Five Potential Storylines to Watch For

by | Sep 2, 2025 | Oakland ACHA DI Hockey News

With the 2025-26 Oakland ACHA DI Hockey season here, time to take a look at five key storylines that can shape the season.

1. Rebounding from adversity from the past:

The past few years have been rough on the ice for Oakland, this season a new standard is going to be set. The returners will need to use the adversity of the past few seasons, and turn it into motivation to prove they belong and have restored the program. The new players will have to embrace the opportunity to be the recruiting class that helped turn things around.

Forward Andrew Morrison: “The past few years have been a tough rebuild process for us and our returning group has been through a lot physically and mentally, but I believe this has made our group far more resilient when facing adversity. Now that we have the support we need to compete this year, we are going to turn some heads as I can promise you that nobody in college hockey is more hungry to win games than us.”

2. Revamped Roster:

The summer has been full of activity, adding key players to every position. The biggest roster shakeup in program history also took place this summer. The days of a short bench are now in the past, so its up to the team to do the work on the ice to get results from a summer of work by the coaching staff.

Assistant Captain Gonzalo Almanza: “What excites me the most is the amount of players honestly. Last year we were at a disadvantage due to roster size, so it’s refreshing to see this many players. I was able to skate with a couple guys including Vinnie’s (Anderson) brother at the start of the off season. He’s (Jack) a cool dude and good player I’m stoked to see him on the team too.”

3. Homestand to get off to a good start/protecting home ice:

An exhibition game on September 12 will be the first time the revamped roster plays together. This leads us into the regular season featuring eight straight home games. The team must set a new standard at home and quickly learn to protect home ice.

Defenseman Sebastian Stukel: “This starting streak of home games is integral for setting the pace for the rest of the season. Last year was rough, but with a much larger team, and more time to practice during the week, I think we’ll be able to hold our own.”

“To protect our home ice we have to come out of the gate running full speed, and keep that speed throughout the whole game. I’m hoping with our extra practice time and off season training, we’ll be able to out work other teams even late into the third period.”

4. Goaltending stability:

With three new goaltenders (and an improved blueline) Oakland will need to bring the goals against average down and limit deflating goals against that have plagued the team over the last few seasons. There will be nights where one of the goalies will need to steal the game. There is tough competition to see who can take the reigns in net, they will have to work together to improve each other for the good of the team.

Goalie Connor Carroll: “As a group, consistency will be the main key. Getting in the groove of playing and staying confident throughout the game whether we are up or down. Shaking things off easily and getting ready for the next shot, period, or game. Playing with a nothing gets past us mentality will be a huge success factor and it will show. Taking everything one shot at a time.”

5. Positional Depth:

You can’t mention a revamped roster without mentioning depth. Depth players will need to help bring the energy, get the big hit, and pump up the team with hard gritty play. They will be expected to chip in secondary scoring as part of the team game plan.

Forward Joe Aiello: “The depth of our team this year is going to be a big advantage. We have many people contributing from each line in hustle and in talent, those are both keys to our success this year.”