First Line: Quick Hits on the 2019-20 Men’s Hockey Season

BOSTON – Just a day away from the official puck drop the 2019-20 edition of Suffolk men's hockey – a 7:30 p.m. non-conference contest at Franklin Pierce Friday, Nov. 1 – Ram Nation has the chance to see a quick glimpse at six hot topics to watch out. 

1. NEHC NOTES
   
   Suffolk will have one final chance to etch its name in the New England Hockey Conference's (NEHC) record books as the Rams will compete in the highly competitive league one final time before making the switch back to the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) in 2020-21. The change of conference comes as Suffolk Athletics became the 10th official member of the CCC in an announcement made in July.
   
   
2. NEW NETMINDERS
   
   With the departure of the Rams' starting goalie Michael Levine, who accumulated 1,767 stops over 66 appearances, 20 victories, in four seasons in a Suffolk sweater, there is a void between the pipes. Freshman Nathan Pickett and Cal Wilcox are battling with senior Chris Olsson (2 GP, 0.00 GAA, 1.000 save %)for the starting spot in net. 
   
   
3. OFFENSIVE OUTPUT
   
   Despite having a 28-player roster divided in half by veterans (16) and newcomers (12), the Rams welcome back multiple scoring sticks. Of the 68-goal offense from a year ago, 61.8 percent (42-68) of the scoring is back on the ice. Assist wise, 55.4 percent (56-101) of helpers have returned to Beantown. 
   
   Jack Kelly, who was a scoring standout as a sophomore last season, is coming into his junior campaign after a 12-goal, 11-assist effort in 2018-29. Brian Brooks (5g, 10a) and Shawn Montgomery (3g, 8a) and Joseph Mortillaro (6g, 4a) also put together double-digit point efforts a year ago. 
   
   
4. YOUNG GUNS
   
   Chris Glionna brought in a dozen new skaters over the offseason to add depth to his line-up. 
   
   The 12 new faces in blue-and-gold sweaters are all true freshman with seven forwards a trio of defensemen and two netminders. 
   
   READ MORE: RAMS ROOKIES: 2019-20 MEN'S HOCKEY
   
   
5. TO BE THE BEST, YOU HAVE TO BEAT THE BEST
   
   A year ago, the Rams made their names known against not only some of the NEHC's best, but the nations' as they upset a pair of nationally ranked foes. Suffolk stunned then-No. 13 Norwich, 1-0, December 1, 2018, in Northfield, Vermont, and came back to Boston the following weekend and skate past then-No. 12 Hobart, 5-2, December 7, 2018.
   
   Suffolk will once again have its work cut out for itself as six of its 2019-20 foes appeared on the USCHOL Preseason Division III Poll: No. 2 Norwich, No. 5 Hobart, No. 10 Trinity, No. 12 UMass Boston, No. 15 Babson and New England College, who received votes. 
   
   READ MORE: USCHO PRESEASON DIVISION III POLL 
   
   
6. SKATING FOR A CAUSE
   
   Suffolk will lace up its skates for the greater good for the second straight season following its inaugural cause game a year ago where the Rams donned cameo jerseys in the home season finale, a 4-1 triumph over Castleton, February 2, 2019. 
   
   Be on the lookout for the official announcement from head coach Chris Glionna on what the Rams will be playing for this season and be sure to save the date of the contest, which is set for Friday, Jan. 24 against Johnson & Wales at 7 p.m. at historic Emmons Horrigan O'Neil Memorial Rink. 
   
   
7. HOW TO FOLLOW SUFFOLK MEN'S HOCKEY IN 2019-20
   
   Family, fans and friends of Suffolk men's hockey can follow all of the action via the official website, GoSuffolkRams.com. Ever game will be previewed and recapped with in-game lives stats offered for very home event. 
   
   Members of Ram Nation are also encouraged to stay up-to-date on the Rams' official social media sites, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and use the official hashtag #RamNation for an insider's look at Suffolk's teams and student-athletes. 
   
   For a more in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at Suffolk men's hockey, fans can follow the Rams on Instagram and Twitter @SuffolkUHockey.