Aug. 20, 2007

Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst had just two seniors on its 2006 roster and is coming off of its most successful season to date (12-8). The Lakers will also look to improve on their 5-1 regular season record in league play and CWPA Top Ten ranking.

A mix of veteran players and talented newcomers will provide a consistent threat to opposing teams. Leading the attack is 2006 Division II All-American Andrew Schonhoff. He finished last season with 54 goals and 18 assists on his way to setting Mercyhurst's career record for goals in just two seasons. Schonhoff's 72 points also tied the record for points in a season with Brad Armstrong, the only athletes in program history to be named first team All-American. Not be outdone, Senior Kevin Riordan once again broke the single season assists record with 37, while improving his school records for career assists (96) and career points (167).

The Lakers' lineup will be filled with utility players who will contribute on both offense and defense. Returning starters Oscar Calderon and Jorge Montero are attempting to bounce back from shoulder injuries that shortened their 2006 seasons. Calderon will look to take back his season assists record while Montero will try to return to his freshman form when he had 40 goals and a school-record 40 steals. Key freshmen Alex Moggridge and Ryan Speers bring international experience and intensity that will help them compete for starting spots. Other new additions that will bring needed experience are transfers Ryan Holt and Alex Perry. Last fall, Perry earned Community College first team All-American honors and led the state of California in scoring with 129 goals. Holt is transferring from Slippery Rock University after the cancellation of the men's program there.

Mercyhurst will have a much improved defense thanks to the addition of transfer Jake Coin and freshman Andy Sekulski. Sekulski will join senior Kyle Bogucki in competing for the starting goalie position. Junior Trevor McIlwaine will also compete for a starting spot while firming up the defense. Finally, freshman Nathan Steiner and senior Ashton Ferrell round out this year's deep and talented roster.

With every starter returning from last season and the addition of seven newcomers, Mercyhurst has improved its' weaknesses and presents a balanced attack. The preseason will provide the huge challenge of bringing the old and new players together as a team. If that obstacle is overcome, the toughest schedule in program history will be the next hurdle. The 2007 schedule will include five Top 20 teams and the men's first trip to Southern California.