A few years removed from a run to the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division III National Championship game, the San Diego State ice hockey team is looking to make noise in the ACHA Division II West Region.
Last season, SDSU finished 10th in the West, falling in its final game against the University of Colorado, 8-3. The team is preparing for a breakout season this year by adding practices and workouts to improve conditioning and strength.
“I feel our team will benefit from the addition of our new strength and conditioning coach as well as the increased practice time,” senior forward Phillip Wong said. “Conditioning is crucial if we want to compete with the top teams in the west.”
Player to watch
The player to watch has to be senior forward Ben Nicoll. He led the Aztecs last season finishing with 30 goals and 23 assists for 53 points in just 32 games. However, teams have to pay attention to everyone on the top line. Senior forward Alec Nadelle and junior left wing Anthony Sansone join Nicoll to lead SDSU offensively on the No. 1 line.
Key loss
The Aztecs lost their captain and undisputed leader Aaron Puentes at the end of last season. “Big Papa was the glue that kept us together,” Wong said of Puentes. “He was our cheerleader; our inspirational leader. He was always there to uplift us when we were down.”
Some other notable losses are top defensemen Tommy Neer and Vince Ciolino, as well as forwards Eric Fruen and Bobby Finley.
Mark your calendars
UNLV and San Jose State have shaped up to be the biggest rivals for SDSU in the past few years. The team has marked its calendars for an early challenge against UNLV on Sept. 25 and 26.
In one month, the Aztecs will host SJSU to start an important four-game home stand on Oct. 23 and 24.
Newcomer to watch
Transfer goalie Carlos Melendez has the team excited about what he can bring in net. He impressed during tryouts and started the first game for SDSU. The team also highlighted the addition of Scott Dainty, a transfer student from Toronto.
Quotable
“When fans of Aztec hockey come out and make noise it does wonders for our team,” Wong said. “We get so pumped up.”
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