September 22, 2009

Top Line to Lead Black Knights

Click here to read Matt Ondesko's story on the MetroWNY website.

The Black Knights were a dismal 4-14-1 away from the friendly confines of Tate Rink, while the posted a respectable 6-4-5 record at home.

“Some of the experienced gained last season will hopefully help us,” stated Army coach Brian Riley. “We are a year older and there shouldn’t be much of a transition.”

The Black Knights will know where they stand on the road early as they play 10 of their first 13 away from home, including the season opening Icebreaker Tournament in Omaha, Neb. against Nebraska-Omaha.

If the Black Knights are to turn around its fortune from last season they will do it on the shoulders of their top line in Eric Sefchik, Owen Meyers and Cody Omilusik.

The three combined for 41 goals and 48 assists, with Meyers leading the way in goals with 19.

“Meyers in one of the top forwards in the league,” Riley said. “They seem to jell as a line. All three of them compliment each other. They have good chemistry.”

Chemistry will be key as they play their first league game Saturday, Oct. 24 against Mercyhurst.

Mercyhurst, who was runner-up to Air Force in the Atlantic Hockey tournament for the second-straight season, was picked to finish second, while Army was picked to finish sixth.

“This is always a great time of year,” said Riley. “The skies the limit. We control our own destiny.”

Their destiny could fall in the hands of junior goaltender Jay Clark.

Clark took over for an ineffective Josh Kassel during the season and put up respectable numbers (2.98 goals against average and a 9-9-5 record.)

This season Clark will be looked upon to carry load – something Riley knows he can handle.

“We are really excited about Jay this year,” said Riley. “I believe he is one of the top goalies in the league. We have confidence in Joe.”

Riley is also excited about his team in general. Wile they are very young, only three seniors dot the roster, the freshmen and sophomore are really talented.

And, Riley is especially high on his sophomore class.

“Being a freshman at West Point is tough,” he explained. “They are usually a lot more relaxed their sophomore year.”

The Army Black Knights open the 2009-10 hockey season Friday, Oct. 9 when they take on Nebraska-Omaha in the Icebreaker Tournament.