Top defenseman: Senior Scott Ford (6-11-17 last year, 9-23-32 career).

Top goaltender: Senior Yann Danis (15-14-5, 2.32 GAA, .929 save pct. last year, 28-32-8, 2.36 GAA, .925 save pct. career).

5. Vermont (Current record: 0-2-1)

With the retirement of longtime Vermont coach Mike Gilligan last May, one of the highest-profile positions in collegiate hockey was suddenly open. Everyone seemed to be interested in what was one of the most sought-after college jobs in years. New athletic director Bob Corran could’ve picked almost anyone he wanted.

Naturally, he chose a Harvard man, and Kevin Sneddon ’92 is off to a fine start. The Cats have been competitive against a season-opening Hockey East gauntlet (BC, BU, UNH), have a bona-fide scorer (Jeff Miles) and appear to have the answer in goal (Travis Russell). On top of that, these Cats play hard. And our man Sneddy coaches hard. This is a good fit. Expect improvement.

Coach: Sneddon (6th year overall, 50-101-19; 1st year at Vermont, 0-2-1).

Last year: 13-20-3, lost in ECAC quarterfinals to Harvard.

Top forward: Senior Jeff Miles (32-58-90 last year, 33-59-92 career).

Top defenseman: Sophomore Jaime Sifers (4-14-18 last year and career).

Top goaltender: Sophomore Travis Russell (2-4-0, 4.77 GAA, .863 save pct. Last year, 2-6-1, 4.10 GAA, .879 save pct. Career).

6. Yale (Current record: 0-0-0)

After one of his finest seasons behind the Eli bench (18 wins), coaching legend Tim Taylor ’63 must retool this year, in the wake of star center Chris Higgins’ early departure to the Montreal Canadiens. And while the absence of Higgins is a big blow—he would have been an early Hobey Baker front-runner—the cupboard is not empty in New Haven.

The Elis can still skate, as always, and they have three forwards (Ryan Steeves, Vin Hellemeyer and Christian Jensen) capable of 40-point seasons. The key, then, will be whether or not Taylor can find a second line that can score.

Look for Joe Zappala and Jeff Hristovski to have increased roles. And perhaps the best news out of this year’s camp: Sophomore Mike Gartner stabilized Yale’s goaltending down the stretch last season and should have another steady year.

Coach: Taylor (26th year overall and at Yale, 310-369-50).