Dutchmen announce Class of 2014

Union Head Coach Nate Leaman announced that he will be adding eight student-athletes to his roster next season. There will be five forwards, two defensemen, and a goaltender joining the Dutchmen for their 2010-11 campaign. Five of the players are from the States, while the other three a hail from Canada. These guys have some big shoes to fill after the likes of Mario Valery-Trabucco, Jason Walters, and Mike Schreiber have all graduated.

The five forwards are Daniel Carr, Matt Hatch, Cole Ikkala, Josh Jooris, and Kevin Sullivan. The two defensemen are Mat Bodie and Mike Ingoldsby. Troy Grosenick is the lone goaltender.

I am very excited to see all of these guys take the ice in Union uniforms, but I am most interested to see Mat Bodie, the younger brother of Kyle Bodie. From what I have read the younger Bodie is a tremendous offensive defenseman and will make an immediate impact. There is a very high chance that he will be starting lineup once the opening of the season comes around. Ingoldsby sounds like a great blueliner as well and should compete for playing time in his first season. Grosenick sounds like a solid goalie, but will probably have to wait for his senior year to see any real playing time as it seems Keith Kinkaid's position in between the pipes is pretty solidified.

Offensively, it sounds like Leaman has recruited a diverse bunch of players. I think all could make an impact in their first season in Schenectady, but it should be interesting how true freshman like Carr and Sullivan adapt to the college game. And I'm going to call it right now... I think Cole Ikkala will be a fan favorite in his four years. With a last name like that and a gritty style of play he should draw some praise from the Union faithful.

For more on the Class of 2014 check out Union Athletics.com and Ken Schott's Blog.