UNION
Coach: Rick Bennett
2010-2011 Record: 26-10-4 (17-3-2 ECAC)
League finish: 1st (Lost to Colgate in the ECAC Quarterfinals)
NCAAs: N/A
Changes: Union may struggle to keep pucks out of their own net after the loss of senior defenseman Brock Matheson. Union led the ECAC last year with a paltry 43 goals against. Starting goaltender Keith Kinkaid started 37 games for Union in 2010-2011, and with Kinkaid no longer in the picture, the team will need to rely on sophomore Troy Grosenick to keep their goals against low. 30-point man Adam Presizniuk has also departed, leaving a considerable scoring role to be filled.
Strength: While 2010-2011 was a stingy year for Union’s opponents in terms of goal scoring, this team will need to use their star power forwards to outscore their opponents. An impressive forward corps returns Kelly Zajac, Jeremy Welsh, and Daniel Carr to terrorize opposing defenses. If there is one aspect of this team I don’t expect Coach Bennett to tinker with much, it will be Union’s high flying offense, ranked second in goals for in 2010-2011 with 75.
Weakness: Union’s crease will be tended by a large question mark to begin the year. Without the services of Keith Kinkaid, the large burden of backing a regular season conference champion will fall onto the shoulders of sophomore Troy Grosenick. If Grosenick is unable to fill the shoes, freshman goalies Colin Stevens or Dillon Pieri will get their looks from Coach Bennett.
Outlook: Expect Union’s offense to continue its scoring prowess. If Union is able to get their goaltending situation in order and Grosenick shows the ability to shoulder the workload, look for another strong year from the Dutchmen.
Predicted Order of Finish: 3rd
