Expectations are again high for ACHA Division II men's ice hockey as the Lions head into the 2026-27 season with a talented returning core, an exciting group of newcomers, and plenty of motivation after the way the last campaign ended.

After an ACHA Division II National Championship in 2024-25, the Lindenwood followed with another outstanding season in 2025-26. The Lions again established themselves as one of the top teams in the country, officially going undefeated during the regular season, only dropping one contest in a shootout. However, the season came to a disappointing end with a 4-3 upset loss to Michigan State in the Central Regional Tournament, denying Lindenwood an opportunity to defend the national title.

That loss has served as motivation throughout the offseason.

Rather than allowing the disappointment to define the program, the Lions used it as fuel. Returning players committed themselves to getting better throughout the summer, while the coaching staff attacked the recruiting trail with the goal of adding more depth, speed, skill, and competition throughout the lineup.

The objective for the 2026-27 season is to be in position to compete for another ACHA Division II National Championship.

"We have a group that understands what it takes to win, but also understands how quickly an opportunity can be taken away," Head Coach Gary Gardner said. "Last year's ending has driven our returning players all offseason, and it pushed our coaching staff to continue recruiting and find ways to move this program forward. Expectations are high, and that is exactly where we want them."

Proven Core Returns
Lindenwood returns several key pieces, led by Nick Jones, Brock Hart, Austin Meers, Jack Louko, Brett Robinson and junior goaltender Cole Wheaton. The group brings a combination of talent, experience, leadership and, most importantly, an understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level.

Jones returns as one of the dangerous offensive threats for the Lions, while Meers and Louko bring experience, skill, and scoring ability to a deep forward group. Louko has already proven his ability to perform on the biggest stage after earning Most Valuable Player honors during the team's 2025 National Championship run.

Hart and Robinson provide the Lions with proven talent and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the ice. Robinson was an important part of the Lindenwood championship team and continues to provide experience and leadership to the lineup.

Behind them is junior goaltender Cole Wheaton, a proven winner who has performed in the biggest moments of his Lions career. Wheaton backstopped the squad to the 2025 ACHA Division II National Championship, stopping 26 of 27 shots in the title game. His experience, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure give Lindenwood a proven presence in net.

Together, this returning core understands both the feeling of winning a national championship and the disappointment of having a season end much earlier than expected. That combination has created a hungry and motivated group entering the 2026-27 campaign.

Newcomers Ready to Make an Impact
The Lions have also added a talented incoming class that the coaching staff believes can contribute immediately.

Among the newcomers expected to make an early impact are Brandon Catalano, Nick Puricelli, Lance Murray and Ben Cameron. All four enter the program with promising futures and the ability to step into important roles right away.

The incoming class goes well beyond those four. Dillon Grupe, Eric Denny and Charlie Wilson are part of a deep group of newcomers who have brought energy and competition to the program from the moment they arrived on campus.

The combination of a proven veteran core and a talented freshman class has created competition throughout the lineup and gives Lindenwood the type of depth the coaching staff believes will be necessary to compete deep into the season.

Lions Have Not Missed a Step
Despite several new faces, the Lions have not missed a step early in the preseason. The pace, compete level, and expectations established by the returning players have quickly carried over to the newcomers, allowing the group to begin developing its identity.

That was evident in the Lions exhibition victory over the Springfield Jr. Blues. Lindenwood earned a 4-2 win against junior-level competition, with Nick Jones, Gabriel Vijuk, Brock Hart, and Austin Meers finding the back of the net.

While the early result was encouraging, the Lions understand that the real work is only beginning.

Lindenwood opens the regular season September 18 at the ACHA Lake Placid Fall Faceoff Invitational. The Lions will play Virginia Tech, Weber State, and Tampa over three days at the historic Olympic Center. The challenging opening weekend will provide an early test for a team entering the season with championship expectations.

For Lindenwood, the standard remains the same. Compete among the best teams in ACHA Division II hockey and put the squad in position to play for another national championship.

The talent is there, the experience is there, the depth is there, and after the way last season ended, so is the motivation.