The Tigers couldn't get out of the first round of the ECAC playoffs last year, and they might not even get into the playoffs this year.
Then again, they could be a darkhorse should their forwards light the lamp more than 6-4 times they did last year--a total that only Yale could have made look good.
Yes, their six leading forwards from last season are returning, and they will need to be productive for the Tigers to do well. Ian Sharp is a solid defensive forward, while J.P. O'Connor will carry much of the scoring burden.
The Tigers do have experience as well on defense, as seven upperclassmen are on the roster, but they will miss All ECAC Sean O'Brien. Junior James Konte should get the majority of time in goal, although senior Rod Yorke has seen some action in the past.
DARTMOUTH
Last Season Overall: 5-21-1
Last Season ECAC: 4-17-1
Last Season ECAC Finish: 12
Head Coach: Roger Demment
Captain(s): Dion Del Monte, Trevor Dodman
Top Returning Scorer (G-A-TP): Del Monte (11-18-29)
Top Goalie (W-L-T-GAA): Ben Heller (1-4-0, 6.73)
Lost/Returning: 8/19
12
Someone always has to finish last, and last year it was the Big Green. The 1992-93 campaign was a successful one for Coach Roger Demment, as Dartmouth made the playoffs for the first time in 13 years.
However, injuries and overall poor play contributed to an awful record in 1993-94. The defense is a major question mark, having allowed a league-high III goals against last season.
It is pretty much a given that the young goalie tandem of sophomores Ben Heller and Scott Baker and freshman Darik Buchar will see a lot of pucks heading their way again this year.
Senior Dion Del Monte is the top returning forward for Dartmouth, while junior Bill Kelleher should add to the offense (he had a strong freshman campaign but missed most of last year with a broken arm). If the defense can gel and the offense can stay healthy, then maybe the Big Green could sneak up into one of the final ECAC playoff spots in March.
- David S. Griffel is Assistant Sports Editor of the Harvard Crimson
- Graphics by Nancy E. Greene and Emmeline F. Hou