Men's Ice Hockey Preview

The 2002-03 Hamilton College men's hockey team is a talented, experience bunch. Head coach Phil Grady returns his top-four scorers from a year ago as well as the top four defensemen and two quality goaltenders. Add in a talented freshman class and the Continentals look to make a run at the NESCAC title in 2002-03. Let's take a look at this year's squad.

Forwards
Hamilton has experience and talent all over the ice this year and the forward lines are no different. The Continentals have the potential to put three lines on the ice that can all skate, score, defend and use the body. Leading the way is senior Rob Gordon. Last year he led the team in scoring with 32 points on 15 goals and 17 assists. One of the toughest players on the team, Gordon's leadership qualities and work ethic are contagious and will rub off on the younger players. Kevin Audit emerged last year as a clutch scorer as he tied for second on the team with two game-winning goals. Audit's size make it difficult to get a body on him, while his speed and stick-handling makes him dangerous around the net. Gil Schipani had his finest year at Hamilton last year as he scored career highs in goals (11) and points (16), while leading the team with three game-winning goals. Look for him to bring even more to the table in 2002-03. At 6-2 and 205 pounds, Matt Harrison provides size to the forward lines for the Continentals. Last year he tallied 13 points on seven goals and six assists and was second on the team with 40 penalty minutes. Junior Jeff Corey and sophomores Elliott Altberg and Craig Kennedy all have tremendous speed on the ice. Altberg and Kennedy had tremendous rookie seasons last year as Altberg finished second on the team in scoring last year with 24 points on five goals and a team-high 19 assists. Despite an injury Kennedy finished third on the team in scoring with 23 points on 12 goals and 11 assists. They each have a nose for the goal and always seem to be around the puck in Hamilton's offensive zone. Corey came in his freshman year and made an immediate impact, scoring 11 goals and helping on six others. Last season he balanced his scoring with nine goals and seven assists. He will be asked to take on a more prominent role in the offense in 2002-03.

This season's freshman class of Jeff Vautour, Erik Kallio, Greg Cerra and Gus Katsuras could be one of the most talent-laden groups coach Grady has ever had. They are a mix of size, speed and skill that will compliment the upperclassmen quite well. .

Defense
The Continentals' defensive unit are an experienced group, featuring two seniors and three juniors. Those four along with newcomers Brendan Bell, Alex Linton and Ricky Reichenbach make one of the most formidable defensive units in the NESCAC. Leading the way is senior Steve Aubuchon. Over the past three seasons Aubuchon has emerged as one of the top defensemen in the NESCAC. A key player on both the power play and the penalty kill units, Aubuchon combines offensive skill with a knack for the defensive side. Senior, Ryan Bailey, had a breakout year in 2001-02. He worked his way into the lineup last season and made a significant contribution. Look for Bailey to make an even bigger impact in 2002-03. Juniors Andy Laskowski, Dave Racine and Scott Gordon provide toughness to the defense. Gordon contributed two goals and 10 assists last season, while Laskowski had three assists. He is one of the vocal leaders on and off the ice and was elected as one of the captains of the men's lacrosse team. Bell and Linton add explosiveness to the defense. They come into this season with all the physical tools in place to make an immediate impact.

Goaltending
The Continentals will carry three goaltenders this season. Junior Matt Jones, sophomore Rob MacNeil and freshman Gabe Tash will all vie for the starting position. Jones started 12 games last season, posting a 5-6-0 record with a 3.93 goals against average and a .881 save percentage. MacNeil started 13 games as a freshman, posting a 9-4-1 record. He had a 3.11 goals against average and a .897 save percentage. Tash will battle with Jones and MacNeil for playing time.

With a bevy of talent and experience at his hands, head coach Phil Grady has the pieces in place to make a run at a NESCAC title. The Continentals have balance from top to bottom in their lineup. The skies the limit in 2002-03.