Here is how we were supposed to do this year:
September 25 - 6th - Coaches Poll
September 25 - 6th - Media Poll
October 3 - "Bottom 4" - USCHO Season Preview
October 10 - 10th - CHN
The October 10 CHN is below:
Union Dutchmen
Head Coach: Rick Bennett, 7th year
2016-17 Record: 25-10-3, 16-4-2 ECAC (t-1st)
Changes: The Dutchmen lost many key pieces from a team that won a share of the ECAC regular-season title last year. The biggest loss will be Mike Vecchione, who was tied for first in points and second in goals nationally. Vecchione was a key piece in both ends of the ice and his loss will be a massive one.
Spencer Foo left a year of eligibility on the table to turn pro and will also be a big departure; the junior was fourth in the country with 62 points and fifth in plus-minus. Defenseman Nick Desimone left a year early for the pros and Jeff Taylor graduated, so the defense also took a big hit. Alex Sakellaropoulos also graduated, which leaves a gaping hole between the pipes. The Dutchmen have already lost their first three games, which should indicate some of the growing pains they will face this season.
Union added nine that probably be asked to play big roles right away. The class includes a pair of NHL draft picks in Jack Adams (6th round, Red Wings) and Parker Foo (5th, Blackhawks). It also includes a goaltender, Darion Hanson, who led the BCHL in GAA (1.84) and save percentage (.929) last season.
Strength: The Dutchmen lost a ton on offense but they also return a good top six that was able to develop last season. Sebastian Vidmar and Brett Supinski will lead that group as the two of them combined for 77 points and 22 goals. Ryan Walker, Luc Brown and Ryan Scarfo should also join them in the forward ranks that should be able to score. The big question, is whether the depth will be there to provide a consistent charge.
“We are kind of hoping that a guy like Brett Supinski, Cole Maier or even Sebastian Vidmar (will make a jump),” Bennett said. “All three of them are juniors. We lost some guys, but it happens to every team and no one will feel sorry for you. It is just a great opportunity for those guys and many others.”
Weakness: Entering the season, Union goaltenders have a combined 20 games of college experience. Jake Kupsky, who the job will probably fall to early in the year, has struggled in limited time between the pipes. In nine appearances last season, Kupsky had a 3.98 GAA and a .878 save percentage. In the year prior, he had a 3.20 and .891 mark. One could assume he and Hanson will vie for time at some point, but both are unproven and inexperienced.
2017-18 Outlook: Union should drop off after its regular-season title last year, but just how much? The Dutchmen lost on a ton on both ends of the ice and its goaltending situation is questionable at best. There are no replacing players with the quality of Vecchione, Spencer Foo and Jeff Taylor. Bennett is a great coach and one should think that he would be able to right this ship, but the holes are as gaping as they have been in his tenure. Union still has the offense to finish close to a home-ice, top eight finish, but they finish just short.
Prediction: 10th