RallyNorth.net

St. John's Prep Boys Ice Hockey Preview

Last year's record: 12-5-6 (lost to B.C. High, 3-1, in Super 8 third round)

Coach: Kristian Hanson (1st year, 0-0-0; was 79-60-6 in seven years at Salem High)

Key returnees: Steve DiCarlo, Sr. LW (21-8-29); Christian Cowles, Sr. C (12-15-27); Colin Prior, Sr. RW (8-10-18); Justin DiRienzo, Jr. LW (8-6-14); Nick Riccio, Jr. D (4-4-8); Kyle Pettoruto, Sr. G (7-4-4, 2.27 GAA, 1 SHO); Eric Clifford, Sr. G (5-1-2, 1.72 GAA, 1 SHO); Ed Estey, Jr. D (0-1-1); Danny Haugh, Sr. RW (2-7-9); Eric Danilchuk, Jr. C (3-6-9).

Key departures: Luke Miller, C; Ben Stockman, D; Chris Murtagh, D; Connor Loop, D.

New faces: John Sokolski, Jr. C; Colin Blackwell, Fr. F; Brett Mason, Soph. LW; Dan Campbell, Sr. LW.

Captains: Christian Cowles and Steve DiCarlo

They're all set with: Front line scoring, goaltending. The DiCarlo-Cowles-Prior trio could easily combine for 100 points this winter; they're that talented. Either Pettoruto or Clifford can carry the show in goal; they'll both be given the chance to do so.

They need help with: Defense. The Eagles lost four key stalwarts from last year's Super 8 team, and newbies learning on the fly in the Catholic Conference is a dangerous proposition.

Coach's outlook: "We're trying to put the players in the best position to win. We've already made a lot of progress since the start of training camp, and we want to continue to make more. I know we'll be ready to go when the season starts for real."