The Oregon club hockey team begins its season this weekend, looking to cement its place as one of the elite club programs in the west.
The Ducks face the challenge of replacing half of the squad that advanced to the Pac-8 Championship last season, including their premier offensive line. That turnover leaves 12 veterans and some promising newcomers to build on the success of the last two seasons and secure the program’s first bid to a regional playoff.
Oregon’s first task will be to find a new starting offensive line. The trio of Justin Savich, Matt Olson and Ryan Jones accounted for 106 points last season, leaving a big hole for the Ducks to replace. Junior forwards Brian Carr, Colton Clay and Eric Steinmann should contribute much to the Oregon attack after all three earned significant playing time last season.
To complement this group of veterans, the club welcomes three newcomers to the attack, including junior Cameron Forni, a transfer from Division I Oklahoma, and highly touted freshman Sam Cehula, who was named to the all-state first team in his native Alaska.
“Offense will be a strength for us,” sophomore defenseman Jeff Gibb said.
The Ducks’ high-flying attack meshes well with subtle changes in officiating focus for this season. College officials will be cracking down on penalties that involve interference with the progress of the puck-handler, including hooking, tripping and obstruction.
“We’re hoping to add some power-play goals,” Gibb said.
At the other end of the ice Oregon boasts plenty of experience. The Ducks return four experienced defensemen including senior Mike Roley and Gibb, who earned honorable mention All-Pac-8 accolades as a freshman.
The most interesting battle going into the season is the competition for the starting goaltender’s spot. Last year’s backup goalie Wren Arbuthnot and freshman Elliot Harvey are fighting for the top job. Arbuthnot will get the start for tonight’s game against Washington State, but it is likely that both will log minutes between the pipes.
This season’s Ducks will have the task of continuing the success of the past two campaigns, which saw two trips to the conference championship, one title and a total record of 40-10-2. To be successful, the Ducks must navigate a difficult schedule, including league matches against UCLA, defending champion USC and games with other regional powers such as Idaho and Utah State.
“This year we have one of the hardest season schedules since I have been coach,” Scott McCallum said.
Beyond playing for their second conference title in three years, the Ducks are also striving for a program first. Last season, Oregon missed out on a berth to the West regional postseason tournament by the slimmest of margins.
The club finished the season ranked 11th in the West region, but only ten teams receive berths to the postseason. With this season’s mix of talent and experience, the Ducks hope they are headed to uncharted heights.
“We have to take back the league championship,” Gibb said. “I think we’re in the top 10.”
Oregon begins its league season at home with games against Washington State at Lane County Ice Arena tonight and Saturday. Both games start at 7 p.m. and admission is $2.