2022 NECHL SEASON PREVIEW: THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY
The College of New Jersey ACHA Division I men’s hockey team is new to both Division I and the Northeast Collegiate Hockey League, keeping the NECHL as a six-team league after the departure of Niagara University. The Lions are coached by Andrew Ducko, who said the team is looking forward to creating new rivalries and friendships within the NECHL, while also growing hockey at TCNJ.
QUICK HITS
Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Andrew Ducko (8th year with TCNJ)
Assistant Coaches: Paul Batcho & Andrew Lem
Captains:
C’s: Chris Cantelmo & Mike Hannigan
A’s: Glen Puzo & Dan Dorokin
2022 Record:
Overall: 18-9-0-3
Colonial States Collegiate Hockey Conference (CSCHC): 12-3-0-1
New Players:
- Jack Ellis (Towson University, ACHA Division I)
- Logan May (Avalanche 18AAA Premier)
- Jake Bailey
- Joey Greenspoon (Hopewell Valley High School / Princeton 18AA)
- Marco Catana (Shawnee High School / Jaguars 18AA)
Key returners
- Mike Bussanich
- Justin Cooper
COACH’S CORNER
What were your immediate reaction/thoughts to how your team did in the 2021-22 season; what was the general takeaway moving into the offseason?
Ducko: “We did well last season, and were able to compete with Division I teams. In our first year at Division I with a similar team, we will work hard every week, and do our best to be a competitive team that plays the right way every night.
What was your biggest task going into the offseason? What was the No. 1 goal heading into the 2022-23 season?
Ducko: “Find ways to generate offense.”
What’s the team goal this year? Anything specific (outside of the obvious answers such as winning the league, etc.)?
Ducko: “Consistently being competitive, while playing solid team defense.”
Do you have any personal goals or does the coaching staff have any goals for the program this year?
Ducko: “Continue to improve the program, while maintaining the positive atmosphere, which made us successful at the Division II level.”
It’s your first year in ACHA Division I in a league that is constantly trying to grow. What is the team’s mindset for this new era of TCNJ hockey?
Ducko: “We want to become a serious hockey program, with great people involved, and an awesome atmosphere. We are looking forward to creating new rivalries and friendships, while continuing to grow hockey at our school.”