Having worked hard all offseason to get in the best shape of his life, Packard was prepared for his promotion to the top forward line. He and other teammates, including Pettit, lived together this summer and worked out four times a week, focusing on conditioning. He also joined with several of them to play in a summer league together.

“I wanted to get as strong as possible and gain explosiveness without losing any speed,” Packard said.

During the offseason he was cognizant of his role on the team, as he tried to keep the game simple and focused on taking the puck inside and shooting, rather than on stick handling.

Smith, Packard’s current roommate and friend for more than five years, believes that Packard has always had a strong set of skills and a physical presence on the ice.

“He is finally putting both together, as he is able to run guys over and also put the puck in the net, forming a very potent line [with Cavanagh and Pettit], as all three guys can beat you,” said Smith.

Pettit describes Packard as having the ability to change every play.

“He plays so well and he seems to understand where he needs to be on every opportunity we get,” Pettit said. “He has made an immediate impact, because he is able to create so many opportunities for us.”

Packard envisions himself as a power forward, able to use his size to take the puck to the net and thereby helping to create chances for his linemates. His physical presence on the ice permits him to control the area in front of the opponent’s net and allows him to finish checks solidly.

Much has been made of Packard’s size and ability to get in front of the net, but his teammates insist that he is just as skilled in other aspects of the game as he is physically imposing on the offensive end.

Packard does not take his defensive assignments lightly; he views himself as fully responsible for the defense of his zone and has talked consistently between drills with Cavanagh and Pettit about defensive strategy.

According to Smith, Packard made the defensive play of the game against Dartmouth, chasing down an unchallenged opponent from behind during overtime.

“The skill set that Dennis has is not usually seen on a 6’5 guy, and there is no awkwardness in his stride,” Smith said. “Along with these talents, the control of such a large frame will make him one of the top forwards in the country.”

Packard believes the key for this year’s team will be continuing to stress defensive hockey, as the team must better support its goalie in order to gain more confidence.

But based on his play last weekend, Packard already has given his team much to be confident about.