After taking over an undermanned program three years ago, head coach Jasen Wise has been able to turn the Sabres into one of the most formidable teams in the MCHA. With no losses to graduation following last season, it’s reasonable to assume Marian may continue their climb up the MCHA ladder.
Leading the cast of returning players are two goalies that both saw action last season. Sophomore Jason Jadczak (7-6-1, 3.22, .909) is the most impressive statistically, but don’t be surprised if junior Dave DeSander (4-2-0, 4.68, .853) or freshman Cullen Caldwell find a way into the lineup this season.
Senior captain Brett Fox (2-6-8) leads a group of defensemen who helped Marian hold opponents to the second fewest goals in the MCHA last season (3.55 per game). Sophomores Jeffrey Wills (2-7-9), Andrew Fiore (5-3-8), Scott Ross (3-3-6) and Kyle Jones (1-4-5) enter this season with a year of experience and should only improve was already was a stingy Sabre defense.
Coming off a season in which they scored almost five goals per game Marian also looks to be in good hands offensively. Among their returning players are four sophomore forwards who posted more than twenty points last season: Andrew Corvo, Billy Schill, Bill Griffore Jr. and James Goodfellow (11-11-22) will lead a deep group of forwards who have a knack for scoring.
Under Wise, the Sabres are known for being a disciplined team that makes few mistakes. With some Junior A recruits coming in to add to what already is a fairly skilled team, Wise appears to be slowly piling up the talent that will make their style of play even more effective. Remember, it was only two years ago that the Sabres took the ice with 17 skaters – three of whom were goalies. With only three players remaining from that 2004-05 club, the Sabres are stocked with new talent and a new attitude, and could be poised to challenge for the MCHA crown.
Most intriguing storyline: Marian looks to be the team most prepared to contend with MSOE for the conference title. Will they?
