The Kent State D1 Club Hockey team is set to lace up skates with sky-high expectations this season. The Flashes are coming off a second-round exit in the 2025 ACHA Playoffs after losing to John Carroll. 

“I think we were really young last year,” coach Zachary Nowak said. “We’ve been really young for the last two seasons. I think for us to make a strong run and have a decent season for being as young as we are is insightful looking forward.”

The Flashes will have some big gaps to fill, with players such as goalie Nick Beck and forward Johnny Gabriel graduating. In their place, Nowak expects sophomore first team All-CHMA Forward and Rookie of the Year winner Cole Bianchin to lead the Flashes this season. 

“[Bianchin] had a great year as a freshman,” Nowak said. “He’s always led us with his play. I expect him to continue to do that. He put in a ton of work this summer.” 

In addition to Bianchin, the Flashes will look to junior defender Nick Falkowski and sophomore defender Nick Storti to anchor the defensive side of the ice. 

“I think they’re gonna do some pretty big things for us and I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring,” Nowak said. 

Beyond defenders, the goalie position might be the most important in the sport. Beck, who was a mainstay on KSU’s defensive side, leaves a noteworthy hole in the box. 

“We have a young goaltending group here. We were actually pretty old in goaltending last year with a senior and two juniors,” Nowak said. “Goaltending is young, but I’m excited to see what Matthew Wiess can do this year. He played for us in the second half of last year and split time with Nick Beck.”

The Flashes will start the season off at home on Sept. 19  against the Cincinnati Bearcats, who finished 16-12 in 2024. 

“Every single one of us in the room wants to win the championship,” Nowak said. “We got to learn to fight the ways of adversity. Expectations for us are to still go out and win the championship.”

Gage Wellman is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected] or @GageWellmanKSTV on X.