Second-year Tufts University head hockey coach Brian Murphy has essentially the same team returning from last year for the 1999-00 season. The Jumbos lost All-Star defenseman Chris Rylander and a few other good soldiers, but they look again to contend for a playoff spot in the ECAC Northeast Division.

Last season Tufts finished with a 12-4-1 record for fifth place in the ECAC Northeast, and 13-10-1 overall. They were seventh in the nation with 5.25 goals per game and clicked on the powerplay an NCAA eighth-best 29.1 percent of the time. Looking to at least maintain those numbers, Murphy and his staff will need veterans to step up and younger players to contribute immediately.

Returning senior captain Drew Carleton (Shaker Heights, OH) is 56-51-107 in 50 career games and is one of the league’s best. A two-time ECAC All-Star, he scored six goals versus Western New England last year as was third in Division III with 2.33 points per game (22-20-42 in 18). The return of sophomore Jason Boudrow (Somerville, MA), who is sitting out the first semester, will be much anticipated. Also a New England and ECAC All-Star, Boudrow was fifth among the nation’s top scorers with 2.29 points per game (32-23-55) as a freshman.

Senior Scott Sullivan (Tewksbury, MA) and junior Natan Obed (Goose Bay, NFLD) are key factors in the offense. Both have averaged better than a point per game in their careers. were steady contributors last year, and will likely continue along that same path. Senior Mike Stuart (Great Falls, VA) has moved up and freshmen Mike Carceo (Belmont, MA) and Rob LaQuaglia (Medford, MA) are newcomers who should contribute immediately.

Defensively the Jumbos will send out a veteran cast. Junior Dan Mahoney (Tewksbury, MA) has blossomed into one of the league’s best and his growth eases the loss of Rylander. Sophomore Chad Pessini (Mansfield, MA) made an excellent showing as a freshman, and seniors Rich Caraviello (Medford, MA) and Pete Schieffelin (Jamestown, RI) will also provide consistent support at the point. Add junior Justin Picone (Ellington, CT) to the mix and Coach Murphy and his staff have a veteran group that has proven ability on both ends of the ice.

Sophomore Ian Kell (St. Paul, MN) split the action between the pipes last year and will handle the bulk of the duties this year. He posted a 2.97 goals against average and 88.9 save percentage while finishing with a 9-4 record last season. Junior Alex Scerbo (Hingham, MA) will see some action in the back-up role.

The Jumbos were picked fifth out of 18 teams in the ECAC Northeast pre-season coaches poll. Fitchburg State, UMass-Dartmouth, Wentworth and Saint Michael's were all selected above the Jumbos. Outside of a 5-0 loss to Fitchburg last season, the Jumbos were equally matched with the other three despite losing three and tying the other (they were 3-2 losers in OT to Saint Michael's in the first round of the playoffs).

#