ECAC Season Preview - Princeton

Princeton Tigers

Last Years Finish - 9th

Key Returnees - Grant Goeckner-Zoeller Sr. F, Kevin Westgarth Sr. F, Brett Wilson F So.

Key Losses - Eric Leroux G, Brian Carthas D, Seamus Young D

Since going 3-26-2 in 2002-2003 Princeton has made steady improvements and obtained a 10-18-3 record last year and a 7-12-3 league record which was good enough for 9th place in the league. Highlights of the season included a 4-1 win at Denver and a 4-2 at home against Clarkson, ending the Knights streak of 15 games without a loss to the Tigers. Clarkson reestablished this streak with a two game first round playoff sweep, but the Tigers will be looking to continue this momentum and gain a first round home playoff spot.

Like the 3 previous teams, Princeton is a squad looking for a goaltender. With the loss of Leroux the Tigers will have to choose between senior B.J. Slapsky, sophomore Thomas Sychterz and incoming freshman Zane Kalemba. Neither Slapsky nor Sychterz boast strong numbers, but the upperhand belongs to Slapsky who has played more for the Tigers, but this competition is wide open and is the biggest hole for head coach Guy Gadowski to fill.

On defense the loss of Young and Carthas hurt, but the Tigers are deeper than the previous three teams. Senior Brett Westgarth will be heading a defense that allowed 3.14 goals per game in the league last year, which was good enough for 8th. If Princeton wants to gain home ice they will need to tighten up on the blue line and give whoever is playing in net a low shot total to be successful.

Up front the Tigers are in decent shape. The 7th ranked league offense returns their three top scorers and will be looking for Brett Wilson to continue to develop into one of the leagues top forwards. Goeckner-Zoeller will need to provide leadership as well as production this year. Gadowski is starting to draw some more developed recruits and will be expecting some production from incoming freshmen Beachall, Magnowski and French. If the Tigers can get their offense numbers cranked up they will be able to overcome a weak situation in net. If not, things might get colder in Hobey Baker Rink.

Best Case Finish - 7th
Worst Case Finish - 11th

CHF's Pick - 9th