WINONA, Minn. – The Saint Mary's men's hockey team is officially back on the ice and pushing towards another record season. After their best season in just under a decade and two All-American honors, the Cardinals shift their focus to what's ahead, not behind.

"We return all but two of our forwards from last season's team that led the MIAC in a few different offensive categories, so it should be pretty exciting to watch," said head coach Ryan Egan, entering his eighth season at the helm.

"I am most looking forward to seeing how we handle the expectations based on our second-place finish from last year and if it motivates us to make a push for the conference championship."

Looking ahead, the Cardinals are excited to take on No.4-ranked UW-Stout in an exhibition game on Friday, Oct. 23, before hosting UW-River Falls for the final exhibition game on Saturday, Oct. 24, for the program's annual Ice Breaker. A special day of hockey, free admission, games, and more!

The season will officially be underway, hosting Lake Forest for a series on Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31.

The Cardinals will open conference play hosting Augsburg on Friday, Nov. 20.

Over Thanksgiving break, the team will compete in the Superior Showdown, hosted by UW-Superior on Friday, Nov. 27, through the 28th; opponents are still to be determined.

They will jump back into conference play for a Hamline series in December before their winter break, which will feature everyone's favorite night, the Teddy Bear Toss.

The Cardinals will jump back into action after their break and finish their final nonconference schedule with Milwaukee School of Engineering on Saturday, Jan. 2, and Tuesday, Jan. 5. Senior day is set for the first head-to-head match with MSOE.

The Cardinals will finish the regular season hosting St. Olaf on Saturday, Feb. 20, before eyeing MIAC Playoffs for a second straight year.

The tournament will run from Wednesday, Feb. 24 through Saturday, Mar. 6. 

"Making the playoffs is always an expectation for our team, but I think this group is hoping to build on last season's success and make a run to compete for the conference championship."

The team is looking to make it past their semi-final exit from last season.

Not only does the team have the expectations to go further, but they have the players to do so. The team returns All-American and DIII Player of the Year Finalist, junior Joona Juntunen, and MIAC Rookie of the Year, Adam Prokop, in net. They also return All-Conference forward Carter Newpower in the balanced attack.

"Fans should be excited to see one of the best players in the country, Juntunen, again this season, as well as Prokop. This group is motivated and returns 86% of our offensive production from last year, which should be exciting to watch."

"We are also excited to see the growth in our group with the new additions in our six freshmen, whom we expect to contribute quite a bit this season."

There is a different buzz this season around this special group. Game days can't come soon enough.