2010 Preview: Geneva

March 25, 2010 -

Geneva
12-9 9 3

 March, 2010 - Geneva, seeded fourth, finished in fourth in the Class C Tournament last season after wins against Marcus Whitman and Midlakes. The Panthers lost to Penn Yan in the semi finals 7-9. Geneva finished third in Division I with a 4-4 record (10-8 overall). With the loss of Penn Yan and Canandaigua, as well as the combining of the divisions, the Panthers are looking to become the big fish in the Finger Lakes pond.

Fourteen seniors, including Tyler Travis (Penn State), graduated from Geneva last year. This accounted for fifty-two percent of their 2009 roster. Five athletes from the graduating class were named to Finger Lakes All League teams including Travis who was also named to the D&C All Greater Rochester Super 16. Seven returning athletes were also named to the All League team.

The loss of Chris Tapscott will be felt in the offensive end of the field, but the return of Will Brennan and Billy Eddington will soften the blow. Additionally all four attackman are returning to the rotation this season with Patrick Roll and Sam Rollo joining Brennan and Eddington. Frank Triana (Second Team All League) will be the driving force for the Panther's midfield. Triana finished last season with 34g-9a; just one goal short of leading the team. Senior Zac Koczent will return at the face-off X for the Panthers.

Defense is where the Panthers will shine, even with the loss of Travis. The return of defenseman Mike Warner and goalie Ross Dinan will keep Geneva's defense strong. Warner, who will attend Cortland in the fall, will look to keep the defense in line. Seniors Schuyler Helmer and Keiondre Woody along with junior Dan Pufnock will join Warner in the close defense. Dinan returns for his third season between the pipes for the Panthers and has a combined 266 saves over his career.

Coach LJ Russell will see a weaker league schedule this year with the loss of Canandaigua and Penn Yan from the league. With the new league orientation, Geneva hopes to capitalize and improve upon their 2009 record. With a maximum of sixteen games this season and eight teams already in the Finger Lakes division, Coach Russell only was allowed to schedule two out of league games. The first is their home opener against Corning West and the second against perennial opponent Penn Yan.

Top Returning Players:

Top New Players:

Updated:03/26/2010