This year brings a fresh start to the men’s hockey team with a new coaching staff and 14 talented and competitive first-years. With the loss of 11 players from last year (six graduated seniors, Jaccob Slavin, who is now playing in the National Hockey League, and four others) the team knew it was time to bring in a big class.
“Thank God we took in 14 guys,” said Head Coach Mike Haviland. “Otherwise we wouldn’t have had enough to field a team.”
Haviland and his two assistant coaches agreed that they wanted to raise the level of competition in practice and have their guys earn their spots each and every day. Coach Haviland spoke highly of the freshman recruits. Here is a little about the new players:
BEN ISRAEL
Defense
Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
Coach Haviland: He’s an older guy who has been around so he’s bigger and thicker than the average freshman coming in. He’s an offensive guy who could really step in this year and fill some minutes and get better as his career goes on.
Why CC: It’s a fantastic education and great hockey program. It’s the best of both worlds.
Best hockey moment: A current teammate and I played on the same team last year and won the Dineen cup last year.
Worst hockey moment: Getting stepped on by a skate on my achilles tendon.
Favorite post-workout meal: Big fan of steak and potatoes.
TANNER OCKEY
Forward
Calgary, Alberta
Coach Haviland: We think down the road he could be a potential captain of the team. He’s got a great work ethic and is a very smart player. He’s a very likable guy in the locker room, on campus, and I think he gets a lot of respect because of the work ethic he comes to the rink each and every day with.
Why CC: My grandpa played here in 1963 and was captain of the team, so that was a big reason. Also, this is like my hometown and the school is so awesome.
Best hockey memory: My second playoff game. We were down a game in first round and I scored my first hat trick and we won so that was a great moment.
Worst hockey moment: I once deflected a shot into my own team’s goal.
Favorite post-workout meal: Original Joe’s (in Canada) grilled cheese bacon burger.
ANDREW FARNY
Defense
Steamboat Springs, Colo.
Coach Haviland: He’s a very smart offensive-minded defenseman. He’s also an intelligent player who’s got a bright future here. He’s another guy I could see being a leader down the road.
Why CC: I’m from Colorado, so staying close to home is cool. I love the mountains and I love everything on and off the ice. Being from Colorado I grew up watching the rivalry between DU and CC, so it’s cool to be here.
Best hockey moment: When I was 8, we had an outdoor rink. When it snowed heavily the parents would shovel the snow and sometimes there was so much snow that we played with a tennis ball instead of puck.
Worst hockey moment: Getting cut from a team freshman year
Favorite post-workout meal: Some pasta with red sauce, broccoli, chicken, Gatorade and lots of water.
WESTIN MICHAUD
Forward
Cloquet, Minn.
Coach Haviland: He’s a scrappy player, not flashy or smooth skating, but he knows the games and competes. He’s got an ability to score and he’s a kid that you’re rooting for. He gets things done and will continue to get things done.
Why CC: Most important thing is the schooling aspect. But also our hockey team is in the best league and it is a great team.
Best hockey moment: The atmosphere at the Bantam A VFW state tournament in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Worst hockey moment: I broke my thumb on a slapshot at that same tournament.
Favorite post-workout meal: Chicken sandwich.
TREY BRADLEY
Forward
Tampa, Flor.
Coach Haviland: Kind of a smaller guy but tons of skill. He sees the ice very well and as he gets stronger and older I think he will be very exciting to watch for our fans and students.
Why CC: Part of it was influence from my brother (Senior, Cody Bradley) who came here and loved it so much. I like the small school aspect and the hockey team was a big factor.
Best hockey moment: Last season my team, Sioux Falls Stampede, became USHL Clark Cup Champions.
Worst hockey moment: My first year trying out for the USHL I got cut because I was “too small.”
Favorite post-workout meal: Chicken parmesan with pasta and garlic bread.
MASON BERGH
Forward
Eden Prairie, Minn.
Coach Haviland: He’s a really good skater and he can score and put up points and will be expected to do that as his career goes on here. We are looking forward to big things for him.
Why CC: I came here because education is most important and CC is a great school. It’s got a great hockey history and the coaching stuff has been amazing. A lot of factors played into my decision to come here.
Best hockey moment: Winning the state tournament in Minnesota my sophomore year.
Worst hockey moment: Injuries. I’ve broken my ankle and arm twice and my collarbone.
Favorite post-workout meal: I like going to Chipotle and getting a burrito bowl.
COLE MCCASKILL
Defense
Kamloops, B.C.
Coach Haviland: He’s a big, thick Canadian kid who came in a year early because we lost Jacob to the NHL. Cole is someone who will have a great career. He’s a smart player who moves the puck well. He could be an offensive type of defenseman.
Why CC: I had family that went here and an uncle that graduated in 1987 who actually played on the hockey team. Also the education is as good as you’re going to get.
Best hockey moment: Winning the first round of playoffs in game six against the Langley Rivermen last year.
Worst hockey moment: Getting cut from Bantam Triple A in minor hockey when I was 12.
Favorite post-workout meal: Steak and potatoes.