Overall it may be a young group, but the Joel Barlow High hockey team is not without talent as it prepares to start the 2013-14 season on the ice.

The Falcons have just two seniors on the squad, which started to officially practice last week. They also have a number of players who have the potential to put the puck in the net.

With 18 skaters and two goalies the Falcons again have decent numbers. They will be a mix of returning players as well as newcomers.

“There’s quite a bit of talent, especially with the younger guys,” said ninth-year head coach Pete Maxfield. Assisting him will be coaches Charlie Blanchard and Mike Mallozzi. Back this season is Scott Horvath, who was an assistant coach for four years before leaving after the 2008-09 season.

A pre-season scrimmage against Staples-Weston-Shelton has given the Falcons a glimpse its the talent. It will get another chance when it hosts Ossining, N.Y., today and will face the former opponent on Saturday before officially starting the season.

One of the things the Falcons should be able to improve on is scoring, which was often difficult last season. Finishing with a 4-16 record, they averaged less than two goals a game.

Graduation took a few key players since then but only two of them were frequent scorers. These include former captain Tim Eng and alternate captain Dan Cirino. The former scored nine goals and the latter had four.

On defense Barlow lost former alternate captains Andrew Mallozzi and Chris Van Camp. J.P. Shimko, an All-South-West Conference Division II-III second team selection, transferred to prep school.

Although a young team this year, Barlow is an experienced one. Some of it rests with alternate captains Tyler Valus and Thierry Jean, both seniors.

A four-year skater, Valus was a forward but will move to defense this season. Jean will start in goal.

The Falcons will have a large senior class, which includes captains captains Charlie Berry and Will Sinsigalli, both All-SWC Division II-III honorable mentions last season.

“He’s one of our better scorers,” said Maxfield of the former. “He’s stepping into a real leadership role.”

Sinsigalli will anchor the defense.

“He’s a very intuitive player,” said Maxfield. “He knows where to be.”

Junior Russ Bennett is a third-year player as is classmate Joe Pirone, a center. Maxfield expects both to put the puck in the net.

Adding depth to defense is Andrew Rejeski, who is another third-year player. Eddie Thiede is a forward, as is Tristan Green, a first-year player.

“He can handle the puck really well,” said Maxfield. “I hope he can make a contribution later in the year.”

Several sophomores will also see time on the ice, including forwards Steven Alix and Harry Goetz. Maxfield also expects greater contributions from defenseman Mac Romaniello and forward Connor Martin.

New to the team is Connor Jones, who had travel hockey experience and will see time in goal.

Barlow also has six freshmen, including three shift players. Billy Berry will be a forward, as will Kyle Converse. On defense is Mike McQuade.

Other freshmen include Liam Andrews. Dmitri Chambers and James Siburn.

While last season was a bit of a rebuidling one the Falcons hope to qualify for the state Division III tournament this year. It would have to finish within the top 16 teams or win at least 40% of its games.

Barlow will also try to be one of the top four teams to make the SWC playoffs. It opens up on Wednesday when it hosts Housatonic-Northwestern-Wamogo at 7:40 p.m. at the Danbury Ice Arena.