COLORADO SPRINGS — Fresh off a 17-20-4 season, the Colorado College men's hockey team returned to the ice at the Broadmoor World Arena Tuesday afternoon for their first practice of the 2019-20 campaign.
After several years of disappointing hockey, the Tigers believe they're finally starting to find their footing and could be a serious contender in the NCHC this season.
"We're like them, we're like little kids and we're excited about it," Haviland said. "I've been doing this a long time. And I think every year in August and September you get excited and miss it."
Head coach Mike Haviland returns for his sixth season on the bench and with him, sophomore captain Grant Cruikshank (11 goals), fellow classmate Ben Copeland (21 points), senior forward Alex Berardinelli (17 points) and one of the best freshmen classes in recent memory.
The team won't officially drop the puck on a new year until Oct. 5th when they host Trinity Western for the first of seven home contests to begin their season.
Crucial games the Tigers will want to take advantage of, which is why getting a head start on their sheet of ice is such an important part of the process.
"You want to get on the ice, your expectations are high and it's a fresh start," Haviland said. "We're like little kids, the whole staff and we're super excited to get out there today."
