The Gustavus men’s hockey team opens its 2010-11 season on Friday afternoon against Augsburg College at Fogerty Arena in Blaine at 4 pm. The Gusties, who are taking part in the MIAC Showcase, will wrap up the weekend with a contest against Saint Mary’s on Sunday at 2:30 at Fogerty Arena.
Gustavus won the MIAC Regular Season Title last year and went to the NCAA tournament for the second year, but the Gusties lost 11 seniors and have 16 new faces this year. Top returners for Gustavus include senior goaltender Josh Swartout and senior defenseman Mitch Carlson, both of whom were named to the AHCA All-America Second Team at the end of last season.
The Gusties, who are ranked #8 in the USCHO.com Division III Pre-Season poll, were picked to finish fourth in the MIAC Coaches poll and received two first place votes. Hamline was picked to finish first by the league coaches.
Gustavus will open its home schedule next weekend when it hosts UW-Eau Claire on Friday at 7:05 pm and UW-River Falls on Saturday at 7:05 pm. Both contests will be played at Don Roberts Ice Rink.
Mankato Free Press Story On Gusties Being Ranked #8 In USCHO.com Poll