By Ryan Pickle ’24, staff writer 

As we approach the winter season, the LVC men’s ice hockey team is preparing for its upcoming campaign on the ice. 

After facing challenges last season, the team is eager to prove people wrong and make a strong comeback. 

In the preseason coaches’ poll released by the Middle Atlantic Conference, the Dutchmen were ranked third out of five teams, receiving nine points. In the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC), they were projected to finish 11th. 

Considering that only six teams will qualify for the UCHC tournament, the team has some work to do. Arty Mikhaylov, a senior left defenseman, expressed the team’s high expectations. 

“Our goal is to secure a spot in the top six of the UCHC and advance past the first round of the tournament,” Mikhaylov said. “We believe we are a stronger team this year and have put last season behind us.” 

The Dutchmen have a total of 25 regular season games scheduled, including 12 home games at the Hersheypark Arena. 

Notable matchups on the schedule include facing the reigning MAC-champion Stevenson on Jan. 12 and hosting them again on Jan. 13. They will also go up against nationally ranked Utica on the road on Jan. 19 and 20. 

With high expectations, Mikhaylov encourages the student body to come out and support the team. 

“We want to make our school proud of the LVC men’s ice hockey team,” he said. “Hopefully, we will see more students attending our home games at the Hersheypark Arena.” 

The UCHC recently announced its “Players to Watch” list for the 2023-24 season, featuring three Dutchmen players: Blake Tosto, a senior center, Darion Benchich, a senior left wing and Harris Blackwood, a junior left wing. These players are expected to make a big impact on the ice. 

The Dutchmen will kick off their season tonight, Oct. 27, in New York against SUNY Cortland at 7 p.m. Their first home game will take place on Friday, Nov. 10, against Anna Maria College at 7 p.m. For the team’s complete schedule, visit godutchmen.com. 

Come out and support the LVC men’s ice hockey team this season!