After a disappointing finish to a roller coaster season in which the hockey team failed to make the playoffs for the first time in three years, players and coaches are ready to put the 2005-2006 campaign behind them.
Tufts played well throughout most of December and January and appeared to have a good chance at making the playoffs. However, season-ending injuries to key players late in the year plagued the team in crucial games down the stretch. The Jumbos managed only one win in their final nine games and finished the season under .500 with an overall record of 9-12-3 (6-11-2 NESCAC).
"When we were healthy, we were a pretty good team," coach Brian Murphy said. "Most of the injuries we had were season-ending to some of our best players, and we couldn't control that. I think we were inconsistent at times and we definitely need some more depth on the team, in terms of numbers."
The team will look to make improvements to its offensive game in 2006-2007. Although the Jumbos were successful in power-play situations throughout most of the season, Murphy believes the team's transition game needs improvement. With players returning from injury, however, the team should be able to improve its offense.
"If there was anything we needed to work on this season, it was our offense and transition game," Murphy said. "With the injuries, we didn't have a lot of guys who had experience in certain offensive situations. We were always worrying a lot about our defense and because of it, I think our offensive game suffered."
The team also lacked consistency at points, which players attribute to a lack of focus.
"We need to work on being more mentally prepared," sophomore forward Greg O'Connell said. "Next year, I think we'll have to work harder in practices and take them a little more seriously."
With the losses of key seniors including the team's leading scorer, co-assistant captain Matt McCarthy, and co-captain Ken Cleary, the Jumbos will look to their returning junior and sophomore players to step up next year.
Junior Peter Corbett, who sat out this season with a knee injury, will likely anchor the defense, while O'Connell will take the offensive forefront. According to Murphy, Both have the potential to be top-tier players in the NESCAC next season.
"[Corbett] can help us out right away; it will be good to have him back," Murphy said. "[O'Connell] could be Player of the Year next season. He finished in the top-ten in scoring as a sophomore and will definitely be one of our main guys on offense."
O'Connell came in at the No. 8 spot in NESCAC scoring, amassing 32 points on nine goals and 23 assists. But as he steps to the offensive forefront next season, those assists could move to the goal column.
Although Murphy wouldn't comment specifically on the incoming freshman class for next season, he is comfortable with the result of the recruiting process. The team has recruited from a large pool of players and looks to bring in a substantial amount of new talent to add some much-needed depth to the roster.
The largest challenge the team will face is replacing its senior leadership. According to players and coaches, this season's senior class brought intangible assets to the team both on and off the ice.
"The senior class was very strong this season," Murphy said. "They're all good guys and we're going to miss their talent and work ethic."
Players and coaches believe that this year's senior class has put the team in a good position for next year, equipping the younger players with the necessary tools for success.
"They were great leaders for us," O'Connell said. "Each one of them led in different ways on and off the ice, some by example and some in the way they played. It's definitely going to be hard to replace them, but we have a great group of upperclassmen and I don't think it will be a problem."
