BEVERLY, Mass. – The Endicott men's ice hockey team begins its 2016-17 season this Friday on the road against Norwich University at 7 p.m. Here's a preview of the upcoming season.
RETURNING CAST (ROSTER): Coming off a successful inaugural campaign which featured a 16-9-2 record, a win over a nationally ranked team, and an appearance in the conference title game, the Endicott men's ice hockey team looks poised to reach new heights in 2016-17.
Led by second-year head coach R.J. Tolan, the Gulls return several key players from last year's lineup including their leading point-getter Ross Olsson (Billerica, Mass.). Endicott also returns the remainder of its top-5 scorers in Cam Bleck (Lake Forest, Ill.), Josh Bowes (Sturgeon County, Alberta, Canada), Parker Wood (Rochester, Mich.), and Thomas Daniels (St. Louis, Mo.). Meanwhile, goaltender Kevin Aldridge (Beverly Hills, Mich.) and defensemen Carter Horwitz (Tustin, Calif.), Dominic Nitti (Cottage Grove, Minn.), Ryan Dougherty (Sterling Heights, Mich.), Trey Olson (Omaha, Neb.), and Connor Costello (Nottingham, N.H.) highlight the returners for the Gulls' on the defensive side of the puck. Lastly, Tommy Besinger (Milton, Mass.), who scored eight points for Endicott in only seven games, will look to play a vital role on the team this year after transferring in from Army West Point last season.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR (SCHEDULE): After opening the year against Norwich on Friday, the Gulls visit conference opponents the University of New England (11/3) and Nichols (11/5) before hosting Salve Regina on November 10 at 7 p.m. in a rematch of last season's ECAC Championship.
Endicott won't return home until December when it welcomes Curry (12/1), Western New England (12/3), and Salem State (12/10). Also new to the Gulls' schedule this year is the Endicott Invitational on January 7-8. For the remainder of the schedule click here – 2016-17 Endicott Men's Ice Hockey Schedule.
PRESEASON PLAUDITS (CCC POLL): Endicott earned 97 points, including seven first place votes, to rank first overall in the first-ever Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) preseason coaches' poll. For the latest on Endicott Athletics, follow the Gulls on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
