59 Teams in 59 Days Mercyhurst

The 59 Teams in 59 Days tour continues with a trip to Erie, Pennsylvania where the Mercyhurst Lakers are featured.

In 2004-2005 the Lakers nearly stunned the number one team in the country in the Boston College Eagles in the NCAA tournament. Last year expectations were high but they could not exceed those expectations of making a second straight NCAA tournament apperance. So what does this year bring?

The Lakers lose Defensmen Jamie Hunt, who left for the Washington Capitals, and Last years leading scorer Dave Borrelli. So for this year who will pick up the pieces for the Lakers?

Mercyhurst does return Junior Ben Cottreau, and Senior Scott Champagne who were the second and third leading scorers on the team. In addition to that the Lakers also return key players such as Chris Trafford, Ryan Toomey, and Kyle Gourgon. But what about a sleeper? Well lets just go with Junior Matt Warren for now, he could be due for a big year.

Defensively the Lakers return four, which should help goaltender Tyler Small who had a solid Freshman season last year.

Overall head coach Rick Gotkin has a strong team despite losing a good amount of players. Expect Mercyhurst to be very competitive this year while they look for their second NCAA apperance in three years.

The Ceiling for Mercyhurst is first in Atlantic Hockey, while their gutter is fifth.

Tommorrow the Merrimack Warriors will be featured as the 59 Teams in 59 Days tour continues. Will this be a step up year for the Warriors? Find out tommorrow as day we hit day number 28.