While Stillwater will have a new head coach this season, as Bruce Lilac takes over for Dave Cook, they’ll be plenty of familiar faces wearing the Warrior maroon and white.

Seven players return for Stillwater this year as Brian McNeil, James Galarneau, Mason Seymour, Grant Baker, Scott Travis, Cooper Monast and Matt Breslin all started or saw quality minutes for the Warriors just a season ago.

Lilac has liked what he’s seen from his group in the early going.  “The preseason has been great.  The kids are working hard to get better and tougher.  This group realizes they must come and work every night if they want to win in our league.”

Lilac says the Warriors will, “Have to continue to mature as a team if they want to build on last year’s record.”

Stillwater won 14 times a season ago and with a deep and skilled nucleus led by McNeil the Warriors hope to take the next step.

To be successful this year the first year coach offered, ” We must bring our ability and  mental toughness every night.  There isn’t a night off in the league, every game will be tough as we have a bunch of very good teams.”

When asked to name contenders for the league crown, Lilac responded, “The league goes through Hoosick Falls.  Mike does a great job getting his kids ready to play in that system. Beyond that I think any team is capable of beating any other team on a given night.  It should be an interesting year.”

With optimism running high fueled by a nice group of returning players, look for the Warriors to be a tough out every night and if things fall in place, be in contention down the stretch for a Wasaren championship.