By Warren Kozireski
Canisius finished last season in the middle of the Atlantic Hockey America standings, two games under .500, and advanced to the quarterfinals before being shutout in both games by eventual champion Bentley to end the season.
This season they welcome back 16 players and add 14 newcomers, six of which are freshmen.
“Anytime you have numbers like that… it brings some unknown and some excitement because you have guys with a new face and a new opportunity and what we’re all trying to do this time of year is create a unified group,” head coach Trevor Large said during the conference’s Media Day.
“Overall, I think the depth up front is strong, with fewer new ones up front…our d-corp is almost brand new with six of nine new faces for the Griffs and two returners in net, along with portal transfer (Williamsville) Chase Clark” from American International.
Tri-captains senior Oliver Tarr, senior Trey Funk and fifth-year Alton McDermott combined for 47 points last season and will lead the front group.
Portal forward transfer Walter Zacher from Robert Morris scored 15 goals with 24 points last season. Rhys Chiddenton also arrives up front via Bemidji State.
Sophomore Carter Patterson as the key returner on the blueline and the Griffins added four defensemen through the portal: Jason Gallucci from Penn State, Joseph Mesina and Josh Phillips via Union plus Jack Pascucci from UConn.
“At the back, Pascucci and Gallacci both get the chance to consolidate their places in the squad, so we are happy with a large part of the d-corp, but those two have shown their capabilities.”
Clark, a senior, will compete with junior Ethan Robertson and sophomore Petter Wickstrom-Stumer for the net. The latter two started 29 games between them last season, with Robertson scoring a 2.47 goals against average.
The Griffs open the season at home on Oct. 3 against Clarkson and begin conference play at Army two weeks later. Road trips to Colgate and Lindenwood also make the non-conference list.
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