Vermont's experience will also show up behindthe blue line, where the Cats have six returningdefensemen. Senior Marc Lebreux and ECACAll-Rookie selection Stephane Venne will head theVermont defense, third in the ECAC last year.
If the Cats can find a consistent goaltender(look for sophomore Mike Millham to start), theywill definitely repeat and possibly improve lastyear's success.
YALE
Overall: 6-20
ECAC: 6-16 (10th)
Coach: Tim Taylor
Questions. Questions. Questions.
Yale will have to answer a lot of them if ithopes to return to the ECAC playoffs after lastyear's disappointing season.
Two years ago, the Elis reached the ECACsemifinals, but proceeded to dive down the leaguestandings with an inconsistent offense andquestionable defense.
Captain Dave Bassegio, a defenseman, is Yale'sleading scorer, Bassegio last season scored fourgoals and dished out 22 assists. Senior Tom Walsh(13-12--25) is Yale's top returning forward.
If goalie Mike O'Neill, an All-ECAC selectiontwo years ago, wishes to regain his form, he musthave better suport behind the blue line.
O'Neill posted an impressive .890 savepercentage last year, but had a rather high 4.37goals-against average. Overall, the Yale defenseallowed close to five goals per game.