Squad Highlights
More than just the core of the squad and the coaching staff remained intact over the summer, so no major adjustment periods should be necessary. In a league where change is often commonplace, this is no small advantage.
At the same time, for some veterans like Rok Ticar, Jon Blum, Nick Saracino, or Andergassen, even if they were still performing, it might have been the right time to say goodbye. However, no agreement could be reached with Ticar on an extension.
In the final, goalie Eddie Pasquale sometimes showed his age; he couldn't push through anymore. He will turn 36 during the season, so another slight drop in performance could certainly occur. However, this could be cushioned by the new backup Colin Furlong. Although he is already 33, he should allow Pasquale more breaks than his predecessor Jakob Rabanser, who abruptly ended his career.
Bona wanted to boost the team's speed over the summer. Therefore, above-average skaters like defender David Farrance, center Gerry Fitzgerald, and winger Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (a first name straight out of a heroic saga) were brought in. Cole Bardreau and Henry Bowlby are already beyond all doubt in this regard, and Alan Lobis also showed his capabilities in this respect during his debut season. Only in defense might some players lack mobility.
Squad Question Marks
Blum was already advanced in age and perhaps couldn't meet all (overly high) expectations. But he shouldered a lot of ice time and was particularly calm in the playoffs. Can Farrance truly replace him?
He certainly brings offensive skills, but – to put it mildly – he's not exactly known for his training intensity. At 27, he still has several good years ahead of him, but he needs to be careful not to run out of potential employers after playing in four leagues in three years. He already reported injured during pre-season.
The towering Austin Rueschhoff, Bardreau, Bowlby, as well as Tommy Purdeller (who also needs to step up in his own zone) should once again provide reliable offensive production. Whether the season turns out better or the same as last year could depend on the two new imports, Fitzgerald and Fontaine.
For years, Fitzgerald was a reliable point-scorer in the Allsvenskan – will he, at 33, embrace a slightly smaller role? Fontaine is only one ECHL year removed from his college career, can play both half-walls on the power play, and possesses a seamless shot. Two players with very different backgrounds; Fontaine, like any ECHL player, is difficult to assess.
Despite all the enthusiasm about the playoff run – there were already several weak phases in the regular season, including two embarrassing debacles against arch-rival Bozen. Could a longer stay outside the top 6 – quite possible given the dense field of contenders – once again cause unrest, or are those times finally over?
Areas for reinforcement
The squad is not really oversized; after six defenders and twelve forwards, only younger and league-untested players are available.
Unlike last season, the Wolves filled all their import spots at the start of the season. Foreign players could be replaced one-for-one in case of injuries, but it would be difficult with Italian players.
Outlook
A spot in the top 6 should be possible again, but it won't be a given.
Last season, injuries were almost entirely absent (19 players completed more than 40 games in the regular season!), but that might not last...
