No one ever said it was easy for the Golden Eagles. Even the non-conference games offer up some tough opponents. Case in point: This Saturday’s season opener at Utica (7:00 PM start).
Utica comes into the season ranked 13th in the nation and they aren’t missing a beat after last year’s great season…they lost only 1 senior after going 17-8-1, their best record in the 24 year history of the program. They have a serious home advantage, sporting some of the largest crowds in DIII (last year’s season opener against Brockport had 3,800 in attendance).
They are led by Tim Coffman (who posted 34 points on the season). He shared the team lead of 11 goals with Evan Chlanda, Jon Gaffney, and Trevor Hertz. So, they definitely have some depth and a few solid lines.
Their goaltending is top notch with duties shared by Evan Smith (.920) and Nick Therrien (.914). They are aided by a defense that allows just 26 shots per game.
As good as Utica is, Brockport held their own against them last year, taking a 2-1 game into the final seconds when Utica’s empty goal made it 3-1. Oliver Wren was exceptional in goal, stopping numerous point blank shots en route to SUNYAC Goalie of the Week honors.
Look for more of the same on Saturday with a determined and more-polished Brockport unit putting a scare into the home crowd.
Utica comes into the season ranked 13th in the nation and they aren’t missing a beat after last year’s great season…they lost only 1 senior after going 17-8-1, their best record in the 24 year history of the program. They have a serious home advantage, sporting some of the largest crowds in DIII (last year’s season opener against Brockport had 3,800 in attendance).
They are led by Tim Coffman (who posted 34 points on the season). He shared the team lead of 11 goals with Evan Chlanda, Jon Gaffney, and Trevor Hertz. So, they definitely have some depth and a few solid lines.
Their goaltending is top notch with duties shared by Evan Smith (.920) and Nick Therrien (.914). They are aided by a defense that allows just 26 shots per game.
As good as Utica is, Brockport held their own against them last year, taking a 2-1 game into the final seconds when Utica’s empty goal made it 3-1. Oliver Wren was exceptional in goal, stopping numerous point blank shots en route to SUNYAC Goalie of the Week honors.
Look for more of the same on Saturday with a determined and more-polished Brockport unit putting a scare into the home crowd.
