OVERVIEW: The Knights entered last season as a favorite to win the Southern Conference. But they finished fifth in the SoCon after losing 10-9 to High Point in the regular season finale. The team looks to contend for a spot in the SoCon Tournament this season, which now includes Air Force, but they’ll do it without Austin Shanks. The junior transferred to Ohio State in the fall after leading the Knights in all scoring categories, with 31 goals and 13 assists for 44 points. But the Knights will get former All-American longpole Bobby Schmitt back for his final season of play after missing last season with an ACL injury. In fact, he’ll be the team captain. Not “a” team captain, “the” team captain.
STRENGTH: Leadership—There aren’t a lot of strengths for this Knights team, especially with the departure of Shanks. But they do have the aforementioned Schmitt back. Although he didn’t play last season, he still made an impact off the field as a leader. Tucker Ciessau and Jack Perkins return as juniors on the offensive side, and should provide leadership for the offense as well.
WEAKNESS: Offense—After Schmitt, Taylor Stuart, Kevin Fahey, and Shane Healey return after starting at least 10 games last season, along with FOGO Connor Harryman, which should help the defense this year. As for the offense, well, besides Ciessau and Perkins, there really isn’t a ton of talent from last season. In order for the Knights to reach the SoCon Tournament, multiple Knights that had supporting roles last season will have to step up in a big way. Another question mark: goaltending. Drew Goethals was the starter last year, and now Bellarmine has three fresh faces for 2016.
TOP RETURNEE: Bobby Schmitt is a no brainer for this section. He was an All-American two seasons ago, and his return will certainly bolster the Knights defense. Only question with him will be his health and whether or not he will be in the same form as he was before his injury.
BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER: Look for someone on the offense to step up, such as senior Dylan Gatt. Gatt was tied for second on the team last season with 15 goals and finished fourth on the team with 18 points. He only took 27 shots, so expect his shot totals to go up, along with his goal and point totals.
