The Oswego State men’s hockey team conducted media day on Sept. 22 in the Marano Campus Center. Head Coach Ed Gosek led the charge in answering questions, accompanied by seniors Josh LeBlanc, Ryan Bunka and Travis Broughman. 

Being away from the game and wheelhouse for so long, it was almost like torture for Gosek. Not being around hockey and his players made him realize just how much he appreciates his Lakers.

“From a coaching standpoint it has been 16 months or longer, so we are certainly excited to get started. You don’t learn to fully appreciate something until it is taken away from you,” Gosek said. “We are looking forward to getting on the ice, having fun and [regaining] some type of normalcy. As far as practice everyday, being around the players, getting prepared for games, our staff all feels the same way in getting to do something we love again and we could not be happier.”

The Lakers last contest came on Saturday Mar. 7 at Ira S. Wilson Arena as SUNY Geneseo captured the SUNYAC title by a final score of 4-1. While it is not as fresh in the minds of many fans, it being over eight months ago, the players and coaches who were there use it as fuel for thinking about this season. LeBlanc summed up everyone’s general thoughts on the Knights in five words.

“We do not like Geneseo,” Leblanc said.

But on a more serious note, when asked what word he would use to describe this team and all that has yet to come, LeBlanc used the word grit.

“I would say it is a toss up between hard work and grit,” he said. “In my experience here, this team has always worked as hard as they possibly could so that is the mentality we take into the whole season. We want to be the hardest team to play against. If I had to choose one it would be grit, probably.”

But there is still work that needs to be done before the season commences and certainly before they can match up against SUNY Geneseo. For example, there are 21 new additions to the green and gold this year and it will take time for them to get acclimated to not only college hockey, but Laker hockey as well. 

For Bunka, he believes that the newcomers already possess the talent needed to perform at the big stage of Division III hockey.

“We told them to go ahead and be themselves, they have been in big junior leagues so they are used to the loudness of the arenas,” Bunka said. “I think they are just excited to get out on the ice and play.” 

Although the goal on everyone’s mind is still a SUNYAC championship, there is a distinct feeling in the air, a certain sense of optimism that surrounds the team, that could make it a reality.

“We will have our work cut out for us, in a short period of time, to put the pieces together with the 20 plus guys we have, regarding newcomers and returners,” Gosek said.  “[A SUNYAC championship] is one of our goals. Our chemistry, sometimes you can feel it and other years you don’t. It has been a very positive experience so far and we are optimistic with the players we brought in and how they try to be the hardest working team, is something they pride themselves on.” 

When discussing the excitement around these last few months leading up to packing the wheelhouse, one of the most important factors when hockey returns is the community. Fans all over Oswego County as well as the country, are eager to watch this team play as they cannot wait to get everyone back in the arena.

“I think it is all smiles,” Broughman said. “I think it is enjoyable to be back in that locker room with the twenty-something guys we have. We are having fun, hanging out, and trust me when I say it is the best thing ever. I know each of these guys will say the exact same thing.”

Gosek added to what his leading point scorer in 2019 talked about, in saying that he is excited and hopeful that all of the students and people in the community will make their way back to the arena. They have been without Laker hockey for over a year now and the wait will soon come to an end soon.

The season is set to begin on Oct. 16, as the Lakers will play host to the Utica Pioneers in an exhibition matchup at the Marano Campus Center. With sights on a SUNYAC championship and more this season, the Lakers are expected to skate out on the ice with talent, grit and a whole lot of love for the game.

Michael Gross | The Oswegonian