WILLIAMSTOWN, MA -- After losing five seniors -- including four starters -- to graduation off of a Williams team that won 15 games and earned a berth in the NESCAC semifinal game in the 2008 season, you would think that head coach Bill Kangas would at least hesitate when speculating on the prospects for his 2009 men’s hockey squad, but there is none. Kangas points to strong senior leadership coupled with a very talented crop of first and second years as indicators that this squad could be just as successful if not more so than last year‘s Eph team.
However, Kangas is quick to point out that nothing is given and everything is earned, “We have great unity in the locker room and the kids are showing strong effort in practice, but we still need to be tested to get a real sense of where we are at. We have a great balance between the old and young players and that makes for a real fun dynamic; but, like I said, we will be tested throughout the year and it’s all about how the kids respond and develop throughout the season.”
As a member of NESCAC, 19 of the Ephs 24-game regular season schedule interlocks with games vs. ECAC East teams and all of those games are important. All factor into the jockeying for post-season position, which begins in week one, “It’s very important that we get off to a fast start. That was one of the big things for us last year, we were able to get out of the gates quick and that helped us develop considerably. This year we have four ‘counting’ games before the holiday break, it’s key that we take care of those games.”
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| Zach Miller '10 |
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| Ryan Scott '12 |
Home ice advantage was instrumental in Williams’ success in 2008 wherein they went 10-0-1 in Williamstown, while tallying a 5-9-1 mark on the road. This season the schedule flops with the Ephs traveling to play teams they had hosted the year before, “Our unity will be vital for our away games this season -- especially for the young players. We need to be able to play at home and away this season if we want to take the next step. I think we have solid group of seniors who can help make sure we do.”
The Ephs will be led by senior and two-time captain Alex Smigelski. Smigelski, who missed six weeks of the 2008 season with an injury nonetheless won Second Team All-NESCAC honors, while notching the second most goals (8) for the team last season, is the quintessential senior captain. “The making of any good team has to start with a strong senior class who can understand and respect their roles,” stated Kangas. “We have one of the best in Smigelski. He is well respected well beyond the ice and he gets a lot of respect from his teammates. He is also one of the top players in the league and we will rely on him a lot to make things happen and to provide leadership to the younger guys.”
Senior Zach Miller and sophomore Ryan Scott round out the captains for the Ephs and will also be counted upon to provide leadership and stability. Miller will help push the offense, while Scott’s 6-6 240 lbs. frame will provide muscle in the defense.
To help balance the offense, the Ephs return two of their top four points leaders from last season, including overall points leader in junior Matt Masucci (19 points: 7 goals, 12 assists). Fellow junior Ryan Young, who was fourth in points in 2008 and third in his freshman campaign, will also help provide a spark up front. “Our depth on offense is really good,” commented Kangas. “Olvany [the most improved player in 2008] really came on strong last year, and when you put him with guys like Masucci, Young, and Toriani that spells trouble for opposing defenses. We also have a lot of first years stepping up and I think we will see this team score by committee.”
After graduating perennially defensive duo and co-captains David Ramsay and Chris Fahey, the first area of concern has to be the defense, but Kangas again is pleased with what he sees, “While it is hard to replace guys like that immediately, especially because we have no seniors in our defensive group, I’m not concerned with our look,” said Kangas. “Four of our six defenders saw regular shifts last season in the defensive rotation, so we certainly have plenty of experience even if we don’t have any seniors.”
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| Justin Troiani '12 |
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| Ryan Purdy12 |
Justin Troiani, in his first year campaign, was the lone Eph to earn first team NESCAC honors -- marking the first time an Eph has held the distinction since 2001 -- and he will be counted on heavily in his sophomore season to provide stability and reliability in the back. Another second year to watch is New England Prep School League standout Stephen Maier who was the captain at Hotchkiss his senior year of high school, and will fill a more traditional defenseman role for the Ephs.
In the net the Ephs return co-MVP and freshman sensation Ryan Purdy (.929 save percentage in 2008) to anchor the Williams defense. However, senior Marc Pulde (.904 save percentage in 2008) will also contribute in the net for Williams. “It’s great to have two really quality goalies,” said Kangas. “Both will play and that rotation will only make our team that much stronger.”
“There is a lot of new blood on this year’s team, but the kids are playing hard on both sides of the ice and that is fun to watch,” remarked Kangas. “We’re just anxious to get the season underway.”
The Ephs will kick off their 2009 campaign this Friday, November 20th, when they travel to Connecticut College for the league opener. That game is scheduled for a 7:00 PM faceoff.
