Fresh Faces

One of the most talked about story lines this off-season was the 12-player recruiting class the Oswego State coaching staff was able to bring in to offset the 12 seniors they will lose at the end of the season to graduation. Among this class is a Div. I transfer goalie, a former North Dakota University commit and a whole lot of goals, 158 to be exact. Two players, Tyson Bruce and Jody Sullivan, both reached the 30-goal plateau last year with their junior clubs.

Goalie Corps

Two new goalies will see game action at the Marano Campus Center Ice Arena for the first time. Cedric Hansen from the Gloucester Rangers and David Jacobson, the Div. I transfer from Arizona State University. All three goaltenders are expected to play a single period in this one. This will be a good first test to see if the Lakers have a viable option to back up Matt Zawadzki this season. Adrian Ignagni, who went 6-3-0 with a 1.94 goals against average last year in that role, will not suit up for the Lakers this year due to concussion issues, but will continue to be a part of the program.

Last Meeting

The last time these two teams met the Lakers faltered late, giving up four goals in the final frame. This game doesn’t count in the standings so it doesn’t matter much, but from a confidence standpoint it could help the Lakers knowing they were able to close out a game against yet-to-be collegiate athletes.

Head coach of the CCHL All-Graduate team will be Jason Clarke who leads the first place Carleton Place Canadians knows that this Oswego State team is different from the last exhibition matchup.

“We’re expecting a much different game from [Oswego State] this time,” Clarke said earlier this week. “We know we’re in tough coming in this year. Hopefully our guys are going to be prepared for a tough game.”

Scout’s Eyes

Scouts from different college programs will be in attendance tonight, as this is a prime event for junior hockey players looking to join Div. I or Div. III teams next season.  According to Clarke, each player on this roster has been in contact with different teams across both levels. This factor alone could give this team the spark it needs to upset Oswego State again.

Players to Watch

Lakers- Matt Galati

The big frame of Galati needs to be all over the ice tonight. After he saw another drop in goal production a season ago, the senior has his last chance to get the Lakers back to the top of the SUNYAC. A double digit goal total is needed from the Toronto native this season to help in their return to the national rankings.

CCHL- Cole Busschaert

The Smiths Falls Bears forward currently lead his team in points and sits tied for eighth in the CCHL with 22 points (12-10-22) in 19 games played. He could be the guy in the middle of a few goals tonight if he gets into the game early.

Game Prediction

This one could go either way, depending how the Lakers handle the atmosphere. However, with all the hype surrounding this team and obvious talent it has throughout, it would be a little concerning to see them drop their preseason opener for the second straight year. All three goalies impress, Matt Galati buries one and the Lakers look poised to return to the top of the SUNYAC in this one.

Lakers win 4-2.