Men's Hockey Looks to Capture MASCAC Title

Despite having an overall successful 2012-2013 regular season, the Men's ice hockey team looks to improve this season. For the second straight season, the Panthers captured their second straight regular season MASCAC championship, but fell to UMass Dartmouth 2-1 in the MASCAC post-season tournament. While many teams would look at a 19-7-1 record as a great season, Head Coach Craig Russell knew that there was a lot of room for improvement.

The move for improvement came with over a dozen new players for PSU.

"This year, the focus of our recruiting class was to get guys that were a little bit bigger, a little bit faster, and for them to do the little things to make THE play, and we got that," said Russell. Throughout last season, the Panthers had some trouble with not being able to score timely goals, despite the fact that they averaged 3.59 goals per game.  While players such as Mike Freitag (Westmont, IL) and Zach Sarig (Reading, PA) have the ability to shoot in slapshots from virtually anywhere on the ice, the ability to block shots, or play in front of the net was missing.

With a reloaded roster, mixed in with a number of veterans, the ability to capture the MASCAC regular and postseason championships is a possibility for this season.

OFFENSE

Key returners- Mike Freitag, Andrew Wigg, Josh Woody, Zach Fox, Tieg Alward

Whose new- Dan Dupell, Chad Barthelmess, Ian McGilvrey, Mike Economos

The leading scorers from last season, in Alex Cottle and Kyle Greco, graduated last spring. With two players who had more than 100 points in their careers at Plymouth gone, the Panthers will look at a variety of guys to step-up this year. Junior Mike Freitag (Westmont, IL) led returning players with 25 points on nine goals and 16 assists. Sophomore Andrew Wigg (Lantz, Nova Scotia) had a strong season (eight goals, 12 assists) in his first year as a Panthers, while Zach Fox (Sandown, N.H.) will be looked at as an offensive threat this year.

"I think this year we will have a well balanced offensive attack," stated Freitag. "Lines 1-4 will all be able to produce," added Freitag. Having depth throughout a team is crucial for success, as opponents don't have the ability to necessarily zone-in on one specific player. "When we are healthy, we have three lines that can chip-in on any night, and a fourth line that will be pretty good, and difficult to play against," Russell pointed out.

Newcomers Dupell (Collegeville, PA) and Barthelmess (Norristown, PA) have already contributed points for PSU in the team's first game against the Norwich University last week. Despite playing in his first game in the green and white, Barthelmess, who is a Junior transfer player from Sacred Heart University, was one of the most physical players on the ice against Norwich. The scrappiness that Craig Russell is looking for will come from players like Barthelmess.

Look for McGilvrey (Omaha, NE) and Freitag, as well as Alward (Vail, CO) on the faceoff circle.

Defense

Key returners- Dave Walters, Zach Sarig, Colt Smelstor, Kyle Brumfield

Whose new- Erik Strom, Tommy Dowell

Like the offense, there were two crucial losses (due to graduation), as JC Richardson and Richie Zobak have moved on from their Plymouth careers. Losing both of these players not only hurts on the ice, but hurts in the locker room as well because of the leadership roles both players had. Dave Walters (Ottawa, Ontario) steps in as the team's captain, while Junior Zach Sarig (Reading, PA) brings a physical presence to the ice as an assistant captain this season. Walters and Sarig have the ability to contribute on the offensive side of the ice as well, as they had a combined 38-point season in 2012-2013.

A number of younger players will look for playing time this season, as there is the opportunity for a lot of playing time for a variety of players. "We're a very young group so there will be a lot to learn," said Walters, who is a Senior this season. "We have to take care of our own end before worrying about the offensive zone," Walters added. Sophomore Colt Smelstor (Fairfax, VT) will be looked at to step up in his second year with the Panthers, as his playing time will increase exponentially this year.

First year players Strom (Gothenburg, Sweden) and Dowell (Olathe, KS) will get a lot of playing time this year as well. Both Strom and Dowell were players that Coach Russell will be looking at to do all of the little things. With having players like Sarig and Walters to learn from on defense, both players will have a lot of knowledge to learn from this year.

Goalie

Key returners- Tyler Ingerson, Zac Enstrom

Whose new- Max Motew

The goalie position was yet again hurt by graduation, as Jack Astedt graduated in May.  Filling in the shoes of a three-year starter isn't an easy task, but Ingerson (Concord, N.H.) not only has the support of the team, but the ability to do so. "Our team has a lot of confidence in Tyler heading into the year," Freitag said.  Walters echoed what Freitag stated, saying that "our whole team has 100% confidence in Tyler, and know he can step in and give us the goaltending we need. He's a very talented goalie and will only get better with more starts," Walters added.

Ingerson had a 3-1 record last season, and had a 1.51 goals-against average. While this is only a sample as to what Ingerson can bring to the table, the supporting cast around the Senior will truly dictate how far this team can go. "He has the ability to be the backbone of this team, and he needs to understand that," Russell remarked. Look for Ingerson to start to get into a rhythm as the year progresses on.

Overall Expectations of the Season

There was a decent amount of surprise for the team that they were ranked as the favorites to win the MASCAC championship this season. Being named the favorite won't go to anyone's head, as the team know there is a target on their back. "We have to go out and prove that we deserve that honor," Senior captain Dave Walters stated. Freitag agrees with Walters' statement by saying that "Everybody wants to knock off the favorite, so we will have to show up every night, ready to play our best."

With a lot of new faces this season, there is a certain element of the unknown for opponents who are playing the Panthers. Once thing that is obvious, though, is that the physicality, scrappiness, and overall toughness of this team compared to years past is evident. Lookout for an exciting 2013-2014 campaign, and make sure to fill the Savage Center with every single home game!