The first opportunity for Union hockey fans to see the 2002-03 men's hockey squad in action will be this Friday night, October 4, at 7 p.m. The Dutchmen's 30-man roster will be split into two teams for the preseason scrimmage, with the contest having most of the usual game procedures: three periods, referees, on-ice calls, and special teams.
The scrimmage will showcase the new talent that has come into the program in the way of 10 rookies. The freshman class is comprised of two goaltenders, two defensemen, and six forwards. Joining the Class of 2006 are 19 returning players including, four of the top five scoring forwards and four of the top five scoring defensemen from last season.
Captaining the Dutchmen this year will be senior Nate Gillies ('03). Gillies, who served as an assistant captain last season, is joined by Kris Goodjohn ('03), Jason Kean ('03), and Brent Booth('04), who will act as Assistant Captains. As a unit, the captain's squad is the most complete and well rounded in many years.
The coaching staff at Union also has a new addition with co-assistant coach Greg Klym joining fifth-year head coach Kevin Sneddon and co-assistant Andrew Will for the 2002-03 season.
The scrimmage is open to the public.