Hope-ing For A Breakout Season

Brett Hope is returning to his second season with the Buffalo State College Bengals. After a solid first season, the Blenheim product is hoping for a breakout season.

“This year our team has a lot of older guys as we have 10 or 11 seniors along with strong under class men,” says Hope about his NCAA Division III Buffalo State College Bengals team. “I’m hoping for big things as a team and individually. I’m hoping to build on what I accomplished last year as a freshman and planning on being a go to guy in every situation,” Hope continued.

In 27 games last season as a freshman, Hope scored 4 goals and added 13 assists for 17 points.

The Chatham-Kent Cyclones and Chatham Maroons alumni, who finished his Junior career with the St. Thomas Stars, says he’s now adjusted to the rigours of University hockey and life, that he’s ready to take the next step. Specifically, Hope pointed to the increased physical demand as a challenge he faced.

“Biggest thing is the adjustment of practising every day and managing my time between school and continuing to perform on the ice as the games are faster and more physical and more demanding on the body compared to junior hockey,” Hope said about adapting to his first year of NCAA hockey.

Last season, the Bengals finished fourth in the SUNYAC conference, ending with a 13-12-2 record overall. Hope will have his chance to shine as the Buffalo State College Bengals open their season November 1 when they travel to Cortland.