The Bruins suffered a disappointing season last year, losing three senior captains to injury early on. Toughening the defense and counting on 15 returning lettermen, the Bruins hope for better luck this year.

The strength of the team lies in the center squad, with last year's top four centers returning. Leading scorer Bob Kenneally (4-15--19) and seniors Mike Langton (4-10--14) and Rod Pritchard (9-4--13) are known for their aggressive, physical style.

The Bruins lost valuable defensive players last year but will depend on seniors Mark Lachance and Jim Lombardi to take the lead. The novice players saw varsity action with last year's injury troubles.

Chris Harvey will continue his hard-nosed style of play in net. Although his 3-17-1 record and 5.05 goals-against average say little of his prowess, his impresive .887 save percentage shows his resiliance. Backing up a leaky defensive line, Harvey performed well.

Harvey cannot carry the team by himself, though, and Brown hopes an improved offense and untested defense will help it climb out of the league cellar.

CLARKSON

Overall: 17-15-3

ECAC: 10-9-3 (tie, sixth)

Coach: Mark Morris

The Golden Knights--who upset Harvard, 6-4, in last year's ECAC Tournament--will depend on the skills of junior goalie John Fletcher to propel them into the ECAC playoffs. Fletcher (.908, 3.20), arguably the best goaltender in the league, is a second-team All-America East selection.

But the question lingers: who will score for the Knights? With the loss of last year's leading scorers, Luc Borsato (14-29--44) and Steve Williams (17-20--37), Clarkson first-year Coach Mark Morris will have to rely on Captain Mike Morrison (19-14--33) to light up the red. Along with Morrison, 11 other forwards return to this year's squad.

Defensively, Clarkson should be solid. Led by ECAC All-Rookie selection Dave Tretowicz and three-year starter Mike Ashe, Clarkson's blue line also benefits from the addition of freshmen Kent Anderson, Alex Weinrich and Tony Calandra.

If the Knights can ride on the strength of Fletcher and adjust to their new coach, a return trip to the ECAC Garden party in March could turn into another golden opportunity.

COLGATE

Overall: 18-11-3