UVM men's hockey wraps up freshman class

The University of Vermont men's hockey team officially announced its Class of 2019 on Wednesday and UVM will see some big Catamounts over the next few seasons.

The nine-member class features forwards Drew Best, Brian Bowe, Liam Coughlin, Tyler Gernhofer, Conor O'Neil and Craig Puffer, defensemen Jacob Kearley and Mike Lee and goaltender Patrick Munson.

"Up front, size was a real target for us," said UVM head coach Kevin Sneddon. "(Last year) we noticed we were getting a little bit knocked around. We needed some power forwards.

"We think we have a really good power line in Brady Shaw and Kevin Irwin to some extent but we lacked size at the skill level," he said. "With Coughlin (6-3, 209), Bowen (6-0, 221) and O'Neil (5-11, 203), we're talking guys who were very diligent in their off-ice training and they will not be freshmen in that sense."

Sneddon pointed out that a fourth forward, Gernhofer (5-10, 232), is "a big, strong player who has a shot that might be the best on our team."

Puffer (5-9, 170) is smaller than his classmates but adds the elements of speed and scoring potential at center. Best (5-9, 168) has scoring potential but is coming off an injury-plagued season.

At defense, Lee brings skill and Kearley (6-3, 229) supplies size. Munson stands 6-3 in the crease.

The Catamounts lost three seniors forwards, two senior defensemen and one junior goaltender from last year's 22-15-4 team. UVM returns 74 percent of its goal scoring and 73 percent of its assists but lost considerable experience and game time, particularly in defensemen Mike Paliotta and Nick Luukko.

Sneddon said all other potential returning players were on campus this summer. "I don't know of anyone else leaving," he said.

"Those two guys played monster minutes," Sneddon said of Paliotta and Luukko. "We knew that but we also felt with some of the guys in the program we can certainly make up collectively for those minutes."

Of the newcomers, Coughlin, Bowen, O'Neil and perhaps Lee appear the most likely to make an impact early.

A glance at the Class of '19:

Forwards

•Drew Best (5-9, 168): Injuries marred Best's USHL season with the Omaha Lancers and Green Bay Gamblers last winter, recording only 15 points in 40 games. ""He was not 100 percent," said Sneddon. "He offers speed and skill to our lineup." 2014:15 teams (statistics): Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) 7 1-3-4 16 PM; Omaha Lancers (USHL) 40 games 4-11-15 8 PM.

•Brian Bowen (6-0, 221): From Littleton, Mass., Bowen collect 30 points in 35 games for the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL): "Brian can score and is very tough down low in the offensive zone," Sneddon said. Prior to splitting last season with two teams, Bowen had 27 goals and 50 points in 47 games for the Boston Jr. Bruins (USPHL) in 2013-14. 2014:15 teams (statistics): Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) 35 games 10-20-30 16 PM; Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) 21 games 6-6-12 16 PM.

•Liam Coughlin (6-3, 209): A former commit to Massachusetts and Boston University, Coughlin led Vernon (BCHL) in scoring, adding 10 points in 11 playoff games. He was a 2014 fifth-round NHL draft selection of the Edmonton Oilers, who traded his rights to the Chicago Blackhawks. "Liam adds size to the wing position, skates very well for his size and can add offense," Sneddon said. 2014:15 team (statistics): Vernon Vipers (BCHL) 54 games 20-40-60 31 PM.

•Tyler Gernhofer (5-10, 232): "Tyler can shoot the puck better than most," said Sneddon, adding, "He may need some time to adjust to the speed of college hockey." Prior to splitting last year with a pair of USHL teams, Gernhofer tore up the NAHL with 31 goals and 53 points in 55 games in 2013-14. 2014:15 teams (statistics): Bloomington Thunder (USHL) 11 games 2-1-3 6 PM; Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) 44 games 9-2-11 6 PM.

•Conor O'Neil (5-11, 203): O'Neil finished third in USPHL in goals, assists and points before contributing four goals and 12 assists in six playoff games. "Conor is another power forward with speed and skill. He is ready to make an immediate impact," Sneddon said. 2014:15 team (statistics): New Jersey Hitmen (USPHL Premier) 47 games 30-46-76 51 PM.

•Craig Puffer (5-9, 170): In three years at Berkshire School before joining Chillliwack, Puffer scored 49 goals and 56 points in 87 games. Last year, he led the Chiefs in goals and points. ""We felt we were a little shy up the middle and Craig had a great year," Sneddon said. "He's proved he can score at every level. He's good piece of the puzzle." 2014:15 team (statistics): Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL) 58 games 29-29-58 26 PM.

Defense

•Jacob Kearley (6-3, 239): In 2013-14, Kearley's 26 points helped the Victoria Grizzlies secure the BCHL's Island Division title. Last year, he led Langley defensemen in goals and 31 points. "He's a physical presence, he can add offense, he moves well and he can make plays," Sneddon said. 2014:15 team (statistics): Langley Rivermen (BCHL) 52 games 8-23-31 73 PM.

•Mike Lee (6-0, 181): "Mike is a highly skilled defenseman who has to learn the defensive side. We feel he can make things happen. He's the type of player when he touches the puck, you get excited," said Sneddon. Lee's 34 assists were a team-high as the Vees reigned as the BCHL Fred Page Cup champions. 2014:15 team (statistics): Penticton Vees (BCHL) 56 games 2-34-36 22 PM.

Goaltender

•Patrick Munson (6-3, 193): With Brody Hoffman's decision to forego his senior year, UVM brought in Munson to challenge incumbent Mike Santaguida. "Patrick had a very good year. We needed to add some depth to our goaltender position and he replaces some size in net," Sneddon said. Munson was 24-8-2 for the Ice Dogs. He was sharp in the playoffs, posting a 2.01 goals against average and a .925 save percentage in five games. 2014:15 team (statistics): Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL) 35 games 2.43 GAA .190 save percentage.

This story was originally published online on Aug. 5, 2015. Correspondent Ted Ryan covers UVM hockey for The Burlington Free Press. Contact him at TedRyanVT@aol.com and follow him on Twitter at @TedRyanVT.