By Warren Kozireski
Canisius finished in the middle of the Atlantic Hockey America standings last season two games under .500 and advanced to the quarterfinals before being shutout in both games by eventual champion Bentley ending their season.
This season they welcome back 16 players and add 14 newcomers, six of them freshmen.
“Anytime you have numbers like that…it brings some unknown and brings 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 Media Day.
“Overall, I think depth at forward is strong with less new up front…our d-corp is almost brand new with six of nine new faces to 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 forward group.
Portal forward transfer Walter Zacher from Robert Morris scored 15 goals with 24 points last season. Rhys Chiddenton also arrives via Bemidji State up front.
Sophomore Carter Patterson as the primary returner on the blueline and the Griffins added four defensemen through the portal in Jason Gallucci from Penn State, Joseph Mesina and Josh Phillips via Union plus Jack Pascucci from UConn.
“On the back end Pascucci and Gallacci both are going to get an opportunity to solidify their spot on the roster so we’re happy about a lot of the d-corp but those two have showcased their ability.”
Clark, a senior, will compete with junior Ethan Robertson and sophomore Petter Wickstrom-Stumer for the net. The later two started a combined 29 games last season with Robertson sporting a 2.47 goals against average.
The Griffs kick off the season at home Oct. 3 versus Clarkson and start conference play two weeks later at Army. Road trips to Colgate and Lindenwood also do the non-conference slate.
