The University of Southern Maine Men’s Ice Hockey team captured another win last Tuesday (prior to press time) in Waterville Valley, N.H. against Plymouth State 4-2. The non-conference game played in the Waterville Valley Ice Arena was decided between the pipes as junior goaltender Matt Collaton (Oakville, Ont.) posted 23 saves in a strong performance for USM.
Earlier this season, the team earned an important win against Salem State 6-5. This marked the first win for the USM Huskies in Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) East action. In this conference game, senior co-captain John Lounsbury (Winthrop, Mass.) netted the game-winning goal to give the Huskies the 6-5 win over the Vikings. Last week on December 3rd, Lounsbury was named ECAC East Co-Player of the week. “He offers a rare combination of speed, stick handling skills and a competitive nature,” said USM coach Jeff Beaney. Beaney added that Lounsbury is recognized as one of the top defensive players in the league.
Prior to the start of the 2003-2004 season the Men’s Ice Hockey team named senior forward Chad Lauze (Gorham, N.H.) its captain. In addition junior defensemen Brandon Cordua (Burlington, Ont.) and John Lounsbury (Winthrop, Mass.) will serve as assistant captains for USM.
Cordua plays an extremely important role for the team by initiating the team’s offensive transition, and his veteran presence provides the team with leadership.
“In terms of size and strength Cordua is the ideal defensive man,” said Beaney referring to the 6’2″ tall co-captain who weighs 208 lbs. Beaney added, “What sets him apart is his ability to anticipate the play, which gives him a jump on the action. In terms of being in position and making quality decisions, he is among the most consistent players on the team.”
Head Coach for the USM Huskies’ Men’s Ice Hockey team, Jeff Beaney, will take on his 17th year coaching at the University of Southern Maine. Beaney talked earlier this season about his captains and their expectations for the season. “I have complete confidence that this year’s captains will be among the finest in my tenure at Southern Maine,” said Beaney. Last season, Lauze led the team with 15 goals, and 17 assists along with three game winning goals. “I honestly believe Lauze is among the most exciting one-on-one players in Division III college hockey,” added Beaney.
The Huskies face a challenging road ahead of them with a 26- game regular-season schedule that includes 11 home games and an additional slate of 18 ECAC East League competitions. USM will finish up its regular season with games at New England College and Castleton State before hopefully advancing to the postseason.
The ECAC Tournament will begin on February 28, with the top four teams in the tournament advancing to the semifinals and finals, to be played at the site of the highest remaining seed the weekend of March 5th to 6th .
Joe Pierce can be contacted at [email protected]