The Skating Saints Rebuild: 5 Key Storylines Defining St. Lawrence Men's Hockey In The 2025-2026 Season
The St. Lawrence University Men's Hockey program, affectionately known as the Skating Saints, is navigating a challenging but pivotal moment in its history. As of late December 2025, the team is deep into a significant rebuilding year, marked by a fresh influx of talent and a determination to climb the competitive ECAC Hockey standings. Under the leadership of Head Coach Brent Brekke, the 2025-2026 season is a crucial litmus test for the program's future, focusing on developing a young roster and establishing a new identity in the storied Appleton Arena. This article dives into the five most critical storylines defining the Saints' campaign, from their new recruits to their fight for conference relevance.
Currently, the Saints' record sits around 2-15-1 overall, with a 1-4-0 mark in ECAC play, reflecting the growing pains of integrating a large group of newcomers. Despite the early struggles, the focus remains on long-term development and showcasing the potential of the new core. The team's performance against top-ranked opponents, including a tough 7-2 loss to No. 16/17 Cornell, highlights the steep learning curve, but also the occasional flashes of brilliance, such as a 5-2 win against Vermont.
The 2025-2026 Roster: A Deep Dive into the Skating Saints' Core
The foundation of the 2025-2026 St. Lawrence squad lies in its blend of experienced leadership and a large, promising recruiting class. This year marks a significant turnover, with twelve new players—ten first-years and two key transfers—joining the program, necessitating a rapid establishment of team chemistry. The coaching staff, led by Head Coach Brent Brekke, Associate Head Coach Tommy Hill, and Assistant Coaches Kyle Flanagan and Greg Gardner, is tasked with molding this fresh talent into a cohesive ECAC contender.
Key Player Profiles and Leadership Group
- Jan Olenginski (C): As the team captain, Olenginski provides essential veteran guidance on and off the ice. His leadership is vital for integrating the large freshman class into the demanding NCAA Division I environment.
- Tyler Cristall (F): An early offensive bright spot, Cristall has demonstrated the ability to produce, highlighted by a two-goal performance against Princeton. He is expected to be a primary goal-scoring threat as the season progresses.
- Sam LeDrew (Fr, F): One of the promising first-year forwards, LeDrew has quickly found his footing, registering five points early in the season, showing he can be a reliable producer immediately.
- Cameron Smith (G): The junior goaltender is a critical entity for the Saints, often facing a high volume of shots. His performance will be a major factor in keeping the Saints competitive in tight ECAC matchups.
The Impact of New Recruits and Transfers
The twelve newcomers are the lifeblood of this rebuilding year. Among the most notable additions are two crucial transfers who bring immediate experience to the roster. Defender Jack Babbage and forward Frankie Carogioiello are expected to shoulder significant minutes and provide veteran presence. Carogioiello was also named an alternate captain, a rare honor for a transfer, underscoring his immediate impact on the team culture. Other high-potential entities include defenseman Sam Frandina, who, alongside LeDrew, has already registered five points, and forward Isaac Tremblay, who is expected to develop into a key offensive piece.
The ECAC Challenge: Rebuilding Against Conference Giants
St. Lawrence's men's hockey program is competing in its 65th season within the highly competitive ECAC Hockey conference. The league is renowned for its parity and the difficulty of winning on the road. For the Skating Saints, the 2025-2026 season is less about winning the conference title and more about establishing a foundation that can challenge perennial powerhouses like Cornell, Quinnipiac, and Harvard in the coming years. Their 1-4-0 conference record reflects the initial struggles against these established programs.
The coaching staff's primary goal is to improve the team's statistical output, particularly in special teams. Early statistics show the team has scored 38 total goals with eight on the power play, indicating an area with room for improvement in efficiency. Developing the young players' confidence in pressure situations, especially the freshmen like Cayden Casey and Gunnar Thoreson, will be paramount to securing crucial ECAC points down the stretch. The team needs to capitalize on their home-ice advantage in the historic Appleton Arena, a venue known for its intimate and intense atmosphere.
The Legacy of Appleton Arena and Program History
To understand the St. Lawrence Men's Hockey program is to understand its deep, rich history. Established in 1925, the "Skating Saints" have a legacy that stretches back nearly a century. The program plays its home games at the iconic Appleton Arena, a 3,000-seat facility that has been the spiritual home of the Saints for decades. This venue is a significant recruiting tool and a source of immense pride for the Canton, New York, community.
The program has a history of punching above its weight, with notable achievements in the NCAA tournament. The pinnacle of their success came with the legendary 1987-88 team, which set a program record for wins with a 29-9-0 mark, captured the ECAC tournament title, and advanced deep into the NCAA tournament. This history serves as a constant reminder of the program's potential and the high standards set for the current roster. The goal for Coach Brekke's team is to usher in a new era of NCAA Division I success, mirroring the triumphs of the past.
The Path Forward: Expectations and Future Outlook
The remaining schedule for the 2025-2026 season is packed with critical ECAC matchups. Games against teams like Stonehill and Yale in January 2026 will be key opportunities for the Saints to gain momentum and valuable conference points. The team's performance in these games will determine their seeding for the ECAC tournament and provide a clearer picture of their progress.
The long-term outlook for St. Lawrence Men's Hockey is one of cautious optimism. The commitment to a large recruiting class, including high-potential players like Filip Juricek and Rasmus (whose full name is not listed but is a key entity), signals a dedication to building a sustained winner. While the current season is a struggle, it is a necessary step in the rebuilding process. The development of the young core, the continued leadership of players like Jan Olenginski, and the stability provided by the coaching staff are the three pillars on which the Saints are building their future success. The ultimate intention is to return the Skating Saints to consistent ECAC relevance and the national stage of the NCAA tournament.
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