The Bottineau-Rugby Braves are looking to shed a 2015-16 hockey season that ended with a 3-17 overall record.

“We return a lot of guys at each position, so that is a positive start,” said Braves Head Coach David Hoff.

Five seniors return to the ice this year; forwards Karsen Ceglowski, Wolf Don Thorson and Ethan Kippen, and defensivemen Ty Spence and Shawn Schaan. A handful of juniors also return this year as well.

“These guys have to be the core of our team this year, both in leadership and play on the ice,” Hoff said.

Hoff said he is looking for his experienced guys to develop on the scoring end. The team lost its leading scorer Austyn Lorenz due to graduation, as well as starting goaltender Ehan Clements and another forward.

“We have to develop some scoring as we have struggled beyond a few guys to score consistently the last couple of years,” Hoff said.

Hoff said games against Bismarck High School, Bismarck Century and Minot are expected to be tough this year, however games against teams in the middle of the West Region Dickinson, Jamestown and Mandan are competitive as well.

Hockey action starts Tuesday (Nov. 22) in a non-conference game at Devils Lake.

ROSTER

FORWARDS: Karsen Ceglowski, Wolf Don Thorson, Ethan Kippen, Kyler Odden, Evan Nelson, Jace Scherr, Jarek Dolbeare, Wyatt Haakenson, Gabe Clements, Tanner Lord, Chance Lemar, Kaden Thorsell

DEFENSEMEN: Riley Olson, Ty Spence, Nate Haman, Shawn Schaan, Nic Costa, Jayden Handeland, Alex Hoffert

GOALIES: Micah Hershey, Tyler Olson

SCHEDULE

Nov. 22 @ Devils Lake

Dec. 2 vs. Jamestown @ Rugby

Dec. 3 vs. Dickinson

Dec. 16 vs. Hazen-Beulah

Dec. 17 @ Williston

Dec. 29-30 @ Wadena, Minn.

Jan. 6 @ Jamestown

Jan. 7 @ Mandan

Jan. 13 vs. Williston

Jan. 14 vs. Bismarck

Jan. 20 @ Hazen-Beulah

Jan. 21 @ Dickinson

Jan. 23 @ Minot

Feb. 3 vs. Mandan @ Rugby

Feb. 4 vs. West Fargo

Feb. 10 vs. Bismarck Century @ Rugby

Feb. 16-18: West Region Tournament @ Bismarck

Feb. 23-25: State Tournament @ Fargo