The NIU hockey team returns from an 11-22-1-1 season with a new head coach and an outlook for victory.

“Expectations for this season are to be one of the top teams in the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association, have a possibility of going to regionals, and establish ourselves as one of the best programs in the Midwest,” Hockey President Ian Kalanges said. “[I] feel that after only a few days together on the ice, the team is beginning to mesh well together on and off the ice. This will lead to great success overall for the team with a very talented group of players.”

Last season the Huskies were plagued by injuries, and Kalanges said the team’s record did not reflect the way they played. He believes the Huskies will be able to make a run in the conference and be a solid playoff team.

“There are 10 teams in conference and the top six make playoffs,” Kalanges said. “We expect to be in the middle of the top six at around third or fourth. We look to be much stronger in conference.”

Returning for NIU is this year’s captain, junior forward Eric Madden. Alternate captains are junior forwards Kalanges and Peter Alfano, along with senior defenseman Greg Bahnsen. Senior defenseman Mike Mannina is a transfer from the University of Illinois, where he played Division-I club hockey.

Freshman Forward, William Hildebrandt, Transfer Forward Mike Sible and Sophomore defenseman Nick Messing are also expected to have an impact.

Along with new players, NIU also introduced its new coach, Jim Sullivan.

Sullivan previously coached at Wheaton College, Benet Academy in Lisle and Geneva High School.

“He brings a lot of coaching experience to the table, he wants to run a disciplined team that is successful on and off the ice,” Kalanges said. “He has the right intentions and skills in regards to running the team. He works with us to keep the team moving forward as we improve as a unit to achieve our goals of becoming a top team in the league. He has his head in the right direction and knows the formula to have a very successful season.”

The Huskies practice and play their home games at Leafs Ice Centre in West Dundee, 25 miles outside of the NIU campus. Practices are held every Monday and Wednesday night and home games take place at 9 p.m. on Fridays and 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

“The team is run professionally like any NCAA team here on campus,” Kalanges said. “We feel when we are together as a team at the rink, on trips, in hotels and team appearances, we are representing NIU in a positive manner.”

Their first match will be Sept. 19-20 at Kansas University, with their first home matches being Sept. 26-27 versus Marquette University.

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