Almost hockey time!

MEQUON, Wis. -- Twenty veterans and a "significant" Concordia University Wisconsin recruiting class will begin practice at the Ozaukee Ice Center on October 15th for head coach Tony Hrkac.

Hrkac looks forward to the "long-awaited" return of a pair of key performers; junior Brad Lukacz (East Grand Forks, Minn.) and senior Jake Furey (Cedarburg, Wis.). Injuries caused both to miss the 2010-11 season as the inexperienced Falcons struggled to a 2-22-1 record.

Junior forwards Graylyn Douglas and Greg Douglas (Dallas, Texas) return as CUW's leading scorers. Sophomore Shay Klitzke (Annandale, Minn.) and junior Russell Johnson (Monticello, Minn.) also return to provide depth to the Falcons offensive attack.

Defensively, CUW returns first liners Mike Lezotte (sophomore, Oxford, Mich.), sophomore Brandon Bayer (Milwaukee, Wis.), and junior Mike Mulally (Apple Valley, Minn.). "Several newcomers will help shore up our back end," said Hrkac.

Last season's starting goalie Everett Devlin (senior, Miles City, Mont.) and backup Billy Sias (junior, Bloomington, Minn.) will compete with several newcomers for net time.

"We will know more after we get a chance to see everyone on the ice," said Hrkac.