New York, NY -- After a first round playoff loss last season, the Violets are already aiming for a post-season spot as the 1999-2000 season kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 9, against Monmouth University at Wall Ice Arena in Farmingdale, New Jersey. It is the start of a 25-game season that NYU will play against American Club Hockey Association (ACHA) and non-ACHA competition.
"Our goals are to make another play-off run as well as keep our undefeated record against the University Athletic Association (UAA) for the third consecutive year," said coach Steve Hetherman.
And with the roster that the Violets have - one that is full of talent, depth, and commitment - there should be no problem achieving either goal. Despite the fact that there are only 11 returning players, the young team seems capable of facing competition from all over the tri-state area, as well as other top universities in the nation. New players should easily fill in any gaps in the defense or offense created by the loss of graduating seniors last season.
"With the support of the administration and athletic department, our recruitment effort has paid enormous dividends. This year's recruits have come from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions," Hetherman said.
Returning senior forward Kirk Shimizuishi will captain this year's team along with sophomore defenseman and newcomer Brian Murphy, while junior forwards Prentiss Noyes and Jesse Belcher-Timme will wear the "A" on their sweaters as alternate captains.
Other top players returning to the ice are sophomore forwards Joe Leonard and Dan Perry. Last season, Perry ranked second in scoring in the American Club Hockey Association (ACHA), while Leonard ranked 18th. Noyes was also ranked 14th in scoring. Senior defenseman Gerry Milligan, junior goaltender Mike McDonald and sophomore forward Nasser Dassi round out the returning undergraduate players. In addition, goaltender Jay Lee and forwards Mitch Katz and Steve Finkelstein, who are graduate students, will be rejoining the team.
The Violets’ first home game will be against Manhattan College on Oct. 23 at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. Opening face-off is at 7:30 p.m.