One would have to think that the reign of the two time defending champions couldn’t keep the torch for this long, but this season wasn’t what anyone expected. The lineup returned largely intact. The veteran leadership who want it would take to win a record third straight championship.
Unfortunately the team couldn’t foresee the amount of injuries that would hit the team. In trying to stay atop the league rankings, they gave away pieces to the team that could be the future of the franchise. The head office and coaching staff go into the off-season needing to figure out the future of the franchise.
Attack –
The duo of Brendan Mundorf and Drew Westervelt has not taken off like the staff had hoped. With the performance given in the final game for Westervelt, he will be back next season. Mundorf will hopefully be healthy in 2015. Brandon Benn might not be the type of player to thrive in Coach Cottle’s system. Ben Rubeor might be on his last legs with the team.
Life needs to invigorate into the unit with someone being able to produce quality points for the team. The Matt Mackrides experiment at attack while likely end with his return to midfield next season. The upcoming draft gives the team hope because there is a wealth of attackman coming in. Kevin Rice (Syracuse), Mike McDonald (Princeton), Ryan Walsh (Colgate), and Joey Sankey (UNC) are options outside the top ten picks.
Midfield –
Losing David Earl as soon as they acquired him is going to impact the draft needs of the team. Kevin Crowley will likely be trade bait since it is not often that Canadian players find a long-term home in Chesapeake. Steven Brooks moving on, along with Mike Kimmel, leaves the midfield wide open for change.
It would be ideal to get a Connor Buszek (Cornell) type player. Someone who has proven they can produce. There are options are midfield coming out that can be first through fifth rounder projections. Eric Adamson (Denver), Ryan Tucker (UVA), Henry Schoonmaker (Syracuse), and Colin Dunster (Bryant) will be on their radar.
At the face off position, the team will look for options. Last season they draft Dylan Levings with the 24th pick, which means the team believes it is a needing to be addressed. Stephen Robarge and Adam Rand are going to be competing with a likely new addition.
Defense –
Michael Evans will be the staple of the Bayhawks’ backline, hopefully all healed from this summer. Brian Megill is a good young talent, but has been moving between midfield and defense. Same with Jesse Bernhardt and CJ Costabile, as Costabile will even face off for the team in a backup role.
The moves at defense do not need to be through drafting, but more assigning roles. If Brian Spallina and Nicky Polanco do return, they will need to be in complimentary roles. Can Megill and Bernhardt be full time down low defenseman? The continuity of the defense relies on the same pieces being there each week, which enables the goalie to be more comfortable in addition to the defensive unit.
Goal –
Kip Turner and Tyler Fiorito will be the two battling next pre season for the right to be named starter. There is no need to be in search of an addition, as Jack Runkel is a good third option. T.C Dibartolo, who was on the active roster, could be called back into camp as well.
The results of the Bayhawks 5-9 season were due largely to the rash of injuries. Now with the three peat in the rear view mirror, the team can make the transition to a more youthful roster to ensure the success that the organization has always known. The change is going to have to begin with the collegiate draft.
The Bayhawks have never relied on the draft to make huge additions or subtractions to the roster, playing rather casual. This draft will likely need to change to a new strategy. By letting go of pieces that will keep the Bayhawks ahead of the competition, even when injuries are mounting, the league has been able to catapult ahead. If the draft ends with the team getting low grade, look for 2015 to be a tough season.
