Senior Bryan Rooney will serve as Stonehill's captain for the 2013-14 season. |
Skyhawks look to build on 6-5 NE-10 record from 2012-13
EASTON, Mass. (November 4, 2013) – The Stonehill College ice hockey team has been picked to finish third in the Northeast-10 Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced last Thursday by the Conference office. Stonehill collected 16 points, behind only Saint Michael's College (19 points) and Saint Anselm College (25 points).
Stonehill finished fourth in the Northeast-10 a year ago, posting a 6-5 record in conference play and an 11-15 overall mark. In the semifinal of last year's Northeast-10 Championship, the Skyhawks fell to top seed Saint Anselm. Stonehill tied the contest at three midway through the final period, before allowing three unanswered goals, and losing 6-3.
Franklin Pierce University checked in at fourth in the NE-10 Preseason Coaches' Poll, while also garnering a single first place vote. Southern New Hampshire University (11 points) and Assumption College (five points) were chosen to finish fifth and sixth, respectively. Saint Anselm is the unanimous favorite to earn its fifth-consecutive NE-10 title, with five first-place votes.
Last week, Stonehill named David Borges its interim head coach for the 2013-14 season, following the departure of previous coach Patrick Leahy.
Stonehill opened up its 2013 campaign on Saturday night with a 7-3 comeback win at Southern New Hampshire University. The Skyhawks fell behind 2-0 in the first period, but outscored the Penmen 7-1 the rest of the way. Senior captain Bryan Rooney (Canton, Mass./New Hampton School) helped fuel the offensive outburst with a hat trick, scoring all three of his goals in the third period. Junior forward Kevin Aufiero (Canton, Mass./Walpole Express) tallied three assists in the win.
Stonehill returns to action tomorrow night at Salve Regina University, before opening up its 2013-14 home slate Thursday night against Plymouth State University.
2013-14 Northeast-10 Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Saint Anselm (5) - 25
2. Saint Michael's - 19
3. Stonehill - 16
4. Franklin Pierce (1) - 14
5. Southern New Hampshire 11
6. Assumption - 5
( ) - indicates first-place votes
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