The Norwich men’s ice hockey team looks to have a strong season following last year’s heartbreaking loss by adding 12 freshmen, according to a senior team member.
After losing in the ECAC quarterfinals, the Norwich men’s hockey team has brought in 11 forwards and one goalie to help the Cadets get back to their championship ways.
“They are a dynamic bunch and should be great additions to our program both initially and later in their collegiate careers,” said Nate Ayotte, a 21-year-old senior athletic training major from Waldoboro, Maine.
“The new freshmen work hard and we feel that they will make an immediate impact on the team to help us make a run for a championship,” said DJ Fimiani, 22, a senior business marketing major from Melrose, Mass.
Not only has the team brought in some new talent but it has worked hard this off season on and off the ice.
“We worked out four times a week and started skating once a week in Montpelier the first week of school, now we are on the ice every day for captain’s practice until coach comes on the ice,” Fimiani said.
Players say they know the team has the ability to go where it wants to go by simply putting it all together.
“Our hockey team will never lack skill, as the recruiting classes are always top notch. The key to our success will always be out working opponents, and not letting them outwork us,” said Chad Anderson, a 23-year-old junior biology major from Cold Harbour, Nova Scotia.
The team has very high hopes for this upcoming season and looks to return to the NCAA frozen four which it made it to just two years ago.
“We set team goals at the beginning of every year and they always are to win our regular season championship, then the ECAC tournament championship and to make it to the NCAA with the ultimate goal of a national championship,” Fimiani said.
With the goals set the team also needs to know what it will take to get there.
“There are a lot of elements that need to be involved in being the best. However, the true teams that win championships are the ones that are able to sacrifice and fight through adversity and show determination. National championship winners are winners for a reason; they combined their skill with want,” Anderson said.
“It’s going to take a lot of work every day in practice. Winning a championship is a battle and everyone just has to give it everything they have to get there and the thing driving us is the want to win, it’s what everyone on the team is here for, to win.” Fimiani said.
“It takes hard work, determination, and for everyone to bring the best that they can each day,” said Tyler Stitt, 23, a senior physical education major,from Iroquois Falls, Ontario.
The team opens its season on the road the weekend of Nov. 20 when it faces conference foes University of New England and Southern Maine. Home opener is the weekend of the 27 when Norwich hosts the prime-link shootout tournament and faces University of Wisconsin-Stout.