2011-2012 RIC Ice Hockey Preview
2011-2012 RIC I ce H o c k e y P r e v i e w 2011-2012 season in review After winning back-to-back championships, the Rhode Island College ice hockey team finds themselves in uncharted territory as they begin their quest for a third straight title in 2011-2012. The Anchormen enter the season having claimed the New England Collegiate Hockey Association title each of the past two years and will be looking to defend their title once again. The Anchormen have cruised to an impressive 44-7-1 record against some of New England’s best teams during their championship runs. Entering last year the Anchormen were left with several questions to answer including how they would replace the program’s leading scorer, Dan Nadeau, who joins the coaching staff for the first time this upcoming season. The answers came over time with the emergence of a proficient scoring forward line comprised of junior Greg Dicomitis, sophomore Rob Real, and freshman Ryan Martins. The dynamic trio combined for 78 goals, more than half of the teams total offensive production last season. Serving as a perfect complement to the top line was a physical cast of the second forward line headlined by senior Kyle Short, junior Seth Tobias and sophomore Mike Young. The trio followed up the work of the top line by contributing 26 goals of their own. Sophomore forward/defenseman Brad Conway also played a key role on offense with eight goals last season. The Anchormen’s defense found a solid balance with By Jack Adamo Sports Editor
juniors Mike Nadiger and Jack Adamo, sophomores Nico Drougas and Brett Mora and freshman Mike Martinelli leading the way. The defense teamed up with senior goaltender Eric Moscarelli, the program’s all-time leader in wins, and freshman Mark Bushy to shut down opposing offenses, allowing just 89 goals, the fewest number in the entire NECHA last season. The Anchormen started the year on a tear, dominating the competition, jumping out to a 5-0 record which included an impressive win over nationally ranked Holy Cross College. Over the course of the season, the Anchormen would lose just five times, with four of those loses coming at the hands of nationally ranked teams (Bryant University twice and Sacred Heart University twice). RIC entered the NECHA playoffs after winning the regular season title with a conference record of 12-1. After enjoying a first round bye, RIC drew Worchester Poly Technical Institute in the second round of the playoffs. WPI surprised the Anchormen and jumped out to a 1-0 until late in the game when the Anchormen stormed back to dispose of the Engineers, 4-1, to move on to the finals where they would face long time conference rival Daniel Webster College. For the second year in a row the Eagles and their rowdy home crowd stood between the Anchormen and the NECHA Colonial Conference title. In on of the best games the NECHA has seen, the Anchormen scraped their way to a 3-1 victory and celebrated their second title in as many years.
2011-2012 RIC I ce H o c k e y P r e v i e w
L a st s e a s ons r e su lt s Rhode Island College (20-6-1) Date
Opponent
10/15/10 10/16/10 10/23/10 10/29/10 10/30/10 11/5/10 11/6/10 11/12/10 11/13/10 11/19/10 11/20/10 12/3/10 12/4/10 12/10/10 12/12/10 12/18/10 1/16/11 1/21/11 1/22/11 1/28/11 1/29/11 2/5/11 2/6/11 2/11/11 2/12/11 2/19/11 2/20/11
Roger Williams University University of New Haven Tufts University Holy Cross College UMass Lowell Sacred Heart University Roger Williams University Lyndon State College Castleton State College U.S. Coast Guard Academy Daniel Webster College Norwich University U.S. Coast Guard Academy Springfield College Norwich University Bryant University Worchester Poly-Tech Inst. Bryant University Springfield College Daniel Webster College University of New Haven Tufts University Lyndon State College Saint Anselm College Sacret Heart University Worchester Poly-Tech (Semifinal) Daniel Webster College (Finals)
Result
Score
Win Win Win Win Win Loss Win Win Win Win Win Win Win Win Tie Loss Win Loss Win Loss Win Win Win Loss Loss Win Win
7-1 8-2 6-3 5-3 4-2 2-5 5-2 11-5 12-9 10-1 8-6 7-2 9-2 8-4 4-4 2-9 8-3 3-7 4-3 5-7 8-3 8-1 9-2 5-6 2-8 4-1 3-1
2010-2011 NESCHA Colonial Conference Regular Season Champions 2010-2011 NECHA Colonial Conference Champions
2011-2012 RIC I ce H o c k e y P r e v i e w
T his season ’ s schedule Ferris State University October 7th 9 p.m. Ferris State is the Alma Marter of Packers wide reciever Carlton Brewster.
Lake Superior State University October 8th 9 p.m. Lake Superior State was founded the same year as RIC, 1854.
Castleton State College October 14th 9 p.m. RIC defeated Castleton State last year in the first ever meeting between the two teams.
Coast Guard Academy October 21st 9 p.m. November 12th 8 p.m. The Anchormen haven’t lost to the Cadets in over two years.
Norwich University October 28th 9 p.m. December 4th 6 p.m. The previous meeting between the two teams ended in a tie after an epic RIC comeback.
University of New Haven November 4th 8 p.m. January 28th 9 p.m. The local fans in New Haven are quite fond of the Anchormen.
Tufts University November 5th 6 p.m. January 27th 8 p.m. The Anchormen beat the Jumbo’s 6-3 and 8-1 last year.
2011-2012 RIC I ce H o c k e y P r e v i e w Roger Williams University November 11th 8 p.m. February 4th 3 p.m. This newly formed in-state rivalry is sure to bring some electricity.
Springfield College November 18th 8 p.m. February 3rd 4 p.m.
Two years ago the Anchormen and Pride met in the semifinals. RIC won 4-2.
Daniel Webster College November 19th 8 p.m. February 3rd 8 p.m. The Anchormen will be hosting the Eagles in the most heated rivalry in the NECHA.
Lyndon State College November 19th 8 p.m. February 3rd 8 p.m.
Greg Dicomitis scored four goals and added two assists last year against LSC, a team that wanted him wearing their colors.
Sacred Heart University December 9th 8 p.m. The Anchormen suffered a pair of rare defeats to the Pioneers last year.
Worchester Poly-Tech Institute December 10th 7 p.m. February 10th 8 p.m. RIC trumped WPI during last year’s playoffs in comeback fashion, 3-1.
Bridgewater State College December 11th 4 p.m. January 20th 8 p.m. Anchormen forward Seth Tobias played for Bridgewater State before transferring to RIC.
Bryant University December 16th 8 p.m. February 11th 9 p.m.
Rob Reall, an offensive force for RIC last year, now plays for Bryant.
2011-2012 RIC I ce H o c k e y P r e v i e w
# #1 #2 #4 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #17 #18 #19 #20 #21 #26 #27 #30 #31 #33
NAME Position Vincent Tudino G Michael Martinelli D Seth McCarthy D Seth Tobias F Michael Pietros D Nicholas Drougas D Anthony Sawaia F Michael Nadiger F Brett Morra D Ted Jackvony F Jack Adamo D Greg Dicomitis F Michael Nardolillo F Thomas Glaser F Brian Luther F Nicholas Bruno D Michael Young F Robert Isabella F Spencer Rose F Brad Conway F Matthew Collins G Mark Bushy G Matthew Furtado G
Year Freshman Sophomore Freshman Senior Freshman Junior Freshman Senior Sophomore Freshman Senior Senior Freshman Sophomore Sophomore Freshman Junior Senior Junior Junior Freshman Sophomore Sophomore
2011-2012 RIC I ce H o c k e y P r e v i e w
M e e t t h e A nc hor m e n 13
Jack Adamo Senior Defense
Warwick, RI – Pilgrim HS
19
Nick Bruno
5’ 11’’ 185
A defensive force with a good eye in the offensive zone, Adamo returns after playing in all but three games last season for the Anchormen. The Pilgrim High School product tallied four goals and dished out 18 assists for 22 points on the season, following just a seven-point season the previous year. Adamo will bring some good experience having been a part of both the NECHA championship teams and will be an integral piece of the defensive structure this season.
Freshman Defense
Smithfield, RI – Smithfield HS
Matt Collins Freshman Goalie
5’ 10’’ 140
Cranston, RI –Cranston West HS
Collins steps into a crowded goaltending situation in his first year with the Anchormen. With four goalies on the roster, ice time will be tough to come by, but it’s a long grueling season and the Cranston native is sure to get a shot at some point. When he does, he’ll be ready.
Mark Bushy
5’ 8’’ 155
Bruno is another local product out of Smithfield High School for the Anchormen. Bruno is so quiet and easy-going that you wouldn’t expect him to be capable of the vicious defense that he is known to play. Coming on to a team filled with defensive experience will provide a good opportunity for Bruno to grow. He’ll see plenty of ice time on the blue line this season for RIC.
30
31
Sophomore Goalie
6’ 2’’ 180
Lincoln, RI – Williston North Hampton School Bushy will be taking over between the pipes for Eric Moscarelli, a four year starter and the winningest goalie in program history, this season. Bushy enters his second season with the Anchormen after time with Lincoln High and the Williston North Hampton School where he was an All-New England selection. Last year, Bushy posted a team-leading 2.28 goals against average and racked up wins in four of his five starts. Bushy will step into the spotlight as the teams full-time goaltender this season.
27
Brad Conway Junior Forward
Warwick, RI – Warwick Vets HS
5’ 9’’ 160
A versatile player, Conway is equally adept at setting up his teammates as he is at putting the puck in the back of the net. Conway has eclipsed 20 points, with twice as many assists as goals, in back-to-back years. Conway always seems to put himself in the best spot to make a play. The Warwick native was an AllDivision player in high school and a member of both RIC championship teams. This season, Conway will be asked to step up as one of the teams key offensive contributors as a forward.
14
Greg Dicomitis Senior Forward
5’ 10’’ 165
Cumberland, RI – Cumberland, HS
The leading scorer in the NECHA last season, Dicomitis is back for his second year as the Anchormen’s captain. Dicomitis totaled 57 points in just 21 games last season easily trumping his total of 29 for the previous year, and five the year before that. Dicomitis enters the season just nine points shy of the 100-point club after just 42 games in a RIC jersey. The Cumberland native will be the offensive catalyst for the Anchormen once again this season as they defend their NECHA title.
2011-2012 RIC I ce H o c k e y P r e v i e w 8
Nico Drougas Junior Defense
Woburn, MA – Woburn HS
5’ 9’’ 160
Drougas will be entering his second season as the assistant captain fir the Anchormen. The defensive stalwart is one of the best defensemen in the NECHA and is an offensive force on the blueline for RIC. The Woburn, MA native racked up 17 points last year. Drougas will serve as a much needed anchor defensively and spearhead the Anchormen’s powerplay along the blueline.
33
Matt Furtado Sophomore Goalie
Furtado brings a lot to the team on and off the ice. As one of a few back-ups last year he saw limited time in one game where he helped finish off Coast Guard with a shut out third period. His willingness to do anything to better the team is a microcosm of the team’s philosophy. With only Mark Bushy standing in the way, Furtado is next in line and could get a shot at the starting job at some point this year.
21
Robert Isabella Senior Forward
Lincoln, RI – Lincoln HS
5’ 9’’ 170
A long time member of the RIC hockey family returns for his third and final season with the team after taking last season off to focus on his demanding nursing major. Isabella brings experience and maturity to the team as well as a knack for finding the back of the net. Just two seasons ago he helped lead the Anchormen to their first title since 1984 with 47 points. The return of Isabella comes at a good time with the Anchormen searching for answers on the offensive side of things.
5’ 11’’ 175
West Warwick, RI – West Warwick HS
17
Max Glaser Sophomore Forward
5’ 10’’ 185
Cranston, RI – Saint Raphael Academy
A pleasant surprise for the Anchormen last season year, expectations are high for Glaser this year. Glaser is a quick forward that can make an impact on any line he ends up on. After helping out the Anchormen’s offensive efforts with eight goals last year, Glaser will need to keep on that pace to help out this season. Glaser will see plenty of ice time this season and could end up as one of the teams leading scorers.
12
Ted Jackvony Freshman Forward
Pawtucket, RI – Tolman HS
5’ 7’’ 210
A local product with a eye for the pretty pass and the big hit, Jackvony joins the Anchormen with hopes of chipping in a few of both this season. A leader at Tolman High School, Jackvony will look to bring that same drive to RIC and provide a much needed offensive spark. From the looks of things he will get a well deserved shot at decent ice time in the hopes that his size can help produce some goals.
18
Brian Luther Sophomore Forward
5’ 10’’ 200
Ponaganset, RI – Ponaganset HS
A hard working forward on offense, Luther wears down opposing defenses and is an excellent playmaker when the puck is on his stick. Entering his second year with the team, Luther will be asked to add to his scoring totals from last season where he chipped in seven goals and six assists. Luther will find himself in the middle of the action offensively this season for the Anchormen. Expect a big leap forward from Luther.
2011-2012 RIC I ce H o c k e y P r e v i e w 2
Mike Martinelli Sophomore Defense
Cranston, RI – Cranston West HS
5’ 6’’ 150
Small body, big heart sums up Martinelli perfectly. Despite being one of the smallest players on the team, Martinelli logged a significant amount of ice time last season and will be called upon to play a big role once again this year. While he didn’t score, Martinelli dished out five assists last year. Martinelli will be a solid defenseman for the Anchormen this year and quiet but good role model for the crop of incoming players.
4
Seth McCarthy Freshman Defense
Somerset, MA –Somerset HS
McCarthy is the newest, most promising face on the blueline for the Anchormen. One of only a handful of out of state players, McCarthy finds himself at RIC egger to prove himself. A quiet kid around the rink, McCarthy will fit in just fine at RIC. If all goes according to plan, he’ll see plenty of ice and be well prepared to lock down the defensive zone this season.
10
Mike Nadiger Senior Defense
Warwick, RI – Pilgrim HS
5’ 8’’ 180
A hard worker on the defensive lines, Nadiger returns for a second season with the Anchormen. He chipped in four goals and tallied five assists last season and will look to build on that this season. The Pilgrim High School product will bring an added dimension to the RIC powerplay with his big shot from the blueline. Nadiger plays tough up and down the ice and will log big minutes for the Anchormen as one of their top defensemen.
5’ 9’’ 170
11
Brett Mora Sophomore Forward Bristol, RI – Mt. Hope HS
6’ 1’’ 180
Returning to the team for what will be his first full season after only playing one semester last season is Mora. Arguably the strongest skater on the team, Mora’s ability adds an electrifying element to any game he plays in. Last year, Mora netted a goal and three assists in seven games as a defensemen. This year, he will look to build on his offensive numbers by moving to forward. Mora will be a key offensive piece for the Anchormen this season.
15
Mike Nardolillo Freshman Forward
Cranston, RI – Cranston West HS
6’ 1’’ 197
Another newcomer who hails from Cranston West High School, Nardolillo is a forward who will play a key role in the rebuilding area of the RIC offense. With goals most likely coming at a premium, it’s hard to tell how much ice he’ll see, but with a mentality like this, he’ll be ready when ever his number is called.
7
Mike Pietros Freshman Defense
Johnston, RI – Cranston West HS
5’ 9’’ 195
A young defenseman out of Cranston West High School, Pietros will learn a whole new system at RIC. With plenty of mentors on the blue line to follow, he should have no problem picking the Anchormen way up regardless of the amount of game action he sees. Pietros could be used at any time to plug any holes on the defensive front this season.
2011-2012 RIC I ce H o c k e y P r e v i e w 26
Spencer Rose Senior Forward
Warwick, RI – Toll Gate HS
6’ 0’’ 200
Rose is coming off a solid year for the Anchormen in which he scored four goals and added four assists to go along with a most improved play award to top it all off. The Hobby Baker Award winner for Toll Gate High in 2008, Rose brings the same attitude to the locker room at RIC. Quick to pick up a teammate, Rose plays for the name on the front, not the back, as much as anybody. Rose will be relied upon heavily this season as one of the teams top forwards.
9
Anthony Sawaia Freshman Forward
Cranston, RI – Cranston West HS
5’ 9’’ 195
A quick handed forward, also out of Cranston West High School, Sawaia jumps into the RIC offence looking to help produce some goals. He’s capable of getting dirty in the corners and making that perfect pass to the center of the ice to set up a pretty goal. From the looks of things Sawaia will see a good amount of ice time and get plenty of opportunities on the Anchormen’s third or fourth line this season.
1
Vincent Tudino Freshman Goalie
5’ 5’’ 165
Smithfield, RI – Cranston Reds Juniors
One of RIC’s top incoming freshmen, Tudino is sure to get a chance to compete for the starting job after coming off an impressive career at hockey powerhouse Smithfield High School. Tudino also saw a great deal of playing time in the Cranston Reds Juniors program. Tudino is quick and has a tremendous glove hand. His experience between the pipes makes him a challenger to Bushy and the possible goalie of the future for RIC.
20
Mike Young Junior Forward
Newport, RI – The Prout School
5’ 9’’ 175
Young returns as one of RIC’s veteran third year players. Quick hands are the name of the game with Young whose mitts have snagged him 42 points over the past two seasons with the Anchormen. An easy guy to play with and even easier to like, Young brings a sense of fun to the team, but is also a fierce competitior. Young will be relied upon not only for team chemistry, but also to put up some big numbers as one of the Anchormen’s top forwards.
6
Seth Tobias Senior Forward
5’ 11’’ 185
Warwick, RI – Bridgewater State University
A crafty passer, Tobias is the definition of a playmaking forward, with the ability to dish out an assist or beat the goalie with his tremendous shot. Tobias’ 13 assists last year show his ability to find the open guy and help them bury the puck. Tobias will play a big part in the Anchormen’s quest for their third consecutive title. Tobias will be highly motivated as a senior, especially when RIC faces off against his former team Bridgewater State twice this season.
2011-2012 RIC I ce H o c k e y P r e v i e w
Meet
t h e c oac h e s
Head Coach Chris Gouin Chris Gouin will be at the helm for the Anchormen for the eighth consecutive year this season. With back-to-back New England Collegiate Hockey Association championships under his belt, the Anchormen’s expectations are high once again and so are Gouin’s expectations for his team. Gouin’s hockey experience includes years playing for Roger Williams University. Now as skipper of the Anchormen, Gouin continues his coaching career, which also includes an inspiring stint with the Northern Rhode Island Midgets for 18 years and dates back to 1992. An R.I. native, Gouin played his high school hockey for North Smithfield. The team’s existence rests almost purely on Gouin’s shoulders. From beginning to the present day, through think and thin he’s been with the program through it all.
Assistant Coaches Anthony Calcione
Returning for his fourth consecutive year coaching at RIC under Gouin, is former player Anthony “Cal” Calcione. He is a huge part of the growth of the program over the past few years. Calcione played five years at RIC after graduating from Smithfield High School. During his stint as a player for the Anchormen, Calcione served as both an assistant captain and captain. He is one of only two current members of the RIC 100-point club, chalking up 114 points in 80 games for his career. Calcione serves as both a mentor and a friend for the players off the ice and a leader of the offense when the team is on the ice.
Dan Nadeau
The RIC program’s leading scorer, Dan Nadeau makes his return to the team as a coach after a year off. Just two short years ago, Nadeau captained and carved the way for RIC’s first NECHA title since 1984. Now as Nadeau returns to the Anchormen, he will look to help out with returning the offensive charge to the team by utilizing the experience of all of the 283 points that he accumulated in his playing days. His coaching experience includes an impressive period as an assistant coach at Ponaganset High School from 2004-2008.
2011-2012 RIC I ce H o c k e y P r e v i e w