Akron expects a staggering 20 freshman to be on campus to start the Fall 2017 semester. This much-needed shot in the arm has the Zips excited after graduating all but 7 players, including key cornerstones Lucas Gsellman and Josh Porter.

The fiery young freshman will be thrust into the lineup and be counted on to drive the program forward in an expanded TSCHL conference, likely the strongest division in the ACHA D2. Akron will now be challenged with two new big conference opponents in Miami University and Xavier University. These two in-state programs add to the already ultra-competitive battle for state bragging rights.

Head Coach Matt Koch is not afraid to give his young players an opportunity to play early. He plans to put them in all situations this season. Koch knows that in order to grow young men as hockey players and as leaders, they will need to be challenged on and off the ice.

A year ago, The Akron Hockey Club identified a need, deciding to take the program in a new direction. Recruiting not only top talent in the Midwest region but seeking character student-athletes to build the program around. Out of the large freshman class, eight (8) recruits are from the hockey hot-bed market of Western Pennsylvania. Assistant Coach Greg Revak said, “We really like the Western PA region. We are a team that wants to make plays all over the ice and that is something ingrained in their culture.” Akron opens their season against Slippery Rock September 8th and 9th at UPMC Lemieux in Cranberry.

The coaching staff is excited to get the players around campus. Starting with training camp August 23rd and 24th before school starts the following week. Revak noted, “We are extremely excited to get going, along with on-ice activities we have water polo before Monday practices, Kendo (Japanese martial arts), and a team canoe trip planned. I can’t wait to beat some of the freshman at rocking climbing during off-ice workouts in the Rec Center on campus.”

With such a great recruiting class the Zips are building a solid foundation and moving their program a giant leap forward. Akron will be a team to keep an eye on over the next few years. Rumor has it that ex-NHL player Mike Wilson may have been added to the coaching staff as well.

“We understand this is just the beginning and our players have a lot of work on-ice and in the classroom ahead of them. We look forward to the challenge and having a ton of fun in the process, We are just getting started.” said Assistant Coach Cory Berney.

Visit their website at ZipsHockey.com for more stories, alumni profiles, recruitment, and to keep up with the Zips over the season.

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