Matchup: Oakland begins the 2024-2025 season Friday night at Suburban Ice Rochester (52999 Dequindre Rd, Rochester, MI 48307) against the Concordia Ann Arbor Cardinals with a 9:15pm puck drop.
Scouting Oakland: Oakland begins the 2024-25 season with eight additions. Forward Vincent Anderson a transfer from New England College (NCAA DII), and forward Gonzalo Almanza from the San Diego Sabers (USPHL Premier) will look to help bolster the Oakland offense. Returners include Brendan Vogler, Stefano Mini, Andrew Morrison, Lance Markowitz, Connor Durfee, James Talmers and Drew Schemmel. Alexander Rekar returns after playing in 2022-23 for Oakland. On the blueline defenseman Sebastian Stukel, a transfer from Lawrence Tech (ACHA DII), defenseman Jacob Parker from the Metro Jets (USPHL Elite), Hudson Hinich from Hampton Roads Whalers (USPHL Elite) and defenseman Luke Charboneau (USHS) will add depth to the defense that features returners Keith Pilut, Shane Bentley and Alec Antle. In net Parker Remelius and Jacob Zomick return for another season, they will be joined by freshman Wyatt Sloetjes (Essex 73’s PJCHL).
Broadcast: Home games will air on the Oakland ACHA DI Hockey Youtube channel with Corey Hagood and Brian Fisher back for a ninth season behind the mic together.
This & That:
-Defenseman Keith Pilut has been named at the 19th captain in program history.
-Forward Lance Markowitz, Forward Stefano Mini and goalie Parker Remelius are alternate captains.
-The 2024-25 season marks the 20th season at Oakland for general manager Corey Hagood.
-New Assistant coach Alex Hufford has joined the staff of head coach Nick Mammel. Alex previously served as the head coach of Western Michigan University (ACHA DI)
– Oakland will play five teams for the first time this season; Cleary, Northern Illinois, Saginaw Valley State, Northwood, and Schoolcraft.
Game Week Comments:
Forward James Talmers: “I’m stoked to be on the team this year. I think the sky is the limit with this new group because of the coaching staff. Also we all feel like we have a lot to prove so it’s going to be a battle everyday.“
Assistant coach Greg Meuser: “Ecstatic to see a full bench this season. With the returning core and the new additions this offseason we will see a completely different team. The coaching staff has been eager to get back to it, and we are looking to have a great bounce back year. I’m also looking forward to watch our leadership group grow as players on and off the ice. The start of the season is also crucial so it’s important for the team to come out strong and show what we will be like the rest of the season.“