The Catamounts proved last year that they are not going to settle with the last place finish they had two years ago. Even though last year only improved them two positions, the ‘Mounts wouldn’t count themselves out and fought their way into the second round of the playoffs by sweeping Clarkson in the first round.
This year has Kevin Sneddon stepping in as head coach after spending five years at Union. Sneddon takes over an improving Vermont program from 19-year veteran Mike Gilligan, who stepped down last April.
Vermont’s top scorers last year, Jeff Miles and Brady Leisenring, are both returning this season. Miles and Leisenring will be joined by an experienced front line. The defensive unit is also returning an experienced line which will be buffered by the addition of two incoming freshmen. Jaime Sifers is only a sophomore, but he has already shown himself to be a solid defenseman and was named to the ECAC All-Rookie Team last season.
The Catamount’s goaltending job is up for grabs after the graduation of Shawn Conschafter. Travis Russell, Matt Hanson, and Scott Sortal will each be looking to earn the starting job, but none of them have much game experience. If Vermont is able to figure out the goaltending question, they will be a force to be reckoned with this season.
