Knights address needs

POTSDAM — There's no doubt that the Clarkson University men's hockey team will lose a lot to graduation next month.

Six players, including three National Hockey League draft choices and another who just signed an American Hockey League contract, are on the way out, leaving a void of 50 goals scored this season and a goalie who had five shutouts and exits as one of the best in school history.

But while the loss of the class of 2008 will be tough, the seven players coming into the program next season have the potential to be up to the task.

"I think, offensively, it's as talented a group as we've been able to recruit," Clarkson coach George Roll said. "Whether that translates to the next level, time will tell. The three of us (including assistants Greg Drechsel and Jean-Francois Houle) are very pleased and excited about the potential."

Four forwards are joining the team next season, led by center Nick Tremblay of the Smith's Falls Bears, who was the Most Valuable Player of the Central Junior Hockey League this past season with 51 goals and 59 assists in 57 games.

"We need (Tremblay) to come in and make an immediate contribution," Roll said. "He's an older kid (20) who we feel will help us in the one area we struggled in this year, the power play. He has great vision and can really shoot a puck."

The Golden Knights are also adding Northwood Prep left wing Julien Cayer, the younger brother of departing senior David Cayer. Cayer picked up 24 goals with 32 assists in 43 games at Northwood Prep this season and could be an NHL draft pick this June.

Cayer, who is 6-foot-4, was asked how his game is different from that of his older brother, who scored 109 points in his Clarkson career.

"We're both shooters, like to shoot the puck," Cayer said. "I have a little bit more skill, but he's faster."

A linemate of Cayer's at Northwood, Ogdensburg native Jake Morley, also will join the Golden Knights. Morley produced 26 goals and 23 assists in 43 games this season.

"I wanted to play somewhere close to home," Morley said. "It's a dream come true. Being able to play for (Clarkson) is great."

The other two forwards joining the squad next year are center Corey Tamblyn of the Markham Waxers and right wing Louke Oakley of the St. Michael's Buzzers. Both competed in the Ontario Provincial Hockey League.

Clarkson's defense will get a boost from Smiths Falls Bears defenseman Mark Borowiecki, who was named the best defenseman in the CJHL.

"It's going to be tough to replace (Grant Clitsome), but he's very similar in the way he plays," Roll said. "He's not quite as offensive as Grant, but he's very strong defensively and he moves the puck well."

Goaltending was another recruiting concern as Clarkson is losing two-year starter David Leggio, who won ECAC Hockey's Ken Dryden Award as a junior.

Paul Karpowich, a 6-foot-3 netminder for the Wellington Dukes, will contend with current sophomore Tim Potter for the starting spot next year. Karpowich had a 2.15 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage last season.

"I think between Paul and Tim they will both get their opportunities," Roll said. "If one is clearly better than the other, that player will get the nod. If they are even, we'll probably rotate them. (Karpowich) is big and handles the puck very well and is very athletic."