Season Recap

OSW: Oswego State wrapped up its 2018-2019 season with a series of three losses after nine straight games without a loss. One of those games was a 3-3 overtime tie against Utica College on Jan. 13. Despite finishing No. 1 in the SUNYAC regular season standings, the Lakers fell to SUNY Fredonia in the semifinals of the playoffs 3-1. Oswego State is returning all but one of its players from last season. Goalie Teddy Nolan, who saw no ice time, did not return for another season. The team graduated Mitchell Herlihey, David Ferreira and Trent Durocher, as well.

The Lakers have two of their top three point-getters from last season. Josh Zizek (13g, 18a — 31p) and Michael Gillespie (10g, 14a — 24p) have returned. Zizek was named an alternate captain for his junior year. David Richer, who had a 1.52 goals against average and a .934 save percentage, has also returned for his second season with the Lakers. Head coach Ed Gosek did not allude to who would be named the starter early on in the season.

NAZ: The Golden Flyers fell short of the playoffs last season with a 10-13-2 record. However, the team was able to finish strong with a 6-2 win over King’s College (Pennsylvania) on Feb. 17. Nazareth College finished sixth in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference – the inaugural season for the conference, which had other teams such as Utica College and Elmira College, who finished first and fifth, respectively. The team graduated four seniors, including leading scorer Oliver Janzen who had 20 points (9g, 11a). Three players did not return to the roster for the 2018-2019 season.

Similar to Oswego State, two of the top three scorers for the Golden Flyers have returned. Ray Falso (7g, 10a — 17p), who was named to the All-UCHC Rookie Team last season, and Austin Romzek (6g, 12a — 18p) have both returned to the team. Goalie Michael Tilford, who played in 20 games last season, returned after posting a .918 save percentage and 2.68 goals against average during last year’s campaign.

Lakers vs. Nazareth College History

Oswego State and Nazareth College have played each other nine times in the history of both teams. The Lakers boast a 7-2 advantage over the Golden Flyers. All nine games have been played since the 2012-2013 season with the teams playing each other at least twice every season.

Last season, the teams squared off once last season at the Marano Campus Center Ice Arena during the school’s winter recess. On Jan. 13, Oswego State overpowered Nazareth College and came away with a 5-1 victory. Twelve different players scored for the Lakers. Cameron Berry, Thomas Horn and Michael Gillespie all recorded two points. Oswego State has a 5-0 record at home against the Golden Flyers.

2017-2018 By the Numbers

Record

OSW: 18-6-2 (13-2-1)

NAZ: 10-13-2 (7-8-1)

Goals (Goals Per Game)

OSW: 90 (3.5)

NAZ: 66 (2.64)

Shots (Shots Per Game)

OSW: 910 (35.0)

NAZ: 771 (30.8)

Power Play (Percentage)

OSW: 22-107 (20.6%)

NAZ: 25-138 (18.1%)

Starting Lineups:

OSW:

Forwards: Mitch Emerson | Josh Zizek | Derek Brown

                   Tanner Spink | Anthony Passero | Travis Broughman

                   Joseph Molinaro | Cameron Berry | Josh Nenedal

                   Aaron Huffnagle | Josh LeBlanc | Colton Fletcher

                   Jody Sullivan | AJ D’Orazio | Robert Clerc

                   Joey Scorpio | Michael McArthur | Jesse Farabee

                   Tyson Kirkby | Thomas Horn | Tyson Bruce

Defense: Devin Campbell | Tyler Currie

                 Kristoffer Brun | Charlie Pelnik

                 Max Novick | Carter Allen

                 Ryan Bunka | Tyler Antonucci

Goalies: David Richer

                Cedric Hansen

                Steven Kozikoski

Scratches: Michael Gillespie, Chris MacMillan

No lineups were provided for Nazareth College.

2018-2019 Coaches

OSW: Head Coach – Ed Gosek (16th season, Record: 306-91-27)

          Asst. Coach – Mark Digby (Eighth season)

          Volunteer Asst. Coaches – Mike Gray, Jon Whitelaw

NAZ: Head Coach – George Roll (Seventh season)

         Asst. Coach – Eric Sorensen (Third season)

         Volunteer Asst. Coach – Craig Dahl

Prediction:

Oswego State will be dressing 32 of its 34 players since it is the team’s first exhibition game. Every player will have some action. It will be interesting to see what head coach Ed Gosek does in regards to his goaltenders.

The Lakers have won the last two season opener exhibition games, which were both against the CCHL All-Graduate team. Oswego State, with its strong offensive firepower between returning players, transfers and new recruits, scoring should be expected.

It might be hard to get chemistry with 32 players dressing for the game, which can only mean quick, short line shifts so that everyone gets playing time in order to impress the coaching staff. The Lakers also have a strong history against Nazareth College.

Oswego State wins 4-1 to open the season.