The 2026-27 season is nearly here and for the Oakland University ACHA DI Hockey team, a season of promise is here. After a few weeks of practice, the puck will drop on Friday, September 18 against the Duquesne Dukes (YouTube) at Suburban Ice Arena, which starts four of the first five games at home. The roster features 28 players. 20 of which are returning from last season. This year’s roster features improved depth all around and added scoring from the forward groups with the second season of Joe Aiello and Antonio Carlisi.
The schedule also features a series in late September against Rochester Christian University; the teams last played in 2019. For the first time a series against Aquinas in early October is on tap as well. Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League (GLCHL) play begins with new member program Northern Illinois University on October 23 at Suburban Ice Rochester. A Matchup with the defending conference regular season and playoff champion Northwood takes place on November 20 at Suburban Ice Rochester, and the first semester ends with the series against UM-Flint on December 3. The second semester begins on January 8 with a home series against Mercyhurst. The regular season ends with GLCHL games against Central Michigan on February 5. Oakland and Central Michigan will play four times this season, with the first two games in November as non-conference games.
The leadership group this season is led by captain Patrick Czarnecki and alternates Vinnie Anderson, Jack Anderson and Stefano Mini. Head coach Nick Mammel returns for his third season behind the bench. Assistant Greg Meuser is also back for a third season and two new additions to the coaching staff are assistants Joe Savano and Michael Erickson.
The Forwards
Antonio Carlisi, Patrick Czarnecki, Conner Gibson, Jack Anderson, Spencer Nicoloff, Andrew Schemmel, Mike Bishop, Andrew Morrison, Xavier Sanchez, Joseph Aiello, Stefano Mini, Connor Durfee, Connor Wilson, Cade Keisel, Luca Cottone, Tyler Shinavier, Vincent Anderson, and James Talmers.
15 forwards return to the Oakland lineup, with added depth and scoring the possibilities and competition should be fierce among this group. The three additions of Bishop, Nicoloff, and Sanchez will add another element in the line combinations. Czarnecki, Mini, and the Anderson brothers will be needed to bring primary scoring, along with Wilson and Talmers providing that additional scoring punch.
The leadership of AJ Morrison and his ability to win key faceoffs will be a key to generating chances off the draw when his line is on the ice. Gibson will be looking to have a healthy sophomore season after battling injured last season, which make him extra motivated to make his presence known on the ice. The depth guys have a chance to create gritty conditions on the ice for opponents. The biggest what if? Who will be the player or players that unexpectedly step up and provide an offensive juice to the team.
“The first week is almost in the books.” Forward Joe Aiello stated. “The forwards are coming together pretty well, the chemistry is building, and work ethic is getting better and better. We have a long way to go but the foundation is definitely getting stronger day by day.”
“Our forwards are coming along really well.” Antonio Carlisi stated. “We’re building chemistry with each practice, moving the puck, and creating more scoring opportunities. We’re excited about the progress we’re making as a group and excited to show it this season.”
The Defensemen
Seven defensemen will shape the Oakland blueline this season. Returners are C.J. Panich, Joseph Borro and James Olbrich. Additions are Patrick Riney, transfer Sean O’ Connor, Nathan Conklin Jr., and Miloš Matijević. A new look, with hopes of better results. The combination of the returners will be helpful to limit the shots against, which needs to be a big improvement from last season. The newcomers will be expected to perform well and help put the defensive woes of previous teams in the past.
“The D has been coming along really well so far.” Defenseman James Olbrich stated. “We’ve been working hard, learning the systems, and getting comfortable playing together. I think we’re starting to really gel, especially with the returning guys and the new players getting familiar with each other. We still have things to clean up, but overall, we are off to a great start.”
“I think the D core is coming along great.” Defenseman Joseph Borro stated. “I like the depth we have and I’m looking forward to seeing it in action.”
The Goalies
Three goalies make up the crease for Oakland, including returning starter Connor Carroll, and additions Theo Neilsen and Alex Insana. (Insana did join the team for late last season at Oregon) Both Insana and Neilsen will be critical the team success, as they will have to help provide stability in net, while being able to play quality successful minutes to help take off the pressure from Carroll.
“Our goaltending group is working hard to slow down the game and help make the players job much easier.” Connor Carroll stated. “We are looking to be difference makers and have that show with wins. We want to help turn around the program and be playoff contenders.”
Carroll will have to be the big game goalie every night he’s in the net to help reach the teams goals, and the improved defense and added depth, along with second year players improved development should be a big step in that direction.
Interviews At Media Day