Coming off a season in which they advanced to the playoffs but lost in the semifinals for the fifth consecutive year, Pioneer hockey is looking towards a new season with many changes, including a new coach, many new players and a new league.

After failing to be ranked in the top 15 team preseason poll sponsored by USA Hockey Magazine and USA Today, the team is also facing some lowered expectations.

In the inaugural National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) poll released two weeks ago, the team was projected to finish fourth, following Miami, North Dakota and St. Cloud.

However, they are not letting preseason rankings deter their goals.

“Whether the media ranks us or doesn’t rank us, in the dressing room is what counts,” said senior Goalie Sam Brittain. “We know the talent we have and what we’re capable of doing – I think that’s the important thing. I don’t remember the last time that they gave the trophy to the team ranked first at the beginning of the season.”

Newly hired Coach Jim Montgomery said he also has high expectations for the team, and believes they can win a national championship this year despite having a young team, including ten freshmen.

“I think Denver is a place where you can expect to have a chance at winning a national championship and winning a conference every year,” he said.

Entering his new role replacing 19-year Head Coach George Gwozdecky, Montgomery stressed high expectations for the team and himself, placing the bar above what the team has accomplished the last five seasons.“I think they’ve had some successes, but I think ultimately you want to win championships, and I don’t know in the last five years if they’ve won enough championships,” he said. “I know that if my next five years are comparable to the last five years, I will view it as a failure.”

For success this year, the team will have to rely on a young core and particularly on its underclassmen members. Their role has become even more important since junior Forward Zac Larraza fractured his clavicle  in practice last week, putting him on the sidelines for six to eight weeks.

“Bringing in ten freshman this year…will only benefit us in the future when they stick around three or four years and the team’s average age is 22 and not 19,” said senior defenseman David Makowski. “That’s when they’re going to lead to more successes in the future.”

The two senior players Makowski and Brittain know the young players will be looking to them this season, and said they are ready for the challenge.

“Our freshman class is unique in that we had a lot of guys that are playing in the NHL right now, and that’s tough on a program because you usually look towards your juniors and seniors to lead a team,” said Brittain.

Would-be-juniors Juho Olkinuora (goalie) and Scott Mayfield (defense) departed for the NHL after last season, along with 3-year letter-winner Nick Shore who would have been part of the senior class. Another challenge comes from the newly formed NCHC league.

“It’s going to be a bit of a change in conference dynamics, but you look at the teams that are in the NCHC and the teams are incredible,” said Brittain. “Its going to be a challenging regular season schedule, but that’s only going to make sure the best teams are ready for the playoffs at the end of the year.”

Even with the challenges the players and coach have acknowledged they will face this year, they are excited to prove themselves.

“We got a great group of guys and a new conference, new coach, and it’s a fresh start, and I’m looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity,” said Brittain.

The first exhibition game of the season will be held this Saturday in Magness Arena against the University of New Brunswick.