The Rams men's hockey team looks a fair bit different entering the 2021-22 season than it did when the COVID-19 pandemic halted all OUA competition. While they'll notably be without program stalwarts Matt Mistele, Mathew Santos, Devon Paliani, and Taylor Dupuis, the team's recruiting efforts proved fruitful, with many intriguing new names joining the surging program. 

Externally, the Rams welcomed a slate of energized recruits including former Western Mustangs goalie Lucas Peressini, OHL standouts Chris Playfair and Joe Rupoli, and St. Francis Xavier veteran Jeremiah Addison, the latter of whom appeared on the team's first line in exhibition play. In addition, former McGill forward Michael Cramarossa, Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) star blueliner Ryan Wells, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) 20-goal scorer Kevin Gursoy, and former OHLers Jackson Doherty and Cole Resnick have also joined the fray. 

"We've got a really outstanding group," head coach Johnny Duco said of the team's new look. "Off the hop, we'll probably lean on our veterans, but it's great to have the young guys pushing the pace like they are."

The 2021-22 squad also features a new leadership core which includes captain Jared Walsh and assistant captains Hayden McCool, Matt Nosella, David Miller, and Cavin Leth. Walsh, who is entering his fifth year with the Rams after a lengthy and successful career in the OHL, spoke strongly about the team being fielded this season. 

"In my five years, it seems like we've had a pretty good team every year," Walsh remarked when addressing this year's group. "But, everyone's been amazing so far and I'm really excited moving forward."

Inside the Rams locker room, the team's assistants echoed those sentiments, eagerly awaiting the start of their season with a new-look leadership group hungry for postseason success, something the program hasn't had during their tenure. 

Duco and associate coach Nathaniel Brooks feel confident that this year's team is as balanced and deep as it's ever been, with Duco describing the team's skaters as "four star players" who all have the ability to compete in the highly competitive OUA West division. Previously, Duco admitted to the team being too top-heavy and relying too much on a select few names. This season, however, the roster assembled is powerful all throughout, making it a scary proposition for opponents. 

"I think we have a group like none other that we've ever had when it comes to the depth," Duco concluded optimistically. "All the forwards have shown that they can compete and be a player at this level and all nine of our [defencemen] have shown that they can play." 

The Rams' schedule features several key road trips, namely a three-game trip to Thunder Bay from November 11 to 13, where the team will face off against the division rival Lakehead Thunderwolves just two weeks into the season. Elsewhere, the stretch between January 13 and 22—which will see the Rams play four games in nine days against their two crosstown rivals—could be vital to securing divisional leverage ahead of the postseason. 

Personnel wise, the team is without assistant coach Kori Cheverie, who left the team in January to serve on the coaching staff of the Canadian women's national team during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. To fill the void, the team welcomed former captain Michael Fine, who returned to the program after a three-year stint as captain during the mid-2010s. 

The Rams begin their quest for the Queen's Cup on Thursday, November 4, when they'll welcome the Brock Badgers to Mattamy Athletic Centre at 6 p.m. 

Fans can purchase tickets for all Rams home games this season, here. Ryerson students, staff, and faculty are free but still need to reserve a ticket in advance of arriving on game day. Utilize the access code RAMS to reserve your free ticket. Health and safety protocols are in place - more information is available at the ticketing website.