Sault College Cougars Men's Hockey 2024-25 Preview
[Sault Ste. Marie, ON – October 3, 2024] October marks a new chapter in Sault College Cougars Men’s Hockey history as they kick off the 2024-2025 ACHA season. After falling short of their goals last year, the Cougars will rely on a veteran lineup bolstered by key recruits to tackle a challenging ACHA schedule filled with top-ranked opponents from last season.
Returning to the offensive front are dynamic duo Ethan Esposito and Nick Jameus, who combined for a staggering 123 points over last season's 27 games. Esposito, who notched 41 goals—the second most in the ACHA—will aim to build on that success, while Jameus, the league's assist leader with 51, will look to continue his playmaking prowess. Together, they will spearhead the Cougars’ quest for a national championship berth.
Supporting the offense, fourth-year senior Caleb Wood and second-year standouts Dylan Winsor and Gabe Zimbaro will provide leadership and a steadying presence, with an emphasis on improved discipline across all areas of play.
On defense, Jackson Jacques returns for his second season after an impressive debut, tallying 35 points in 27 games and finishing in the top 10 among ACHA defensemen. Jacques is set to take on a larger leadership role, anchoring the defense and leading the Cougars’ power play. A group of first-year defensemen will be called upon to complete the blue line, as only two additional returners—Adrian O’Dell and Branden Kipling—are back for another season.
Newcomers Liam McDonald (Washago, ON) and Michael Starzomski (Sault Ste. Marie, ON) are expected to play significant shutdown roles after completing strong seasons in the NOJHL. The Cougars also added depth from the Blind River Beavers, welcoming forwards Jake Kovacs and Piper Post to boost the offense, while goalie Gavin Disano joins a solid netminding committee alongside Trennis Riley (Havre, MT) and Kaylan Campbell (Thunder Bay, ON).
The Cougars’ season kicks off on October 4th with a two-game series against Michigan Tech. They will return home the following weekend for their home opener on October 11th, 2024, facing the Concordia University-Wisconsin Falcons at the Northern Community Centre.
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