Clarkson Returns to the North Country

Clarkson vs. Providence
(Photo Credit: Vanessa Vickery)

Clarkson returns to ECAC play this weekend welcoming Harvard and Dartmouth to Cheel Arena. Clarkson ended both these teams seasons last year, sweeping Harvard out of the quarterfinals and eliminating Dartmouth in the semifinals in Albany. This will be the first game of the year for the Crimson and the second for the Big Green.

Clarkson is lead by senior captain Nick Dodge who has three goals and three assists in six games in the 2007-2008 campaign. Dodge has tallied at least one point in 5 of 6 games this year and is already starting to put together a Hobey Baker candidate resume. Dodge is not the only threat on the Clarkson squad this year however. 12 different Knights have registered points this season and Clarkson features 10 unique goal scorers.

Despite the balanced attack the Knights are coming off a flat performance last Saturday night in Sault St. Marie, Michigan against LSSU. The Lakers took down the Knights 5-1 in what was probably Clarkson worst game of the year. David Leggio did not start in net Saturday but did record a shutout Friday. Expect Leggio to start both nights against Harvard and Dartmouth.

Clarkson looks to bolster up their defense with the return of junior Phil Paquet. Paquet has been hampered with a knee injury and will see ice time for the first time this season. Grant Clitsome, who left Saturday's game early with a leg injury will also return to the ice this weekend.

After last weeks games I fully expect the Knights to come out and show the rest of the league and the country what they are up against. I would look for the Knights to set the tone both nights and look to score early and often to keep the home crowd in the game.