H.S. hockey/2014-15 preview capsules

Fitch/East Lyme/Ledyard/Waterford/Wheeler/Hale-Ray

Coach: Randy Craig (2nd year)

Key returnees: Sr. G Tyler Luke, Sr. F Zach Jones, Sr. F Pete Yapchanyk, Sr. F Max Medas, Sr. D Jarrett Hebert, Jr. D Austin D'Addario.

Top newcomers: So. F James Fitzmaurice, Fr. F Kevin Close, So. F Larry Nolan, Jr. F Will Vorra, So. D Cody Twomey.

Outlook: The cooperative program known as the Eastern Connecticut Eagles has added Waterford and Wheeler to the mix, making it a six-school team that will play its home games at Connecticut College's Dayton Arena. Craig said with the loss of 10 seniors additional schools have allowed the program to continue. The Eagles should be solid defensively with the return of Luke in goal and Hebert and D'Addario right in front of him. Craig believes there is some good, young talent and their development will help the Eagles improve as the season progresses.

St. Bernard/NFA/Stonington/Bacon/Lyman Memorial

Coach: Terry McAuliffe (2nd year)

Key returnees: Sr. F Andrew Gagnon, Sr. F Tyler Faulkner, Sr. G Anthony Zeng, Sr. F Tristan Malone, Sr. D Danny Terracciano.

Top newcomers: Jr. G Shawn LoVetere, So. D Hunter Desaulnier, Fr. F Maren Lancaster.

Outlook: The Saints have added Stonington to the cooperative program this winter, bringing the total to five schools. They will play their home matches at the Norwich Municipal Ice Rink. The Saints were 4-17 in McAuliffe's first season and struggled to produce goals. That should improve this winter with the return of Gagnon, Faulkner and Malone and the addition of Lancaster. Faulkner and Terracciano were starters a year ago and will anchor an improved defense.