Game Time: The Defender hockey team will open up the 2023-2024 season on the road against the University of Kansas Jayhawks with a two game series on Friday, September 15 with puck drop at 7:20 pm and Saturday, September 16 with puck drop at 2 pm in Independence, Missouri. 

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This will be the ninth all-time meeting between the Defenders and the Jayhawks. The Defenders lead the series 6-3, dating back to 2017. The Defenders won both matchups last season by scores of 11-2 and 7-0 on November 11th and 12th. 

Scouting Report:

• University of Kansas Jayhawks
  • Head Coach: Andy McConnell (2nd season)
  • Assistant Coach: Chase Pruitt
• Jayhawk forward, Caleb Dusseau, returns as the Jaywaks leading goalscorer a year ago 
• Jayhawks return four of their top five goal scorers from the 2023-2024 season. 
  • Caleb Dusseau (10)
  • Cade Friedhoff (6)
  • Blake Hearn (6)
  • Lance Medina (4)
• Dusseau also lead the team in assists (8) and points (18)
• Jayhawks finished the season with a 4-19 record 
  • Scored 49 goals
  • Allowed 171 goals against
  • Totaled 208 penalty minutes

Defender Notes:

• Head Coach: Tyler Morgan (4th season)
• Assistant: Logan Visser
• Mason Carrels and Lucas Van Berkel led team in goals scored with 13
• Defenders return all top five goalscorers from teh 2022-2023 season
  • Mason Carrels (13)
  • Lucas Van Berkel (13)
  • Noah Wilmes (12)
  • Isaac Baart (11)
  • Zach Espenson (10)
• Finished 2022-2023 season with a 16-6-1 record
  • Scored 103 goals
  • Allowed 73 goals against
  • Totaled 273 penalty minutes