SCHENECTADY — The Union College hockey team is already in training camp, and there’s a sense of familiarity in the Garnet Chargers locker room. The team met with the media at Messa Rink on Tuesday, just 19 days before their season opener against Army at West Point on October 8.
Head coach Josh Hauge is in his second year and is welcoming back a team that includes the top eight scorers from the 2022-23 unit. The team is looking to fill the gap left by graduated goaltender Connor Murphy, who played a crucial role for the team in the past two seasons.
Last season, Union had a 14-19-1 record and made it to the opening round of the ECAC playoffs before a season-ending loss to Princeton.
Coach Hauge expressed his excitement about the team’s hard work and the progress they’re making. He also mentioned that there is now a level of comfort within the team, unlike the previous year when he was still establishing his presence as a new coach.
Forward Liam Robertson, one of the team’s seniors, echoed Hauge’s sentiments about the team’s familiarity with each other. He noted that this year feels different from the last, as the players now know what to expect from each other and from the coach.
Last season, Union struggled on offense, scoring just 2.5 goals per game. The team is relying on its veteran players to improve their scoring numbers.
Senior Tyler Watkins was the team’s third-highest scorer last season and will be an essential player for Union this year. Watkins expressed his excitement about getting back on the ice and starting the season with the returning players, who provide familiarity and a chance to build on previous connections.
The Union blue line will benefit from the return of sophomores John Prokop and Nate Hanley, who were the team’s leading scorers last season.
Filling the gap left by Murphy in the goalie position will be a challenge. Sophomore Kyle Chauvette, junior Joe Sharib, and newcomer Aksel Reid are competing for the starting spot in the Garnet Chargers cage.
Despite the loss of Murphy, Coach Hauge is confident in the goalies currently on the team.
Local freelance writer Sean Martin frequently contributes to the Times Union.
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