Eastern Connecticut Eagles

Coach: Eric Sager (1st season)

Key returnees: Sr. F Drew Sager, Sr. F Wyatt Verbridge, Sr. D Kaden Casteel, Sr. F Austen Linicus, Sr. F Dakota Fox, Sr. D Jack Cramer, Sr. D Will McCann, Jr. F Wade Larson, Jr. F Ethan LoVetere, Jr. F Luke Cramer, So. F Nick Rembish, So. G Tyler Fields.

Top newcomers: Sr. D Jackson Reagan, Jr. D Will Sluggett, So. D Gavin Bessenaire, Jr. F Sam Cunningham, Fr. F Aiden Toennes, Fr. G Wyatt Tryba, Fr. G Thomas O'Rourke.

Outlook: The Eagles (7-14) finished strong last season with an appearance in the Nutmeg Hockey Conference tournament final, falling to top-seeded Woodstock Academy 5-1. In the semifinals, the third-seeded Eagles avenged a pair of regular-season losses to Tri-Town, winning 7-1 to advance to the championship game, paced by a pair of goals from Drew Sager. Eric Sager replaces 13-year coach Randy Craig, who led the team to the Division III state championship in 2018. Drew Sager, an all-league forward, will serve as captain, along with assistant captains Verbridge and Casteel. Eric Sager likes his team’s balance, from seniors to freshmen, and believes Eastern Connecticut will vie for this year’s conference championship. The Eagles’ roster is made up of athletes from East Lyme, Fitch, Waterford, St. Bernard, Stonington, Wheeler, Norwich Free Academy, Killingly and Bacon Academy. The Eagles open at home Wednesday against Suffield/Granby/Windsor Locks.