Several seniors will take the ice this year, but at least two of them will not be returning next fall. Chris McCormick and Jordan Esswein will be suiting up for their final season and are looking forward to making it as memorable and successful as possible, for themselves and their teammates.

Along with McCormick and Esswein, two other veteran seniors will be hitting the ice including Jordan’s brother Tyler and Jacob Winans.

Each have played at least three seasons for Fresno State and all are anxious and excited to see how far this team can go.

“Hopefully we can pick up were we left off last season and continue to grow as a team,” said McCormick. “The team is very strong this year and we have the depth on the bench to do great things.”

With the added depth, the veterans have taken it upon themselves to reach out to their teammates and help them both on and off the ice.

“As one of the veteran players, it is my job to make sure the new players know how Fresno State works, how the hockey team works, and also be their family,” said Jordan Esswein. “Anything you can do to help ease them into the team and college setting gives teammates a better relationship with each other.”

The outreach isn’t limited to just the rookies or freshman though.

“Not only do our rookies need guidance, but our veterans as well, to remind all of us what is at hand,” said Winans. “There are a number of us graduating and calling this season our possible last, and I plan on making it special.”

To kick off their final season the team will face tough opponent NAU, and while some might view facing a higher division team as a slightly intimidating way to start the season, the Bulldogs welcome the challenge.

“It will make us set our standards high if we don't expect ourselves to be blown out of the water, and will make the rest of our season easier because we are getting ahead early,” said assistant captain Travis Bybee.

“Playing against a DII team allows our team to see where we are at as a team, and allows us to see where we need to be to bring our program to the next level,” said Jordan Esswein.

While full focus is on the season opener this weekend, and the remaining practices are centered on fine-tuning game aspects, the Bulldogs remain very excited about what they can achieve this season and about seeing their teammates display their skills.

“All in all though there will always be at least one person on the ice to keep your eyes on at all times,” said Bybee, who mentioned several key players to watch including Ross Piche, Matt Young and Trent Fisher, who is anchoring a very talented defensive core.

Although rookies bring depth and energy , and veterans bring leadership and experience, none of them take their eyes off their ultimate goal, another shot at playoffs and a chance for nationals.

“I believe this year we will win the PCHA championship and make it to nationals, and show on a national level, how well the Fresno State Bulldogs are doing,” said McCormick.

Fresno State takes on Northern Arizona at the Jay Lively Ice Arena at 8:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 and again at 8:15 p.m. Saturday Sept. 26. Both games can be listened to live at the Bulldogs website at http://bulldogicehockey.com.