At 15 wins, two losses, Loyola University had a great 2014 season. They would have had an undefeated regular season if the Hounds had taken the opening season contest against the Wahoos. The Greyhounds continued their playoff streak but met a hot Albany team in the first round.
Statistically, Loyola was in great position for success. The offense was above 12 goals per game and the defense sat five points per game under. The save percentage was near 60 percent. The two leading scorers for the Hounds were both in the Top Ten in the nation for goals and assists per game.
The senior class was leaders and had a profound effect on the team for their four years. Aside from an 8-5 campaign their first season on Charles Street, they were National Champions as sophomores, once ECAC Champions, and once Patriot League Championship. They leave a number of holes to fill.
The attack is the unit that needs too find it’s barring quickly to be successful. Justin Ward is gone to the MLL in Charlotte and Brian Schultz ran out of eligibility. In the process, the team loses 124 points. The third amigo left behind is Nikko Pontrello. One shy of the 50-goal mark in 2014, he looks to continue the success he has had.
There are some pups in the wings. Matt Cunningham, Jordan Germershausen, and Zack Sirico registered points last season, but all in mop up duty. There are no clear-cut favorites to come in and steal the lead role, but the Hounds usually produce very capable attackman.
At the midfield, the Hounds have a lot of players still in the building over at Ridley. Kevin Ryan, Matt Sawyer, and most importantly Pat Laconi leave gaps in midfield that need to be filled. Brian Sherlock had a great season and should only improve. Tyler Albrecht and Jeff Chase are looking to be even bigger contributors in 2015.
Defense lost a monster in Joe Fletcher. The Defenseman of the Year Winner and only college player to be on the final days of the Team USA Roster was the name amongst names of college defense, but he wasn’t the only senior on the back line. All three defenseman graduate and that leaves a complete collapse on defensive personnel since even long time starter Jack Runkel graduated.
Ryan Fournier and Jason Crane look to be the early favorites. The team has a wealth of underclassmen and incoming recruits to replace one of the best units in the nation. Coach Toomey has to be hoping for a few names amongst the host of defensive personnel to take the reigns.
Runkel’s graduation leaves the goal position open. He logged so many minutes over his career that backing him up was like backing up Martin Brodeur. Runkel didn’t get many opportunities to be on the sideline during his career. Each player in contention for the position has played no significant minutes.
If the defense and attack can catch on quickly, the Hounds could be in the Top Five quickly in 2015. They need to replace the most depth in a long time and will have to battle through some tough competition to get the playoff streak to four. It will be a long hard road, but likely the favorite for the Patriot League Title once again.
