Second Semester About to Get Underway

Since the ECRHA went to a three-conference format in 2003, the Southern Conference has been home to some of the most exciting and fastest skating teams, with several being annual ECRHA Regional and NCRHA Playoff contenders. The Southern Conference includes Neumann College, Millersville University and Shippensburg University. Additionally, West Chester University, Drexel University and Temple University have moved into the Southern Conference in the years since, and Regional Playoff bids have followed. The Southern Conference has developed some intense rivalries that has led to five of its six teams being nationally ranked this season.

As expected, the #3 Neumann College Knights are sitting in first place heading into the semester break. However, what is not expected is that they currently only enjoy a slim 3-point lead in the conference. The 2005-2006 Knights started out their season by rewriting the ECRHA record books. The Knights posted shutouts their first 5 games against Southern Conference rivals Millersville, Drexel and Temple with tenacious skating, forechecking and defense, coupled with steady goaltending. Since that time, Neumann has struggled going 3-2-1 with losses to #9 SUNY Brockport and unranked Duquesne University. There is no reason to think the Knights won?t return to their early season form in the second semester, as they boast one of the strongest lineups in the country. The Knights offense is spearheaded by senior Ryan Sanford (12g, 11a) and junior Victor Scotto (22g, 11a), but they are not the only key players in a star-studded lineup. The Knights currently field a lineup that has 10 players that currently have double-digits in points. This team isn?t just filled with game hardened veterans, it also includes some spectacular freshman with the likes of Dominic Mariotti (5g, 8a), Jon Donohue (12g, 10a) and Steve Klenk (17g, 5a). The Knights should be able to regroup, and pull away from the rest of their conference opponents and win their 3rd straight DII Southern Conference Championship, but the Knights have their eyes set on a bigger goal, which includes an overall DII Regional Championship and a DII National Championship. Only time will tell if this group of players can take the next step.

Currently breathing down the Knights back are the #11 West Chester University Golden Rams. The Rams are not a team that you want to take lightly, they come out skating hard and fast every game, playing like they have something to prove in every game this season. Sporting a 7-3-0 record at this point in the first semester means the Rams have plenty of opportunity to make an attack on the Southern Conference Championship and a one of the top 3 seeds at the ECRHA Regional Playoffs. However, for this to happen the Rams are going to have to meet the challenge of a tough conference schedule that still includes rematches against Temple, Drexel and Neumann. In order to get through this the Rams are going to need some of their key players to step up. Goaltending is a definite strength for the Rams as they are lead by the duo of Alex Kozik (4-2-0, 4.17, .844) and Dan Hogan (3-1-0, 1.50, .929). The Rams are supported with outstanding senior leadership in Chuck Towler (2g, 4a) and grad student Kozik. Duos seem to be the trend this year in West Chester as the Rams are being led by freshmen Brian Ems (7g, 10a) and Ryan Pederson (11g, 6a) in scoring. Add that to a solid mix of veterans that include Tim Babcock (11g, 3a), Steve Curley (9g, 1a) and John Gallo (4g, 6a), and the Rams could be poised for a deep run into the playoffs.

West Chester only has a small lead over third place and the #14 ranked Drexel University Dragons. Drexel is the one of new teams in the Southern Conference, and they have made some noise in the conference and the league. After their pre-season victory over #5 Hofstra in October, Drexel has gone on to beat West Chester, Shippensburg, Millersville and Temple in regular season play. Drexel got off to a slow start, but has rebounded by winning 5 of its last 6 games. Senior leadership is key on this young team, and senior Patrick Cummings (11g, 3a) has stepped to the front and provided that by leading his team in points (14) and game winning goals (2). The Dragons are also getting important contributions from a pair of Nguyen?s, who aren?t related. Junior Van Nguyen is currently 3rd on the team in scoring with 9 goals and 2 assists, while sophomore Andrew Nguyen is 2nd with 4 goals and 8 assists. The Dragons, who aren?t known for their offense, currently boast a very strong defense that is allowing a paltry 4.2 goals a game (minus an 8-0 loss to Neumann). Drexel is also very strong in net with sophomore Justin Brennan (5-4-0, 4.11, .849), who despite his inconsistent early season play in net, still has some of the best goaltending numbers in the league. With their excellent coaching staff, and their ability to shut down teams with their smothering defense, the Dragons could play spoiler come playoff time.

Holding down the 4th spot in the Southern Conference are the #19 Shippensburg University Raiders. The Raiders are entering the semester break with a mediocre 5-5-0 record, and no impressive wins on their resume to date. The one bright spot on this team has been the play of sophomore Tommy Hagg. Hagg currently leads the ECRHA in points with 37 (19g, 18a) and is one of the main reasons that the Raiders are even at .500. If Shippensburg is headed to the playoffs, they are going to have to rely on some senior leadership. Seniors Simon Lock (9g, 12a) and Nat Barrick (10g, 4a) will need to step up their play in order to secure some wins. Shippensburg lacks an impact freshman, but does have first year junior Jeff Kulp (5g, 3a) and sophomore William Bourque (5g, 8a) who have made major contributions to the Raiders 5-5-0 start. Goalie Steve Parker (5-5-0, 4.00, .829) has been stellar in net for the Raiders, but without the offensive support, he hasn't earned record he deserves. The Raiders are in a position to make the playoffs, but need to show a lot of improvement if they intend to make some noise when they get there.

The #25 ranked Temple Owls currently sit in 5th place in the Southern Conference, but have the advantage of having 3-4 games in hand to the rest of their conference rivals. The Owls are a hard team to judge at this juncture of the season because of their sporadic play. The Owls have been brilliant at times, like in an 11-4 win over Millersville, but then were dominated in a 12-0 loss against Neumann. If the Owls learn how to win the close games (3-3 in games decided by 2 goals or less) they could become a force in the ECRHA. Temple gets their senior leadership from Steve Siliani (3g, 5a) and he is supported with excellent coaching by Barry Tomon. The Owls get their offensive firepower from sophomores Lou Ditri (9g, 3a) and Adam Lyons (8g). One of Temple?s greatest strengths lies in goaltender Brandon Davis (4-3-0, 4.86, .837). Davis is an intimidating goaltender, who can steal a game when his team needs it the most. As the season progresses, look for Temple to skyrocket up the standings, and possibly challenge Neumann and West Chester for a chance at the Southern Conference Championship.

~~posted by ECRHA Journalist Panel~~