APPLETON, Wis. -- Nine newcomers will join the Lawrence University hockey team when it takes to the ice this fall.
The group is made up of five defensemen, three forwards, and a goaltender, and the players come from all across North America.
"This season's incoming freshmen are dedicated, hard working student-athletes who all have the ability to make a difference for the Lawrence University hockey program," head coach Dave Ruhly said.
Adam Brand, a defenseman, is a native of Antigo and graduate of Antigo High School. A strong skater, he spent the previous season playing for the Bay State Breakers junior A team in Boston, Mass. He is the son of Terry Brand, the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association commissioner and the head coach at Lawrence from 1988-90.
"Adam has the versatility to handle opposing forwards in our own end and step up in the play on the offensive side of the puck," Ruhly said.
Ted Greeley is another defenseman and hails from Marquette, Mich. A graduate of Marquette High School, Greeley spent last season playing for the Laconia Leafs, a junior B team in Laconia, N.H.
"Ted has excellent leadership qualities and a solid background of junior experience," Ruhly said. "He brings added strength and a solid understanding of the game to the blueline."
Nick Jennette, a forward from Grand Rapids, Mich., brings multiple all-state
honors to the Vikings. A graduate of East Grand Rapids High School, he played
for the Capital Centre Pride, a midget major AAA team in Lansing, Mich., last
season.
"Nick is a tough, shifty, and finely tuned forward whom we expect to be able to come in an have an immediate impact with our group of forwards for this season," Ruhly said.
Aaron LaFave is a native of Centerville, Ohio and has played both forward and defense during his career. A multi-sport athlete at Shattuck St. Mary's High School, LaFave will play forward at Lawrence.
"Aaron has the ability to earn a starting role with the Vikes this season," Ruhly said. "He has good size and a good head for the game."
Chris Lawson, like LaFave, is a 2005 high school graduate and spent his senior year starring at forward for Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument, Colo. Lawson earned all-conference honors this past season and was chosen for the all-area team by the Colorado Springs Gazette.
Andrew Litchfield is the lone goaltender in the group. A native of Grayslake,
Ill., Litchfield played for the Barrington Redwings, a midget AA team, while
attending Grant Community High School.
Blake Royle is a defenseman who hails from Burlington, Ontario. Royle, who comes to Lawrence from Castleton State College in Vermont, played last season for the Full Stride Flyers, a junior B team located in Burlington, Vt.
"Blake is a gritty, tough-nosed defenseman who relies on his hard work and determination to take care of opposing forwards," Ruhly said. "We are looking forward to having him as part of the squad this season."
Mitch Sabo is a defenseman who spent last season playing for the Youngstown Phantoms, a junior A team in the North American Hockey League. Sabo is a native of Bell Canyon, Calif., and graduated from Crespi Carmelite High School.
"Mitch will add a physical presence to our blueline and has a solid understanding of the game with his junior experience," Ruhly said.
Peter Stafford comes to Lawrence from Madison, where he attended West High School and starred in hockey and baseball. A defenseman, Stafford played junior A hockey for the Green Mountain Glades in Burlington, Vt., last season.
"Peter has all the tools, with his size, smarts, and work ethic, to be a tremendous defenseman for the Vikings," Ruhly said.
The Vikings finished second in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association standings last season with 26 points and a 9-7 record. Lawrence finished with an 11-13-2 overall mark.