ECAC Season Preview - Union

Union Dutchmen

Last Years Finish - 6th

Key Returnees - Oliver Bouchard Sr. F, Augie DiMarzo So. F, Lane Caffaro So. D

Key Losses - Scott Seney F, Kris Mayotte G

2005-2006 was one of Union's most successful regular season campaigns, resulting in a sixth place finish in the league. This was mostly due to the play of senior goaltender Kris Mayotte. The regular season success quickly melted for the Dutchmen as they were swept away in the first round of the ECAC playoffs by the eleventh seeded Yale Bulldogs. While Union was able to ride Mayotte's strong performance last year, his departure will spell trouble for the Dutchmen in the 2006-2007 season.

Competing to replace Mayotte will be senior Daniel Tatar, who has 4 minutes and 36 seconds of career ice time, junior Justin Mrazek who in 24 games has registered a 5-13-2 career record and has a career .897 save percentage and a 2.54 goals against average. Those numbers include a disappointing .765 save percentage and 5.69 GAA last season. Freshman Shaun Williams will also compete for the spot. Needless to say, Union will need a big break out year from one of their goalies to be competitive in this league.

On the blue line the return of the suspended Lane Cafarro should be a welcome return for the Dutchmen. Caffaro in 29 games was far and away Union's leading scorer from the point and his absence in the last third of the season hurt the Dutchmen. The defense is led by lone senior Sean Striech. Even though the defense allowed a lean 2.41 goals per game. Again most of this was due to the efforts of Mayotte. Union will be looking for their defense to solidify in the coming year.

Up front Union was next to last in league scoring with a paltry 2.18 goals per game. Union will need a repeat performance from leading scorer Bouchard and hope for breakout years from juniors Torren DelForte and Josh Coyle to increase offensive production. Once again, without a solid goaltender to bail out the Dutchmen, Union will struggle to win games scoring only 2 goals per contest.

Best Case Finish - 9th
Worst Case Finish - 11th

CHF's Pick - 10th