Virginia Tech Ice Hockey returns to the ice this year after a successful campaign last season when the team earned its first Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League title.
Last season, the team finished 18-6-1 and 11-0-1 in league play.
Although the team lost eight seniors from last year, including scoring leaders Jimmy Pope and Matt Harrison, it is still confident that it can continue to win and engrain its name as a powerhouse in the ACCHL.
“We have a lot of veterans that know the game well,” said junior captain Joe Woermer. “I think that we are an even better team than we were last year.”
The Hokies are off to a hot start. The team won nine of its first 12 games this season and, in those matchups, recorded four shutouts totaling a combined score of 28-0 in those games.
Tech’s high scoring offense includes three talented skaters. Sophomore assistant captain Corey Abro, junior assistant captain Josh Bennett and senior forward Todd Minetree lead the Hokie offense.
“The fans should definitely be looking out for a few of our key players,” said Andres Morales, teammate and sophomore forward. “Corey and Josh are two returning core players who are going to be scoring a lot of goals this year. Todd is also a fast skater who has a knack for finding the back of the net.”
The defense is lead by team captain Joe Woermer, who is a strong leader both on and off the ice.
“The chemistry on this year’s team is great,” Woermer said. “Everyone comes to practice ready to work hard. We’ve been playing great hockey so far this season and we hope to continue.”
Despite the departure of some talented seniors, there have been several additions that both the fans and team can look forward to.
“Sophomore Nicholas Vukmoravich is a young forward who is a great scorer,” Woermer said.
There are nine new skaters on this year’s team. A solid net-minding crew, including some young goalies, brings both excitementand insurance for the Hokies as well.
“We’re looking forward to seeing a few new goalies this year, including sophomores Travis Young and Tony Wolack,” said head coach Michael Spradlin, who is returning for his eighth season with the Hokies.
The team hopes to set another mark in school history by making it to the Regional Tournament, and then from there, to the National Tournament.
The schedule includes Maryland and Liberty, which played in last year’s national tournament and ranked No. 7.
“This is one of the tougher schedules we’ve had,” Spradlin said. “Our goal is to become one of these national tournament teams.”
Early in the season, the Hokies have already shut out Division I Maryland by a score of 2-0 and ACCHL rival North Carolina by a score of 10-0.
They also shut out rival University of Virginia in Charlottesville last weekend, 13-0.
The Hokies play two games this weekend. Friday, Nov. 13, the Hokies take on Clemson and Saturday, Nov. 14 the Hokies take on Duke. While those games are on the road, the Hokies will face the University of Virginia at home Nov. 20 back at the Roanoke Civic Center.
