Falcons Have Unfinished Business In 2013

Courtesy of Chris Kyne – Fitchburg State Assistant Ice Hockey Coach

Fitchburg State looks to build upon successful 2012-13 campaign

The Fitchburg State ice hockey team enters the 2013-2014 season looking to build off their semi-final appearance in the MASCAC tournament last season. With many key players returning from last season, and a strong crop of incoming freshman, the Falcons should be in the mix to once again enter the conversation for the MASCAC crown, and an NCAA Tournament berth. 

Last season, Fitchburg State’s season ended on a sour note with a road playoff loss to rival Plymouth State.  The loss ended a season that saw the Falcon’s finish with an overall record of 11-14-2 including a 9-8-1 record in the MASCAC.  The Falcons gave up 90 goals last season, the most goals given up since the 2006-2007 season. 

Head coach Dean Fuller, entering his 30th season behind the bench for the Falcons with an astounding record of 474-256-45, hopes his Falcons can use last season’s disappointments as a motivator during the upcoming season. 

“We didn’t put enough 60 minute efforts together last year and in a league as tough as ours, you aren’t going to be very successful if you don’t,” Fuller said.  “Our goal this season is to play better in all three zones, which should put ourselves in the best position to be a more successful team this year.” 

The 2013-2014 Falcons have a mix of battle-tested veterans with an influx of younger first year players who will be expected to contribute.  With an automatic NCAA tournament berth going to the MACAC tournament winner again this year, the competition within the conference this season will be better than ever. 

FORWARDS

Leading the Falcon attack this season is junior captain Sean Loebs (Cresskill, NJ)/Connecticut Jr. Wolfpack).  As a sophomore Loebs posted 6 goals and 10 assists, good for sixth on the team last season.  Sophomores John Celli (Leominster, MA/Valley Jr. Warriors), Max Lorenzen (Leesburg, VA/Valley Jr. Warriors), Ryan Connolly (Hopewell Junction, NY/New York Applecore) will all look to build off successful freshmen campaigns for the Falcons.  Celli is the leading returning scorer for the Falcons, after posting 27 points last season.  Connolly tied for the most goals on the team last season with 17.  Connolly’s 17 goal season was good for second in the conference.  Lorenzen posted 24 points last season including 5 power play goals. 

Fellow returners Kevin Holmes (Newburyport, MA/Valley Jr. Warriors), Thomas Carlow (Fitchburg, MA/Fitchburg HS), Nathanael Rojas (Columbia, MD/Washington Jr. Nationals), Timmy Genova (Smithtown, NY/New York Applecore), and Ryan Bedard (Derby Line, VT/Bay State Breakers) will be expected to take significant ice and play an important role for the Falcons this season. 

Incoming freshmen this season include Jake Martin (Montreal, PQ/Cornwall Colts), Jon Johannesson (Red Lake, Ontario/Yarmouth Mariners), Connor Bowman (Kansas City, MO/Wichta Jr. Thunder), Mike Fish (Newburyport, Mass./New England Wolves), Cameron Snyder (Shawnee, KS/Hampton Roads Whalers) and Paul Falanga (East Haven, CT/Nazareth College) will also compete for ice time and will be expected to contribute right away for the Falcons. 

DEFENSE

On the blue line, the Falcons return senior captain Shawn Bradley (Lawrence, Mass./Central Catholic HS) who will take considerable ice time for the Falcons along with  junior captain Craig Halpin (New York Applecore/Irvington, NY).

Also figuring to play prominent roles with the Falcons this season include juniors Brett Nussbaum (Capital District Selects/Boca Raton, FL) and Derek Giansanti (Connecticut Jr. Wolfpack/Newington, CT) as well as sophomore Mike Morrison (Old Town, ME/Portland Jr. Pirates).

Incoming freshmen Dillon Wright (Arlington, MA/Canterbury), Aaron Dusek (Duluth, MN/Atlanta Jr. Knights), Alex Duplessie (Athol, MA/Boston Jr. Bruins) and Jordan Furlane (Oakville, Ontario/Revelstoke Grizzlies) will also be in the mix on the blue line this season. 

GOALTENDING

Juniors Ryan Wysocki (Toledo Cherokee/Wyoming, Michigan) and Dan Finn (Fitchburg, MA/Fitchburg HS), along with first year player and junior college transfer Corey McMahon (Pepperell, MA./Williston State College) will compete for playing time. 

SCHEDULE

Fitchburg State will open its 2013-2014 season by teaming up with local banking provider IC Federal Credit Union for the fifth annual ICFCU Shootout and will play host to the Becker on November 1st.  After the tournament, Fitchburg State opens MASCAC league play with Plymouth State on 14th.  In addition to its strong league schedule, Fitchburg State will also play in the prestigious Skidmore Invitational Holiday tournament with Elmira, Buffalo State, and host Skidmore.  The Falcons also play tough non-conference opponents Wentworth and New England College.