Norwich Mens Hockey Plans On Defending National Title Again

  The Norwich University men's hockey team is set for a chance to defend its national title this season. Despite losing All-American goaltender Ryan Klingensmith, the head coach has full confidence in sophomore Alex Dubois to step in and do a great job for the team this season.

"I think losing Klingensmith and three of our best defenseman certainly hurts the whole defensive core. It's a big hole to fill since Alex did not play a lot of games last year," Head Coach Mike McShane said.

A major concern circulating throughout the team is the question of goaltending. McShane is adamant in his belief that Dubois has all the tools to take over the role as the starter.

Dubois, a 22-year-old sophomore goaltender from Sherbroke, Quebec, majoring in business management, hopes to have the starting spot for the Cadets this season.

"I know I have some big shoes to fill but I got to watch Klingensmith in a lot of games last year and I learned a lot. I think we have a good shot at another national championship with the team we have this year," Dubois said.

"He doesn't have a lot of experience at this level, although he has played very well at the junior level.  He's eager and he's got the skill and the mental fortitude to do a good job. We are definitely going to count on him," McShane said.

Dubois saw limited action for the Cadets last year; he served as the back-up for Klingensmith. Dubois said he is confident that he will step in and do a great job for the Cadets this season.

The team has many preseason traditions that it believes generated success in the past.

"We always have the kids come in and do some community service; each Labor Day we walk in a parade and the kids really enjoy that. Also, we have a barbeque with the Blue Line Club as a way for the team to interact with the community," McShane said.

The Cadets have recruited two freshmen goaltenders. One is Chris Czarnota, 18, a business management major from Wakefield, Mass. "He's a young kid, we pulled him right out of high school but we believe he has good character with a lot of potential to grow," said Mcshane.

"I'm really excited to be here. The guys on the team and everyone in the program have been great so far. I'm really looking forward to the start of the season," Czarnota said.

The other goaltender that was recruited for the team is a rook in the Corps of Cadets. "It's going to be challenging trying to balance the corps life with hockey. It's hard getting up so early every morning but I'm starting to get used to it," said Sean Gerich, 18, majoring in engineering management from Chicago, Ill.

Returning from a national championship season, the Cadets are ready for a chance to defend their title. After a season that saw the Cadets finish with an impressive 26-1-4 record, the team looks to pick up where it left off last season.