It’s safe to say that the George Roll era in Potsdam is off to a respectable start. The Knights picked up three points in their opening games at Bemidji State, then went 0-1-1 against perennial power Colorado College last weekend. Clarkson, like St. Lawrence, is a very young team and has the additional freshness of a new coach working hard to erase the bad memories of last year’s Mark Morris fiasco. It’s never been a question of talent with this team, especially with a typically deep group of forwards, so if Roll can get the maximum out of this team, it could surprise. The key will be on defense, as six freshmen or sophomores have skated on the back line already this season, placing a big burden on goalie Dustin Traylen. So far, he’s handled it well: 10 goals allowed in four games.

Coach: Roll (7th year overall, 107-63-16, 1st year at Clarkson, 1-1-2).

Last year: 12-20-3, lost in ECAC first round to Vermont.

Top forward: Senior Rob McFeeters (7-18-25 last year, 28-40-68 career).

Top defenseman: Freshman Matt Nickerson (0-0-0 last year, 2-0-2 career).

Top goaltender: Sophomore Dustin Traylen (6-6-1, 3.07 GAA, .887 save pct.; 7-7-3, 2.90 GAA, .902 save pct.).

9. Colgate (Current record: 1-1-1)

My, what a couple months it’s been in Hamilton. First, coach Don Vaughan takes leave of his post for the year to become interim athletic director, leaving head bench duties to trusted assistant Stan Moore. Then, prized recruit Justin Anderson left school in late September because of homesickness. On top of that, the university announced last week that it will begin offering athletic scholarships. Amid the hubbub, it’s amazing Moore has kept his guys coming to the rink everyday. But not only has he done that, he’s led them to a solid start. The Raiders are 1-1-1, with a big home-opener win over Ferris State, an NCAA tournament team last season. With an even record and even tally sheet (nine goals for, nine against), Colgate seems headed for a season around the .500 mark. (Little-known fact: the last opposing player to score a hat trick against Harvard was Colgate’s Kyle Doyle in 2002.)

Coach: Moore (3rd year overall, 25-36-8; 1st year at Colgate, 1-1-1).

Last year: 17-19-4, lost in ECAC quarterfinals to Dartmouth.

Top forward: Senior Kyle Doyle (8-19-27 last year, 24-42-66 career).

Top defenseman: Senior Rob Brown (5-11-16 last year, 15-33-48 career).

Top goaltender: Junior Steve Silverthorn (13-10-2, 2.90 GAA, .900 save pct. last year; 14-12-2, 3.10 GAA, .891).

10. Union (Current record: 4-0-1)