SAINT PETER, Minn. - The Gustavus men's hockey team kicks off its 2023-24 campaign this weekend with two home games against the University of Dubuque, which is in its inaugural season as an NCAA hockey program. The Gusties are looking to turn things around after finishing last in the MIAC the past two seasons. 

"Nobody here is excited with our win-loss record over the past few years, but there is nothing we can do with what's happened in the past," said Head Coach Brett Petersen, who is in his 24th season on the Gustavus bench. "What is in our control is what is here in front of us and that's where our intention is. We are well aware of what has happened the last few years and the group is very dedicated to make sure we right the ship. They want to leave their names on it and put this program in a better place than where they found it, which I am very much appreciative of." 

Leading the '23-'24 Gusties are captains Kylar Fenton, Jack Kubitz, and Jackson Hjelle. Last season, Kubitz, a defensemen, was second on the team with seven assists in 23 games, while Fenton, also a defender, added two goals and three assists in 23 games as well. Hjelle was the Gusties' everyday goalie last season, logging nearly 1200 minutes with 20 starts, a 3.20 goals against average, and .891 save percentage. 

"They've done a great job of bridging the gap between our new guys and the returners," Petersen said of the captains. "It's been a very comfortable start for everybody. The early signs are that our young guys are fitting in wonderfully both on and off the ice. It's a credit to our older guys and the captains." 

Other top returners include Nate Stone and Kyle Heffron on the front line, who both tallied a team-high 12 points last season. Stone led the team with six goals while Heffron lead the squad with eight assists. Jac Triemert, Stanislav Danaev, and Joey Gimberlin - along with Kubitz - round out the top six returning points scorers. 

While the Gusties will rely on their experienced players from last season to led the way, especially early in the season, Petersen expects a number of newcomers to help carry the load. Ten of the 30 players on the roster are first-years, which presents opportunities for new faces to make a name for themselves. 

"It's been fun to see our younger guys get settled in to balancing college academics with college athletics and college social life. This is all new for them and our older guys have been helpful in that transition," Petersen said. 

First-years who will get meaningful opportunities include Jack Anderson, Connor Mahony, Grant Ellings, and Drew Holt. "They all have the ability to play at this level and desire to hit the ground running." 

After this weekend's home series against Dubuque, the Gusties host No. 4 UW-Stevens Point and No. 14 UW-Eau Claire the following weekend before beginning MIAC play Nov. 9 and 11 against St. Scholastica. 

"I am really pleased with the progress they have made in the offseason and we're excited to dive in with this new group," Petersen said. "For us this is a young group but we're awfully excited to get going."