Madison 2018-19 team preview

LAST SEASON: Madison put together a big season in 2017-18, as it finished with an 18-7-1 mark and a Halvorsen Cup championship. It lost in the Public C Round of 16 to Ramsey, however.

HEAD COACH: Dave Hansen, 15th year. 193-118-19 career record.

CONFERENCE AND CLASSIFICATION: MCSSIHL-Mennen Division (moved from Halvorsen Division); NJSIAA Public C.

KEY PLAYERS GRADUATED: The good news for Madison is that its roster from last year's Halvorsen Cup-winning squad is largely intact, as it only graduated three seniors. Those seniors included Ryan Bagley, Kent Sanchez, and Jack Ticknor.

FORWARDS: Madison has a very talented group of forwards returning for this season, which is led by senior Dave Renzulli (20 g., 19 a.). Seniors Kyle Pruzick (6 g., 19 a.) and Ian Skinner (3 g., 13 a.), along with sophomores Aidan Niceberg (11 g., 12 a.) and Jacob Erickson (8 g., 5 a.) will be the focal points of a very deep and talented offense. There's also a nice group of newcomers joining this season, which includes freshmen Cormac McNamara, Andrew Haralampoudis, Luke Wirth, and sophomore Jason Siedam.

DEFENSE: Not only did Madison's defense hold teams to just 1.61 goals per game in 2017-18, but it is full of players who can also get on the scoresheet as well. Senior Jett Tom (16 g., 15 a.) is the team's second leading scorer that's returning this year. Sophomore Matty Gero (6 g., 13 a.) and senior Ryan Catlin (2 g., 14 a.) can also be counted on to move the puck, while senior Jack Downs (2 g., 4 a.) can also chip in as well. Also expect contributions from freshman Liam O'Hearen.

GOALTENDING: Madison is led by one of the top goalies in Morris County- if not the entire state- in senior Matt Ubertaccio. A year ago, Ubertaccio made every single start for the Dodgers, and posted an impressive .939 save percentage to go along with a 1.50 goals against average and four shutouts.

OUTLOOK: After finishing in first place in the Halvorsen Division last season, Madison makes the jump up to one of the most difficult divisions in the state in the Mennen Division. While it will certainly be a challenge to play state powers such as Morristown-Beard, Chatham, Randolph, Morristown and Morris Knolls on a nightly basis, this is a very talented and experienced group that should be well-equipped to make the leap. Just last season, the Dodgers proved themselves during cross-over games with the Mennen Division, as it picked up wins over Morristown and Morris Knolls, along with a pair of close losses to Chatham and Randolph. With a balanced team all the way around, along with a top goalie in Ubertaccio, look for Madison to be in the mix in the Mennen Division- and to make a serious run at the Public C title.