Cornell enters Spring '06 optimistic
ECRHA December 24th, 2005 at 5:50PM
The Cornell Big Red (0-7) enter the latter half of the regular season optimistic despite ill-fortunes over the first three tournaments (including the exhibition opener). Over the two month stretch from the exhibition games in Feasterville, PA to the games in Rahway, NJ, the Big Red saw a slew of injuries that would prove very costly.
Perhaps most detrimental was the loss of captain, Steve Clark, who missed the first seven games of the year on doctor's orders due to an ailment of the spleen. Following the loss of Clark was that of top-line forward, Luis Morales. Due to an undisclosed injury suffered outside of the rink, Morales was sidelined with stitches to his left hand for 1-2 months. Next came freshman standout Mike Spooner - who was suspended three games for an incident with the referee during the Nov. 19 game vs. Vermont. Other injuries of note include: Dennis Shen (right knee), 4-6 weeks as of Nov. 20 and Adam Balter (right ankle), day-to-day.
Calling up reserves just to pass the minimum roster mark in games vs. Wentworth and Brockport, Cornell suffered losses which saw role players getting unusual amounts of rink time.
However, with all the aforementioned coming back healthy for the January tournament in Williamsport, PA - the Big Red look ready to make their debut year in the NCRHA one of commendation. Joined by the debuts of freshman Shaan Bhatia and Aaron Ok along with sophomore Jonathan Lutz, Cornell hopes to end the season respectfully.