Usually, losing 12 players to graduation isn’t the best way to start a title defense. On the other hand, why change a formula for success? Despite having to replace almost half of its squad for the second consecutive year, the Oregon’s Club Sports men’s hockey team looks to build upon last year’s success by taking advantage of an exciting blend of youth and experience.
Last season, the Ducks found themselves in more than their fair share of high scoring affairs. Oregon scored five or more goals in 17 of its 28 contests in 2004, but this year the game plan might be to aim for the shutout.
“We have such a solid group of defensemen, and that cuts down on the number of shots I see,” sophomore goaltender Matt Nuernberg said. Among that solid group is senior Jordan Guffin, who is looking to build on last year’s progress. “We’re looking to continue our momentum,” Guffin said.
He is just one of the starting defensive players returning this season. He will again be joined by fellow senior Mike Boggs and junior Mike Roley, and together they should present a formidable obstacle to opposing offenses.
The Ducks hope to be dangerous with the puck as well, thanks in large part to two of Oregon’s most prolific scorers from last year’s championship team. Senior Justin Savich and sophomore Cal Brackin will once again be integral parts of the Ducks’ attack, having accounted for a total of 73 points (goals and assists) in last year’s campaign. These two potent weapons will be featured on the same line this season, making Oregon a bigger threat to score during its shifts.
As nice as a repeat of the Pacific-8 Conference championship would be for the Ducks, they have their sights set on bigger accomplishments. The Ducks finished last year ranked as the No. 9 team in the West region, a ranking that was posted before Oregon’s win over Washington in the Pac-8 title game. The top four ranked teams from each region advance to a national championship tournament. With a good showing, the Ducks would find themselves in the national picture.
“We’re playing a more difficult schedule this year, hoping to get a shot at nationals” said Guffin.
Further aiding Oregon’s chances for a deep postseason run, the last two spots to nationals from the West region will be awarded after an eight-team tournament, instead of being based entirely on coaches’ rankings as in previous years.
The Ducks won’t have the luxury of easing into the season, but they will be lucky enough to enjoy home-ice advantage for some of the most important games on the schedule. Among the biggest will be the rematch of last year’s Pac-8 championship when the Washington Huskies come to Eugene for a season-opening two-game set Oct. 14 and 15. In addition to being at home for the first series of the year, Oregon is the host for this year’s Pac-8 tournament to be held Feb. 10-11. The Ducks hold their games at Lane County Ice at the Lane County Fairgrounds; admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students. The puck for both games in the Washington series will drop at 7 p.m.
Oregon looks to defend its Pac-8 title
Daily Emerald
September 27, 2005
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