By: TRAVIS HALL ’19, staff writer
With the 2017-2018 season just around the corner, things are looking up for the Lebanon Valley College men’s ice hockey team.
Following a season of struggles in which the club moved back to NCAA Division III, the offseason brought changes on and off the ice. In addition to welcoming a large freshmen class, the Dutchmen have new leadership in the locker room and behind the bench.
Michael Straub, a junior defenseman, was recently named captain after two straight years as the team’s top defender. Cole Hepler, a sophomore center, and Brett Johnson, a junior winger, were both named assistant captains shortly thereafter.
Also, Head Coach Don Parsons will now be flanked on the bench by former Hershey Bears General Manager Doug Yingst. Yingst’s more than 30 years of experience in professional hockey should prove valuable in this new position, and with all of these changes, the team believes they are set to surprise people.
“I think this year our expectations will be very high despite coming off of a disappointing season,” Straub said. “We have a lot of incoming guys that will step right into the lineup and make a positive impact. The [new] depth on our team will allow us to be more successful.”
The impact on chemistry between the players and coaches is always a concern when one shakes up so many aspects of a team, but Straub believes the changes will be beneficial.
“The team has a very positive attitude thus far,” Sraub said. “The new guys fit right in and we are all excited to have a fresh start and get the season going. The leadership on our team comes from everyone – starting from the net out. There is a strong sense of family in the locker room, and we will push each other to meet our expectations.”
The club’s first home game will be Nov. 17 when the Dutchmen host Utica College.