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2008-09 Season in Review
Raiders walking wounded fall in Conference Finals
Despite injuries and sickness, the Raiders were able to will their way into the conference finals, before bowing to nationally rank Adrian in the title game. To get there, the Raiders first overcame a first round struggle by defeating Minnesota-Crookston in tightly contested battle. In the semifinals, the Raiders played with only 11 healthy position players (non-goalies) to defeat Lawrence 3-2 and advance to the Harris Cup final.
MSOE had two players named to the seven members all tournament squad. Sophomore Forward Michael Soik and senior defenseman Jason Woll joined five Adrian players on the All-tournament team. The Raiders finished their season with a 15-12-2 overall record. Their 12-7-1 MCHA South Division record was good enough for a second place finish in the division, third overall among conference teams.
Other individuals recognized by the conference were fforward Stephen Smiddy and defenseman Jason Woll, who were named to the 12-person ALL MCHA team. This was Woll's fourth time receiving the honor, while it is Smiddy's first selection. Selected to the league's all rookie team were forward Brock King, defenseman Ryno Linder and goaltender Connor Toomey were selected for outstanding play during their freshman season. The Raiders graduate five from the 2008-09 squad.
MSOE men's hockey has a major challenge in front of them for the 2008-2009 season: return to the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association forefront and win the Harris Cup. This will not be an easy task as the Raiders will have to battle through the highly regarded MCHA and defeat last year's champion, Adrian College. The Bulldogs came into the MCHA last season and won the Harris Cup in their first year of varsity competition.
Head Coach Mark Ostapina, in his eighth year at the helm for the Raiders, has his work cut out for him as his team graduated six players from last year's team, including two career 100+ point scorers in Raider history in forwards Lee Swallow and Blair Hanburg. Swallow is the MSOE career assist leader with 102 assists in his prestigious four-year career.
Ostapina returns Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association All Freshman selection Michael Soik and All-MCHA defensemen Jason Woll to return to the first line for the Raiders. Soik led the team in goals scored (20), second in total points (35) and third on the team in assists (15). Michael is an excellent hockey player with a pro release," said Ostapina. "We look forward for him to improve on his 20 goals (from last year)."
Woll, a four-year starting defenseman, has been the stalwart on defense since his first year. He was sixth on the team in scoring (17) and assists (17). Ostapina states, "Woll is in his second year as captain, is a player we look to dominate with his presence on and off the ice."
Offensively for the Raiders, they return veteran Simon Labrosse-Gelinas and Stephen Smiddy to fill roles left by Hanberg and Swallow. Gelinas, a 6'1" senior, forward was second the team in assists (16) and tied for fourth on the team with 21 points. Smiddy, a 5'10" junior forward, collected 24 points for third place on the team and had 13 goals and 11 assists, ranking him second and sixth respectively.
The Raiders add 12 new faces in the MSOE program, strengthening the team. Michael Johnson, a junior transfer from the Air Force Academy is one of the most touted and joins Woll as a key defenseman for the Raiders. "Johnson brings and outstanding hockey background to MSOE," said Ostapina. "He is a three-zone player whom we look for great play and leadership (from)."
Key freshman include defenseman and Ben Plocar and Forward Brock King, both coming from quality junior programs. King played with Lordminster of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, while Plocar played for Travers City of the North American Hockey league.
In the starting goalie position, 11-game winner sophomore Chris Keller returns as the goalie to beat in the Raider camp. He will have some stiff competition from sophomore Robert Kreuser and freshman Conner Toomey.
The Raiders have another tough schedule ahead of them. Home and home contests with Lake Forest and St. Norbert, along with an away match against UW Superior round out their non- conference schedule. Returning conference champion Adrian looks to be the team to beat in conference play with Marian, Lawrence and Finlandia competing for MCHA supremacy along with MSOE.
