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   The 1999-2000 hockey squad certainly has a tough act to follow from last year's ascension into ECAC playoff glory. After compiling a very respectable 13-10-1 record last season, the pressure to reproduce has mounted on the shoulders of this largely veteran team. Fortunately, coach Brian Murphy recognizes the difficulties of "stepping up" and meeting the expectations that result from a previous winning season.
   "Expectations are much higher this year," said Murphy. "We are the team to beat, so we have to be ready. This year will be more difficult, because the league is much improved." This realization may stir some uncertainty in the hearts of Tufts hockey fans, but never fear, as Murphy adds with confidence, "We are much improved also. And though we have lost a few guys, there are definitely players who will step up and fill their shoes."
   One would think that improvement translates into major changes in the current starters or in the power-play line-up. On the contrary, these Jumbos are building off of what has worked in the past. Considering that Tufts was in the league's top five for power-plays last year (.291 percent scoring on the power-play compared to its opponent average of .194), it is no surprise that Murphy is sticking with a familiar core of forwards, junior Scott Hayes, junior Michael Eastman and senior Jordan Karp, to compose the power play and penalty killing units.
   According to Murphy, these players excel at "creating chances and playing solid defensively, especially in penalty killing situations." Familiarity is the key word in Tufts hockey this year, as the bulk of the team's leadership will rest on the seven senior players.
   "We will definitely be looking to all the seniors, such as Drew (Carlton) and (Dan) Mahoney for leadership," said senior forward Mike Stuart.
   Though leadership from strong players has certainly influenced the success of the Tufts squad, one must acknowledge that last year's installation of a hockey powerhouse from the recent past resurrected Tufts' first full-time coach.
   "It's a big positive to have a coach like (Murphy). He is younger and more approachable than (previous coach Steve Hoar). Because he is full-time, he is always available in his office for players to come to," said Stuart.
   As the line-up remains similar to last year, the team's overall strategy will not be changed. "We play basic hard-nose hockey. We force opponents to make mistakes by pressuring the puck in all three zones," said Murphy.
   This "hard-nose" style is grounded in the abilities and experience of tried and true veterans. "It is helpful to work with the same bunch of guys," said senior forward Scott Sullivan.
   In addition to relying on Hayes, Eastman and Karp, Murphy expects consistent scoring from senior forward and captain Drew Carlton - recipient of All-New England and All-ECAC honors for the last two seasons - and senior forward and assistant captain Scott Sullivan. Despite the team's strength in experience, Tufts scoring power will suffer a loss this semester, because sophomore forward Jason Budrow, the returning ECAC Northeast Rookie of the Year and the league's leading scorer, is ineligible to play. Budrow proved himself as a scoring juggernaut with 32 goals and a total of 55 points last season. The team anticipates his assistance in the second semester.
   Taking a look between the pipes, the Jumbos have high expectations for veteran goalie Ian Jell, who posted a very low 3.12 goals against average, compared to the 5.94 G.A.A. of opposing teams.
   Expectations for success are high for this coming season. "We will definitely make the playoffs again this year," said junior Scott Hayes. "We lost in the first round last year which was tough, but we have high hopes to take it further this year.
   Judging from last year's performance, it is not difficult to see that this team has the right stuff. The high confidence level, the strong coaching staff and the tested veterans spell out the winning attitude of this hockey club. The success of last season may be difficult to top, but these Jumbos are definitely up to the task. In terms of what fans should expect this season, Hayes sums it up best: "big things."