After nine straight games without a loss, the 2017-2018 Oswego State men’s ice hockey season came to an abrupt halt in the second half of February.
While the Lakers registered big wins against conference rivals like SUNY Geneseo and Buffalo State, the team could not continue its success in the final weekend of the regular season. During the whiteout weekend on Feb. 16 and 17, Oswego State did not score a goal against SUNY Potsdam and Plattsburgh State.
The lack of triumph followed the Lakers heading into the SUNYAC playoffs. Despite being seeded No. 1 in conference, the team fell to the hands of No. 5 SUNY Fredonia 3-1. With no at-large bid heading into the NCAA Div. III championships, Oswego State’s campaign was over.
“We just need to move on from [the last game] and not really focus on that. Stuff’s going to happen,” senior Devin Campbell said. “It’s a long season, and just a couple good games isn’t good enough.”
This season, with a strong group of returning players, a depth-filled freshman class and a few notable transfers, the Lakers look to turn the page and hit their season expectations, one of which is qualifying for home ice in the SUNYAC playoffs. Gosek said is a realistic goal.
“…in our league, that’s not an easy task,” Gosek said. “To consistently be in that position, we’ve been very fortunate and we’d like to keep that going.”
With new leadership this season, which includes Campbell. who was named captain this season, Gosek feels confident in his squad. Campbell, who originally came from Niagara University as a transfer, said he loves the challenge of being captain at Oswego State and cherishes it. Senior Cam Berry and junior Josh Zizek were named the alternate captains.
“I remember my first game here playing at home. You go from Niagara where it’s ‘dress like a seat’ night, and then you come here and you’re playing for 3,000 fans,” Campbell said. “I never would have envisioned in a million years that I’d be the captain.”
It is not easy to replace a player like Mitchell Herlihey, who graduated last season and was last year’s team captain. Herlihey was a top player on the team’s special teams units, but Gosek said the team will be able to move on and still be successful.
“I think Mitch was a great leader, and a lot of our returners pick up a lot of the little things that he was very good at by showing through video and working in practice,” Gosek said. “We’ll certainly miss him and his leadership. I think [Campbell, Berry and Zizek] will do a great job.”
Oswego State brought in nine freshmen this season, which includes three defensemen. The team’s blueline only registered three goals last season. Despite the lack of offensive production from defensemen, the team had the lowest goals against average in team history.
The Lakers allowed an average of 1.7 goals per game during last season’s campaign. The defense, along with goaltender David Richer, was in a strong groove, especially after Christmas, Campbell said.
“I think we want not only those new guys to come in and give us some pop from the blue line, but also returning guys,” Campbell said. “Tyler Currie, Max Novick, those guys were really potent in junior, and you can tell that they have the mold to their game to be offensive.”
Last season, Gosek started the season with a tandem goalie mindset. Richer and Cedric Hansen alternated games at the beginning of the season. Richer took over in net during the Oswego State Hockey Classic. Richer led the SUNYAC in save percentage and goals against average. While Gosek did not say who would be starting this year, as the choice will be made by the coaching staff throughout the season, but he said he feels confident should Richer take the reins.
“I know what I can do. I know what we can do as a team,” Richer said. “I’m pretty excited and I’m ready for it.”
Oswego State also added some manpower to the offense, including a couple transfers. Notably, Anthony Passero transferred from SUNYAC-rival Buffalo State. Derek Brown transferred from Niagara University.
“There’s not really a weak spot to [Brown’s] game. He’s just a very good player,” Campbell said. “You may not notice him in a game and then, all of a sudden, look at a stat sheet and see he has a couple points and was definitely involved in the offense.”
Campbell also played for the Purple Eagles, who are a NCAA Div. I program. The two knew each other and now live together at Oswego State. The third transfer, Josh Nenadal, also played for a Div. I program – Lake Superior State University.
Since Campbell has firsthand experience as a transfer, and he admitted that is rough coming to a new school. However, Oswego State’s environment has made it easy for not only him, but the three new transfers.
“Sometimes, it’s hard to check your ego. Coming from a [Div. I] school, you maybe think you’re dropping down a level,” Campbell said. “But those guys have been the best teammates and just the best guys in the room. They made my job easier, for sure.”
Even though Gosek accomplished 300 wins last season, nothing came to mind when talking about milestone for this year. However, the new hall of fame in the Marano Campus Center Ice Arena for men’s ice hockey is officially opening this season on Oct. 20. Gosek said the area brings a new sense of pride and culture for the team.
“There’s eight trophies in there. It looks so simple,” Gosek said of the new trophy case. “I think about all of the players and the amount of commitment and the amount of work by the players and the staff that went into the semi-final and championship trophies. Then, it seems overwhelming to me.”
With the official start of practices on Oct. 8, the team has two weeks to practice before the rink opens up for the start of the team’s games and its 3,000 fans. The Lakers will begin with an exhibition game on Oct. 20 against Nazareth College.
The team has two weeks before the official season begins. With the depth of this team, Gosek and the rest of his staff will have their hands full when selecting the lineup for the rest of the season.
“It’s going to be extremely competitive. There will be a lot of battles during the week,” Gosek said. “I’m sure there will be many players capable of being in the lineup. At the end of the day, we’ll do what we feel is best.”
Photo by Kyle Hurley | The Oswegonian
