Union College is gearing up for a pivotal season as it welcomes a sizable influx of freshmen, a move that comes after three consecutive first‑round exits from the ECAC tournament. The program’s recent surge to 22 victories – its highest win total since the 2016‑17 campaign – has set a hopeful tone among coaches and fans alike.
Head coach Mike McKenna says the new class is expected to be the catalyst that finally breaks the early‑round barrier, building on the momentum generated by a strong defensive core and a potent offense that finished the year with a 2.71 goals‑against average and a .912 save percentage.
Profiles of the Newcomers
Among the arrivals is forward Burke, who honed his game in the NAHL with the Colorado Grit before a stint in the BCHL with the Okotoks Oilers and a return to the NAHL with Anchorage. In his final collegiate season with the Wolverines he recorded 12 goals and 37 points across 58 games, showcasing a blend of speed and offensive touch.
Defensive forward Collins brings a reputation for two‑way play, having posted 24 goals and 76 points in 51 contests with the Toronto Patriots. His playoff contributions included nine goals and 15 points in 20 games, underscoring his ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
The blue line will feature defenseman Fenton, a six‑foot‑four, 212‑pound presence who tallied seven points and a plus‑six rating in his final season with Cedar Rapids. His size and physicality are expected to add a new dimension to Union’s defensive schemes.
Free, a three‑year veteran of the Brooks Bandits, arrives after a productive WHL run in which he posted 28 goals and 53 points in 68 games with Portland. His offensive instincts should complement the existing forward group.
Gulley, who captained the Wisconsin Windigo in the NAHL, contributed 24 goals and 51 points in 62 games with Green Bay. His leadership experience is viewed as a valuable asset for the younger cohort.
Legostaev, previously a teammate of Eccleston in Brockville before moving to Gatineau in the QMJHL, managed eight goals and 16 points in 31 games, indicating a promising offensive upside.
Ly, a second‑year player from the Crusaders, doubled his production from the prior season, finishing with 28 points and nine goals. He added four points and 10 penalty minutes in nine playoff appearances, highlighting his two‑way contributions.
Goaltender Labbe brings a solid track record, posting a 27‑14‑3 record with a 2.71 goals‑against average and a .912 save percentage for Sherbrooke. In seven playoff games he posted a 2.53 GAA and a .925 save percentage, suggesting he can handle the postseason pressure.
Markonidis, a Hudson, Massachusetts native, accumulated 63 points and 37 goals over two USHL seasons before contributing 15 goals and 30 points in 53 games with the Omaha Lancers. His scoring pedigree adds depth to the offensive lineup.
Sharp and Ly will form the second pairing of incoming teammates, with Sharp registering eight goals and 28 points in 54 games during his final junior season and adding four points in 13 playoff contests. Their chemistry could prove decisive as the team looks to translate regular‑season success into tournament victories.
If the newcomers can blend their individual talents with the established roster, Union College may finally break through the early‑round curse and contend for a deeper ECAC run this year.