INCH 10 for 12: The Teams
The following article appeared July 26 on the Inside College Hockey (INCH) Web site.
By Mike Eidelbes and Joe Gladziszewski
We’re more than three months removed from the 2011 national championship game and about two months from the start of the 2011-12 season, but here at Inside College Hockey we can’t resist casting our gaze toward the future. A lot can change between now and the drop of the puck in October, but that won’t keep us from rolling out our 10 For ‘12 feature.
Previously, we introduced you to the 10 players we think will be top contenders for the 2012 Hobey Baker Award. Now, we look at out picks for the top 10 teams headed into coming season. Soon, we’ll give you our thoughts on 10 big questions as we head into the 2011-12 campaign.
No. 4 Yale
2010-11 record: 28-7-1, 17-4-1 ECAC Hockey
Key returnees: Brian O’Neill, F, Sr. (20-26–46); Andrew Miller, F, Jr. (12-33–45); Kenny Agostino, F, So. (11-14–25); Kevin Limbert, F, Sr. (10-11–21)
Key losses: Broc Little, F (19-24–43); Denny Kearney, F (16-25–41); Jimmy Martin, D (7-16–23); Ryan Rondeau, G (27-6-1, 1.92, .928)
The Bulldogs have posted three-straight 20-plus win seasons and have totaled 73 victories and three NCAA Tournament appearances over those campaigns. Only Michigan (84), North Dakota (81), Boston College (77), Denver (75) and Miami (75) have won more games in that time frame. There’s no reason to believe that Yale won’t continue to hold a spot among the nation’s elite teams. Yale’s rise to prominence has been based on continued strength at the forward position, but the big issue for the 2011-12 season will be finding a starting goaltender after Ryan Rondeau graduated last spring.
No. 6 Union
2010-11 record: 26-10-4, 17-3-2 ECAC Hockey
Key returnees: Kelly Zajac, F, Sr. (13-29–42); Jeremy Welsh, F, Jr. (16-21–37); Daniel Carr, F, So. (20-15–35); Mat Bodie, D, So. (6-26–32)
Key losses: Keith Kinkaid, G (25-10-3, 1.99, 25-10-3); Adam Presizniuk, F (12-21–33); John Simpson, F, (8-15–23)
After taking small steps toward the top of the ECAC Hockey standings, Union had a season filled with historic achievements for that program during the 2010-11 season. A veteran team returns with proven goal scorers, including most of the players that comprised one of the nation’s best power-play units last year. Keith Kinkaid was the team’s number-one goalie but opted to sign a pro contract in the offseason. Like Yale, Union’s big early-season issue will be finding the right players to mind the net.
Complete article can be accessed via the INCH Web site by clicking here.
