Raimondo to lead highly talented LBSU hockey club

Over the past seven seasons, John Cacciatore has worked hard to build the Long Beach State hockey club from next to nothing into national prominence. And this is the year, as many believe, that the 49ers could break through and qualify for nationals for the first time in the program's history.

However, it will be new head coach and general manager Eric Raimondo, not Cacciatore, reaping the accolades.

During the offseason, Cacciatore moved to Finland to become the vice president of hockey operations and marketing director for the Varkaus Eagles of the FIHA Second DIvision.

Raimondo was basically handpicked from a short list of applicants for the job by Cacciatore.He had one think on his resume that the others didn't, and it probably was the thing that landed him the position.

"John wanted someone from the program, someone who cares about it," said Raimondo, who played three seasons and was an assistant coach two more years under Cacciatore and is assisted by another ex-49er, Ryan Feesago. "He put a lot of effort into it and didn't want someone who at the first sign of a fight whould walk away from it. He trusts me."

Coming off a school-best 22-9-season, the 49ers are stacked even more for the 2007-08 American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II season, which begina Friday night against Division I Arizona State at Glacial Gardens Ice Arena in Lakewood.

"John left me in a good situation," said Raimondo, with a smile.

At the top of the talent-laden roster is center Brian Horoqitz, whose 48 goals and 55 assists for 102 points-in just 30 games-led the nation in scoring, and Jason Hastings, who led all defensemen with 25 goals and 38 assists for 63 point a year ago and has been chosen to tour Europe with an ACHA select team during Christmas break.

Horowitz will be flanked by returning linemates Sean Hoang (19 goals, 45 assists) and Mike Weber (33-41) in what should again to be one of the best scoring lines in the nation.

Joe Nalley (22-17) is back to center newcomers Adam Lamarche and Justin Stellino, giving the 49ers an improved second line, and a soled checking line will be made up of center Nate Gerrellls (2-8), Keith Wallace (8-3) and Matt Ruston.

"Before, we just had a one-pronged attack and everybody else was filling in," Raimondo said.

The Blue line has been significantly upgraded, with Hastings being joined by returnee Brian Weinstein (4-16) and newcomers Tom Ferrick and Jason Elliot, giving LBSU two strong defensive pairings.

In goal, Frank Mitrano and Albie Sears are battling it out for the No.1 spot.

"We put up lots of goals last year, but defense was our weakest point, said Horowitz. "But this year, our defense is three times as good as it was-and defense is what wins you the championships."

In short, "I think this is the best tewam we've ever had," said defenseman and president Ben Blankenhorn.

The 49ers' main goal is to reach the national tournament, which will be held in Estero, Fla., in mid-March.

To do so, they either need to be ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in the West Region at the end of the season for a bye into nationals, or finish first or second in the regional qualifying tournament.

Last season, LBSU finished ranked No. 8 in the West and went 1-1 in the qualifying tournament.

49ers Notes: Before Friday's game, the 49ers will honor late teammate Chris Northy by retiring him No. 21. It's the first number the club has retired. Northy died in a car accident in February.

By Dave Werstine (January, 2008)