The Oswego State men’s ice hockey team is ready for battle as they are just weeks away from their first exhibition games. 

With Utica College and SUNY Canton on the schedule starting Oct.16, there is a certain atmosphere head coach Ed Gosek described heading into these games. 

“We are very positive about how the new guys came together this year,” Gosek said. “From an attitude standpoint and a mental preparation standpoint, I am very optimistic about this team.”

Hired as an assistant in 2003 and now a tenured head coach, Gosek knows what it takes to prepare a team for a lengthy season. 

“We have had 16 months off,” Gosek said. “We had a great group of guys last time. This year’s group is doing all the right things. They have two exhibition games and 12 practices for us to see what they’re worth and earn a spot on this roster.” 

The Lakers are like most teams in the SUNYAC, rebuilding after a lot of time off. Gosek said that this year’s 21 newcomers are facing something he had never had to deal with as a head coach with COVID-19. He will be looking at returners from other teams with an understanding that things will take a little while to blend nicely. 

Senior Travis Broughman, in his four years of being on the team, shares the mental preparation Gosek previously mentioned. Broughman said the team’s “vibe” has been positive so far.

“The vibe is good, we have a lot of new people,” Broughman said. “But it is a lot of new energy, it is pretty awesome off the ice on the ice right now. We can feel it coming together, we are just focused on being 100%.”

Broughman recorded remarkable stats in his sophomore season puting up 27 points with 15 goals and 12 assists. As a senior now, he attributes his previous success and his momentum going into this season to his fellow skaters.

“Trusting in my teammates is huge,” Broughman said. “I cannot do it alone out there. I need them as much as they need me, we are in this together with them making me work hard. We are all getting better, [statistics] is one thing, but trying to win more games is what it’s all about.”

Another senior on this team, defenseman Ryan Bunka from Unionville, Ontario. Said the team’s defense is looking good so far and still has room to grow. 

“I think we look unbelievable as a D-core,” Bunka said. “We look super balanced, we can definitely improve on communication on the ice but that will improve as the coaches get on the ice.” 

Bunka also attributed the improvement of goaltender Steven Kozikoski, who has been making large strides this preseason for the Lakers.

“He looks great,” Bunka said. “He got us through the end of the season two years ago, those last five to 10 games he did an unbelievable job. He looks like he improved a lot the last couple of years, and I am excited to see what he’s got this year.” 

Gosek also previewed the competition between goalies this year and how Kozikowski has been ready to be the next man up. 

“Koz [Kozikowski] was put into a situation last season we played,” Gosek said. “Koz is just Koz, he persevered, worked and took care of his business when the bell rang. It was his turn and he was ready for it.” 

The seniors and their new teammates will be put to the test with their first game against Hobart College on Oct. 29. Until then, they will get a bulk of their preparation through practices and scrimmages this month. For Bunka being a leader on this team, every chance to get on the ice will help their improvement.

“I think [the first two scrimmages] are going to test our team chemistry and where we are as a complete team,” Bunka said. 

For a lot of the upperclassmen on the Oswego State team, taking advantage of building a good foundation to succeed is vital to their game plan. Broughman in his last year as a Laker wants to look back and be proud of what he has accomplished in his college athletic career. 

“The season itself is something where I leave everything that I got one last time,” Broughman said. “It has been one heck of a ride over the last four years, I am just trying to enjoy it as much as I can. It is great to meet a lot of brothers and build friendships that will last forever.”

Broughman is now a leader on the team and carries a lot of responsibility. He said that he wants to transfer everything he has learned from the past season and instill that into newcomers, and as a senior, he can now pass down his experiences.

“Taking everything I have learned from leaders the past three seasons,” Broughman said. “Seeing how those guys affected me and seeing how I can affect new players to be good leaders as well.”  

Zac Case | The Oswegonian