PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Chatham Men's Hockey enters the 2026-27 season looking to build on a record-setting campaign that saw the Cougars finish 20-6-1 and advance to the UCHC Semifinals. 

Chatham set a program record with 20 victories and earned its first appearance in the USCHO.com Division III national rankings. The Cougars reached No. 15 after opening the season with six consecutive wins. 

"To continue to be a Top 15 program, we need to stay committed to the daily habits and details that allow success to carry over from one season to the next," Head Coach Michael Gershon said. "We understand that expectations are higher this year, and with that comes the challenge of getting every opponent's best effort. We're no longer a team that opponents overlook; we're a team they prepare for and circle on their calendars." 

Although Chatham must replace leading scorer Nick Cyprian, the Cougars return two of their top three scorers from last season. Senior Michael Roby earned Second Team All-UCHC honors after leading the conference with 23 goals and adding 16 assists for 39 points. Senior Jake LaRusso recorded 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points during his first season with the Cougars. 

Senior goaltender Cameron Kuntar also returns after being named the 2025-26 UCHC Goaltender of the Year. Kuntar finished last season with a 13-5-1 record, a 2.16 goals-against average and a league-leading .941 save percentage. 

LaRusso will serve as one of Chatham's captains alongside seniors Dylan Young and Camden Smith. Gershon has been encouraged by the leadership the group has shown throughout the preseason. 

"I'm very pleased with the leadership of our captains, Jake LaRusso, Dylan Young and Camden Smith," Gershon said. "They've done an excellent job setting the standard away from the rink, reinforcing our expectations and emphasizing the importance of building a close-knit group that respects and supports one another. That type of culture is essential to winning." 

The Cougars have also added a combination of transfers and first-year players. Gershon expects the newcomers to contribute in different roles throughout the season after embracing the program's culture and displaying a team-first approach during the preseason. 

Chatham's depth and internal competition will be important as the Cougars look for contributions throughout the lineup. The team's identity will continue to center around the standards established by the coaching staff. 

"Our identity will always be built around four core principles: Hard, Fast, Relentless and Team First," Gershon said. "We want those four words to define our team in the eyes of anyone who watches us play." 

The Cougars open the 2026-27 season on Friday, October 30th when they host Hiram at 7PM at Alpha Ice Complex.