of the Year who joined ex-BU coach David Quinn on his New York Rangers’ staff.
PC coach Nate Leaman lost star forwards Brian Pinho and Eric Foley (early pro signee) but returns an ace quarterback in junior defenseman Jacob Bryson. Goalie Hayden Hawkey will also be key.
Defending champ Boston University is picked No. 3 but never discount the potent Terriers who simply reload year to year.
Northeastern reached the HE semifinals a year ago behind its Big 3 and an impressive streak in net by allleague freshman Cayden Primeau, and is tabbed fourth.
“I don’t think most people have given us much credit because of the players that we lost. We have a young group, but now they have to take that next step,” said NU coach Jim Madigan.
Boston fans will keep a close eye on No. 5 Maine, primarily because of sophomore netminder Jeremy Swayman, a Bruins draft pick, ever-dangerous forward Eduards Tralmaks (11 goals, 14 assists) and talented blueliner Patrick Holway.
Few rinks are more difficult for visiting teams than the Tsongas Center, where No. 7 pick UMass-Lowell is licking its chops at a revival.
“As far as the season, statistically speaking, we gave away far too many goals than we wanted last year, and we didn’t score as many goals as we’d like. So we’re looking to change that,” said UML coach Norm Bazin, who returns forward Ryan Lohin.
No. 8 pick Connecticut lost firepower in Max Letunov and Spencer Naas, both of whom lit the lamp 12 times. Newcomers Jachym Kondelik, a mammoth 6-foot-5 Czech import, and defensman Roman Kinal, son of ex-NU skater Roman Sr., will be counted on heavily.
No. 9 New Hampshire features new bench boss and ex-Wildcats star Mike Souza, a Wakefield product. Souza must find goals (just 88 total last year) and replace workhorse goaltender Danny Tirrone (33 games). Sophomore defenseman Max Gildon is a star in the making.
Vermont is No. 10 and lost forward Ross Colton to early pro signing. Veterans Liam Coughlin of South Boston, Alex Esposito and defenseman Jake Massie should help while goalie Stefanos Lekkas will carry the load.
No. 11 Merrimack brings in new coach Scott Borek, who promises to make grit a hallmark. The Warriors will be hard-pressed to replace Brett Seney.