Editor's note: NESN.com will preview each Hockey East school this week.
Two years removed from a Frozen Four appearance, Vermont fell back into the middle of the Hockey East pack last season, finishing seventh in the league and getting eliminated by New Hampshire in the tournament quarterfinal. Head coach Kevin Sneddon has a roster filled with young but experienced players who hope to bring the Catamounts to glory in 2011-12.
Record/finish in 2010-11
6-14-7 (19 points)
Seventh in Hockey East
Lost in Hockey East quarterfinal (New Hampshire)
Key 2010-11 stat
The one aspect of play which held the Catamounts back was goal scoring. Vermont finished second to last in the league in goals, putting up only 60 in 27 league games.
Player to watch in 2011-12
The younger brother of Blackhawks winger Viktor Stalberg, Sebastian Stalberg will look to carry the Catamounts' offense this winter. Posting five goals and 15 assists last season, the junior winger will need more production in the goal column.
Coach's quote
"I still think though we're going to be a team that has three lines that need to contribute and not just focus in on one. I don't think we have a dynamic line that can be the top in Hockey East quite yet, but I'm OK with spreading the wealth out a little bit."
–Kevin Sneddon
Outlook
Vermont returns six of its top eight scorers from last season, many of whom were freshmen and sophomores this time last year. With another year of experience, UVM is banking on these players making leaps in scoring this year. Expect the Catamounts to be improved this season but still finish in the lower half of the league.
