By Ryan Carlson (@RyanCarlson88):
“Is it October yet?” has become a common phrase used for professional hockey fans. “Is it September yet?” for college hockey is still catching on, but it’s surely running through the minds of San Jose State’s club team.
For the Spartans, their season starts up the road in Berkeley against Cal on September 15. Then, they have their first home games the weekend after in a doubleheader against Boise State.
Leading up to the season, the Spartans have had the most attended tryout session in the team’s history and were able to pick the best players from that group.
“The team is going to be pretty fast,” said SJSU head coach Phil Hazelwood. “Not sure about physicality yet, but we’ll see come the season.”
Hazelwood joined the team in the 2013-2014 season and has since lead the team to two regional tournaments and one ACHA national tournament.
The Spartans lost their captain Christian Rendino who was also their top goal scorer, had the most points on the team and was leaned on heavily last season.
“Big loss for the boys but it creates a more level playing field and more opportunity to step up for the whole team,”Hazelwood said.
The Spartans head man said he is optimistic and relieved that key forward Jared Anstett will play his final year at San Jose State.
Edward Berlin is a senior with the team and will be between the pipes for the Spartans for the majority of his final season.
“I have hopes of going to at least regionals and or nationals tournament to cap off my hockey career at San Jose State,” Berlin said.
Berlin added that he enjoys the pressure and responsibility of playing goalie.
“Pressure elevates my game, I wouldn’t play if there wasn’t pressure to do well,” Berlin continued. “I want to make sure I make a huge impact for the team.”
Both coach Hazelwood and goaltender Edward Berlin talked about how important it is to have a supportive and loud fanbase at games.
“The boys love having a loud home crowd that cheers them on the whole game,” Berlin said. “Keeps us going the entire time.”
As for what fans can look forward to, here’s what coach Hazelwood has to say to them.
“They would be surprised at the speed and veteran skill on the team, also keeps the boys going even if they’re down in a game,” Hazelwood said.
With high expectations and some seniors on their way out, the Spartans are looking to make a push to the national tournament with hopes of being crowned champions.