After Inaugural Season in the ECHC, Rutgers University Looks to Build on Momentum

Rutgers University enters the 2024-25 AAU College Hockey season with momentum after a competitive finish last season. Under the leadership of Head Coach Tony Thomas, the Scarlet Knights are poised to make an impact in the DIII Silver Division, competing against Fairfield, Hofstra, Stevens Institute of Technology, Stony Brook, and the University of New Haven.

Returning Forwards: Rutgers will rely on a strong core of returning forwards to lead their offensive charge this season. Key contributors include Gavin Rieger, the team’s second-highest scorer last season with 32 points, and Christian Hoppeler, who added 24 points in just 15 games. Alexander Angress also returns after tallying 24 points, along with a host of experienced forwards like Michael Panchery, Cameron Egan, Griffin Jozefek, and Brendan Semon. The Scarlet Knights bring back a total of 15 forwards, ensuring offensive depth.

New Forwards: Joining the experienced group of returners are several promising newcomers. David Vaysberg leads the incoming group with an impressive resume, having posted 38 points for the Richmond Generals in the USPHL-Premier. He brings valuable junior hockey experience, having played in various leagues, including the NAHL and QMJHL. Bryan Arredondo adds collegiate experience to the lineup, while Ryan Downes and Owen Hogan round out the new forward recruits, bringing depth and versatility to the offense.

Returning Defensemen: The Scarlet Knights’ blue line will be bolstered by the return of several key players. Averee Acuna, Cullen DeVries, and Kai Inoue are expected to provide stability on defense, while Thomas Rhodes adds offensive prowess, experience and physicality. These returners will be tasked with protecting the net and limiting the opposition’s scoring chances.

New Defensemen: Rutgers adds several new faces to their defensive corps, with William Daley leading the way. A pair of defensemen, Tim Downes and Michael Voitle will make their way to New Brunswick, having both played for the North Jersey Avalanche 18U AA last season. Corey Miller, Grantas Mozuraitis, Ivan Patapovich, Evan Sikora, and Daniel Wright bring a range of skills to the back end. The addition of these young players should help improve Rutgers' defensive strategies and bolster their ability to compete in the Silver Division.

Returning Goaltenders: In net, Aaron Rodriguez returns after a solid season where he led the Scarlet Knights in total saves, minutes played, and wins. Rodriguez played in 14 games, starting 13 of them, and his experience will be key as he takes on a bigger role following the graduation of Corbin Divenuto. Alec Doody also returns, providing depth in the goaltending department.

Looking Back at Last Season: Rutgers ended their 2023-24 campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 overtime loss to Farmingdale State College (DII) in the quarterfinals of the Black Division Conference Playoffs. Despite their best efforts, and a 4-game winning streak to conclude their regular season, the Scarlet Knights did not qualify for the National Championship tournament.

Outlook for the 2024-25 Season: Now competing in the DIII Silver Division, Rutgers University is determined to capitalize on their returning talent and new recruits as they push for a deep playoff run. With a roster that features a balanced mix of experienced forwards and defensemen, along with the addition of fresh talent, the Scarlet Knights are poised to make significant strides this season.

The key to success will be maintaining offensive production from players like Rieger, Hoppeler, and Angress while integrating newcomers like Vaysberg and Hogan into the lineup. In goal, Rodriguez will be a critical part of the team’s defensive efforts, and his consistency will play a vital role in their overall performance.

With strong leadership and a deep roster, Rutgers University is ready to make waves in the Silver Division and compete for a chance to qualify for the National Championship tournament, all while adjusting to the major loss of top scorer, Ryan Hille.

Photo Credit: Nick Parrotto I @parrotto.pics