It’s here.
Finally.
The start of the 2019-2020 season.
The team comes into the First Weekend with high expectations
for the season and a very real chance to be a team that makes an extended run
in the playoffs.
The season begins with two away games on the always tough North Country road trip.
Friday finds Brockport at Plattsburgh, always a
tough place to play. It’s the beginning of a new era there, as Steve Moffat is
the man, taking over for a living legend in coach Bob Emery. Having spent 16
years as Bob’s assistant, he’s had a hand in the success the Cardinals have
enjoyed through the years and he looks to continue that.
Brockport and Plattsburgh faced off three times
last year. They tied 1-1 in a November affair at Stafford Ice Arena. The Cardinals
soundly beat the Golden Eagles 4-1 at Tuttle Ice Arena in January. And, then,
Plattie didn’t let Brockport past the first round of the playoffs, handing them
a 3-1 loss.
Plattsburgh was a 13-12-2 team last year based on
an incredible defense headlined by goalie Jimmy Poreda and his stingy .935 save
percentage. Their offense was totally unlike any ever produced by Plattsburgh
-- not a single player surpassed 15 points on the season! This likely never
occurred there – Plattsburgh has always amassed amazing offensive talent. Heading
into this season, they lost 5 of their top 6 scorers.
It will be a battle of great defenses, and Brockport
has a major offensive edge. Brockport could secure an upset in front of an
excited Cardinals crowd.
Saturday’s game finds Brockport taking on the Bears
at Potsdam.
Brockport mauled them last year, a 4-2 win and a 3-0
shutout.
The Bears were 8-16-1 last year. They will be
markedly improved this year as all 8 of their top scorers return, a year stronger,
a year more experienced. Bryce Ferrel and Jack Bloem are the guys to watch,
each lighting the lamp 9 times in 2018-2019.
With Nate Skidmore having graduated, the goalie situation
is up in the air, especially since he was a workhorse and the others saw little
ice time last year.
