The Lynah Faithful will have an opportunity to view nine new faces on the ice once the upcoming 2015-16 season begins at the end of October. Following the completion of last year, Cornell lost six seniors, all of whom were crucial to the success of the team. The Big Red added five forwards and four defensemen to their lineup, as Coach Mike Schafer announced the freshmen editions to the team in June. However, with the season quickly approaching, Big Red fans should be eager to hear more about these young players.
Anthony Angello, forward:
The first of the forwards is the physically dominant 6-foot-5, 205-pound Anthony Angello. He hails from Manlius, NY and was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Angello generally uses his NHL-caliber body frame to his advantage by playing a physical game, which will help the Big Red exponentially on the ice by adding another large grinder.
Luc Lalor, forward:
Lalor joins the Cornell program from St. Albert, Alberta. He was a member of both the USHL and AJHL, playing for the Green Bay Gamblers and the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, respectively. During his rookie season with the latter, Lalor led the squad in scoring on his way to being named to the AJHL North Division All-Rookie Team. Look for him to spark the Big Red offense this season by playing creatively and quickly. At 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, Lalor won’t be the biggest guy on the ice, but he could fill the speedy playmaker role left vacant by Cole Bardreau.
Alec McCrea, defenseman:
The 6-foot-3 defensemen arrives at Lynah from El Cajon, California where he played for the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks. McCrea is the first every player from California to join the Cornell Men’s Ice Hockey program. He is a solid and reliable defensive player who is sure to bring some stability to the back line.
Matthew Nuttle, defenseman:
Another defensemen joining the Big Red is 5-foot-11 Matthew Nuttle. Nuttle played a key role for the Sioux Falls Stampede, which took home the USHL’s Clark Cup last season, earning him a spot on the All Rookie First Team. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Nuttle won’t have to travel too far from home when he takes the ice for the Big Red. Nuttle is a reliable defender who also has the ability to work as a great offensive contributor. Due to the loss of Joakim Ryan, Nuttle could prove to be a valuable asset for the Cornell team.
Chad Otterman, forward:
Otterman will join the Big Red from Morristown, NJ this season. He played last year with the Philadelphia Flyers in the USPHL after spending four seasons of high school hockey with Delbarton, where Otterman helped the Green Wave to state championships in both 2011 and 2012. Aside from hockey, he has an impressive lacrosse resume, as Otterman was named an Under Armor All-American and the MSG Varsity Player of the Year in 2014. Since Otterman was a defender on the lacrosse field, he should be a good two-way player for the Big Red on the ice.
Trent Shore, defenseman:
Trent Shore joins Luc Lalor as two of the three freshmen to hail from Canada. Shore comes to Ithaca from Ajax, Ontario after playing a season in the Central Canada Hockey League. His leadership ability was evident, as he served as an assistant captain with the Cumberland Grads. Shore was selected for the 2015 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge and was invited to try out for Team Canada East’s entry in the 2015 Junior A World Challenge. Look for Shore to bring his physical play and stability to the defense.
Brendan Smith, defenseman:
The last of the defensemen to join Cornell in 2015-16 is Brendan Smith. Smith has played the past two seasons with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL. He is another defender who has great offensive promise. Smith notched a total of three goals and fifteen assists during the 2014-15 season. He was the backbone of his team throughout the Lancer’s five consecutive shutouts in 2014. Smith is another defender who will try to fill the void left by Joakim Ryan and Jacob McDonald.
Beau Starrett, forward:
Beau Starrett is physically the biggest player joining the Big Red roster this winter. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 223 pounds, Starrett was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft with the 88th overall pick. Starrett played three seasons with the South Shore Kings in the USPHL, as well as the distinguished program at Catholic Memorial High School outside Boston. Starrett may be leaned on early to contribute most heavily of all of the freshmen in this incoming class because, due to the loss of senior NHL draft picks John McCarron, Joel Lowry, and Cole Bardreau, the Big Red are in need of an offensive spark.
Mitch Vanderlaan, forward:
Vanderlaan is a small forward at only 5-foot-7 and 175 pounds. He spent his last two seasons with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, just like other Cornell newcomer Luc Lalor. He served as an alternate captain on the team and represented the AJHL as a part of Team Canada West during the 2014 World Junior A Challenge. Vanderlaan brings a quick, gritty style to a Big Red team that seems to be stocking up on offensive weapons.
The Cornell squad possesses the potential for a successful campaign in 2015-16 with the additions of these nine players who will look to fill the shoes of the six seniors who left Cornell after extraordinary careers. Big Red fans will have the chance to see this recruiting class in action for the first time during the Red/White scrimmage at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 at Lynah Rink.
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