With the completion of try-outs earlier this week, the composition of the Patriots hockey team is now set for the 2022-23 season.  As in past years, all players be able to continue to develop their skills as everyone who came out for the team is on this season’s roster.  With 24 players on the squad this year, the coaches will be able to dress a full bench of 20 players for the games.

 

Six players graduated after last season and one player did not return for the upcoming campaign.  All were forwards.  Yet, with six freshmen joining the squad this season, the size of the current team decreased by only one player from last year.  Despite the loss of seven experienced skaters, though, the team should be in very good shape this season.

 

From a goal production standpoint, the squad has eight of its twelve goal scorers from last season, including the top three, on the team once again.  Back on the blue line, there were no losses from last season.  The team’s contingent of strong defensemen are all still available on the roster this season.  Both of the Patriots goaltenders are back, including the team’s All-Star netminder, Steve Dutra.

 

As noted earlier, the freshmen class is well-represented with six players on the roster.  All of them are forwards and will be vying for a spot on one of the four offensive lines for the regular season games.

 

Seniors are the heart and soul of the team, and this season they comprise the largest part of the team with eight players.  With four forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie among them, they are well distributed to lead the team with their experience and skills on and off the ice.  The team’s captain and three alternate captains are all seniors.

 

The junior class is the smallest on the squad with four skaters: three defensemen and one forward.  They will figure prominently in the team’s success this year.

 

Loaded with impact players, the sophomore class rounds out the roster with six players.  Among them are the team’s number two and three leading goal scorers last season, and the squad’s backup goalie, Jonathan Cabral.  Bigger, with improved skills and experience after last season, the sophomores will play an even larger role this season.

 

This season also features a new coaching staff for the Patriots hockey team.  Head Coach Greg Cunningham and Assistant Coach Matt Chappell joined the squad at the start of official practices earlier this week.  They are working to learn the players and their skills as the team adjusts to their style of coaching.  As such, the game line-ups are still in flux and likely will see adjustments in the early part of the season.

 

Because league rules require that only twenty players can dress for any regular season game, there will be several skaters who do not see action in every contest.  Competition will be keen for the available spots on the bench.  Still, all the players will have the opportunity to continue to hone their skills at practices, and there will be opportunities for everyone to play in special events like the Injury Fund Exhibition and the Annual Alumni Game.  Other possibilities include “Junior Varsity” games, and scrimmages although neither of those types of events have been scheduled at this time.

 

The team has a solid squad with a lot of potential for success this season.  Plan to come to the games, see your favorite players, and root for the Patriots as they start their campaign for the playoffs.

 

See you at the rink.