As the Jumbos commence their season tomorrow at home against Middlebury College, the team will look to its two key offensive and senior leaders: co-captain Kenny Cleary and assistant co-captain Matt McCarthy. With only seven upperclassmen on the 20-man roster, the Jumbos will depend on Cleary and McCarthy to lead them in 2005-2006.
According to Coach Brian Murphy, both McCarthy and Cleary bring valuable intangibles to the team dynamic, bringing out the best in each player on the ice.
"They are both good offensive and versatile players and are similar in a lot of ways," Murphy said. "They also bring intensity, physical play, and give us a strong offensive punch."
Both Cleary and McCarthy have served as leaders of the team over the past two years. Cleary will be entering his second season as the Jumbos' co-captain (along with senior defensemen Pat Walsh), while McCarthy will take on the role of assistant co-captain along with senior defensemen Jack Thompson.
The combined offensive production of McCarthy and Cleary has been an asset to the Jumbos over the last two seasons. Both players ranked in the top five in goals scored last season. McCarthy had a break-out year, leading the team in scoring with 19 goals and in points with 29, while Cleary ranked fourth in scoring with ten goals and 19 points.
"They compliment each other and are both our top goal scorers," Murphy said. "Matt handles the puck well, probably better than anyone in the league, and Ken has speed and creates a lot on offense. When they get into the offensive zone, it's difficult to stop them."
This year, for the first time, Cleary and McCarthy will be playing on the same line, joined by McCarthy's younger brother, freshman Greg McCarthy. The brothers have played together in the past, and will most likely play on the same line for much if the season, which the elder McCarthy believes will help his offensive game.
"We've played with each other and on the same lines [on other teams] for a while," McCarthy said. "We're always looking for each other and we know how each of us plays together."
Although the squad is young, both Cleary and McCarthy believe the younger players are prepared to contribute to the team this season.
"The freshmen have the ability to step in and play right away," Cleary said. "As seniors, we've tried to instill a work ethic in the preseason that will help them adapt to the level of play in the NESCAC."
According to Murphy, both Cleary and McCarthy have played fundamental roles in preparing the younger players for the upcoming season.
"[McCarthy and Cleary] and the rest of the seniors on the team have been especially important in helping the younger guys along doing the optional workouts and getting on guys when they lose their concentration on the ice," Murphy said.
Both players believe tomorrow's season opener will be a litmus test for the team and the younger players.
"This Friday is going to be a major test for us," Cleary said. "Middlebury is the top team in the country, but I think we have the best work ethic and I think the team as a whole is prepared."
