OVERVIEW: The Black Knights finished last season ranked 20th in the nation, but failed to make the NCAA Tournament after falling to Colgate in the Patriot League title game. Entering 2016, they lose goaltender Sam Somers, midfielders Alex Newsome, Michael Larrabee, and Will O’Donnell, LSM Jimbo D’Aprile, and the biggest of them all in attackman John Glesener. Many underclassmen will have to pitch in, including John’s brother, Ted, a midfielder.
STRENGTHS: Offense – The Black Knights return seven of 10 of their leading scorers from last season, including two of their three starting attackmen in senior Connor Cook and junior Cole Johnson. Johnson led the team with 36 goals last season, while Cook was second with 35. Johnson had 53 points, while Cook had 43. But how will they do without the services of Glesener?
WEAKNESSES: Defense – Army lost goaltender Sam Somers to graduation and the defense during their fall ball scrimmages didn’t look good. Army rotated longpoles during their scrimmages against St. John’s and Binghamton, and the goaltending is still a question. AJ Barretto is an option as a starter, as he was ranked as one of the best incoming goaltenders in the nation.
TOP RETURNEE: It has to be junior attackman Cole Johnson. I’m not totally sure about how Cook will be this season due to his size at 5-5, but he is a threat. Johnson is going to be a leader on the attack unit.
BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER: There’s going to be a Glesener that will play a big role with the Black Knights, it just won’t be John. Instead, it’ll be his brother, sophomore Ted Glesener who will show off his stuff. Some people say that he’s better than his brother, but Army hopes that it comes true and that Ted helps Army towards a Patriot League championship in the always competitive lead.
