By Eyeopener Staff
Men’s Volleyball
This is the year. Do or die. Nationals or bust. There is an intense amount of pressure on this year’s team and deservedly so. It will be the last kick at the can for some of the players, including three-time Ryerson Athlete of the Year Ryan Vandenburg. National Coach of the Year Mirek Porosa brought in four new players this year, including veteran setter Patrick Corriveau from the University of Manitoba. After last season’s loss in the OUA final to Queen’s, expect the team to come out recharged and focused with the bitter loss fresh in their minds.
Regular season: 18-2
Women’s Volleyball
After last year’s highly anticipated playoff run fell flat on its face due to injuries, the women’s volleyball team is looking to mend its wounds.
Captain Erin Gallagher will be returning along with rookie wünderkinds Erin Davies and Jen Williams. Joining them is a strong freshman class that should help propel the team to a deserved playoff berth.
Regular Season: 5-14
Hockey
So what if they were Canada’s worst team last year?
The Rams biggest off-season acquisition will be behind the bench, with former York Lions’ coach and two-time OUA champ Graham Wise taking the helm. The team will only go as far as Wise will carry them, but with his credentials and experience, the Rams seem to be in good hands.
Make the trek across to George Bell Arena to watch them play. Make an adventure out of it. They’re worth it.
Regular Season: 1-21-1
Men’s Soccer
The team was winless last season, but several players are returning this year, led by stars Radu Melnic and Frank Morelli. Rookies Moses Kgasa and Nicholas Suppa are already paying dividends, and the Rams have already improved over last season by picking up their first win.
The team is looking a lot stronger this year, leading coach Tony La Ferrara to start having post-season dreams. If these boys can keep up their momentum, it can carry them far.
Regular Season: 0-8-2
Women’s Soccer
No Shannon Ferreira, no problem, says coach Peyvand Mossavat.
While he will admit the loss of their star will affect the team, Mossavat’s eyes are still set on the playoffs.
With an impressive win already under their belt, there’s no stopping this fiery squad. It’ll take more than a few wins to make the playoffs this year under a new playoff structure, but don’t count this team out.
Last season they missed the playoffs by a single goal. Don’t expect them to come up short again.
Regular Season: 1-8-1
Figure Skating
Ryerson’s squad with the most school spirit will get their last skate at home this year.
The school will host the OUA Championships this winter at George Bell Arena. Go and support your squad, they deserve it.
After finishing fourth last year in the synchronized skating event, don’t be surprised if you find them on the podium.
Fencing
Ryerson’s fencing team lost four players to graduation after a successful season last year. Horia Puscas returns this season after picking up his first medal at an OUA championship. Ryerson is home to one of the oldest fencing teams in the province, with your support they can stick around longer.
Men’s Basketball
Touted as one of the best recruiting jobs in Ontario by interuniversity sports manager Terry Haggerty, this year’s freshman class is headlined by local high school star Boris Bakovic. Bakovic turned down offers from Ivy League colleges to play with his brother Igor at Ryerson.
Most of last year’s team is returning, including sparkplug N’Kruma Hylton and Joey Imbrogno, making this team a fun one to watch as they go further down the stretch. They’ll be a tough one to beat.
Entering his second year at the helm coach Glenn Taylor is putting his stamp on the team as he restructures a program that was in trouble only a few years ago. A playoff run surely isn’t out of the question.
Regular Season: 3-19
Women’s Basketball
After a summer filled with conflict and controversy, the Rams lost five players—including reigning Athlete of the Year Amanda Redhead.
Two of the recruits played on the Rams team that won the summer league this year, but they will have to step up to salvage this season.
Coach Sandra Pothier believes that the team can succeed if all the players are able to work together. It’s up to the players to save the squad from the whirlwind they’ve fallen into.
Regular Season: 6-16
Rowing
Last year’s disappointing season saw Ryerson’s Andy Guiry go down due to hamstring injuries and struggle throughout the season. This year he’s is back, healthy, and ready to compete.
Go out and give Viking boat racing a try. I did, and I’d heartily recommend it to anybody.
Badminton
It’s Ko time for Ryerson’s Badminton team as Jocelyn Ko will be back this season after sitting out last year due to injury.
Ryerson star Sherman Lam graduated from the team last year, but Ko should be able to pick the team up and get the team into the playoffs.
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