DAN KOUDYS
Bentley
So. | RW | Grimsby, Ontario

Koudys was seventh among Atlantic Hockey rookies last season in goals and assists.

Key Statistics: Dan Koudys made quite an impression during his rookie season. He posted six goals and 14 assists for the Falcons, ranking fourth on the team in helpers and points. He ranked seventh among Atlantic Hockey rookies in the same categories. All but three of his points came in league play. He had a power-play goal, a short-handed tally and two game-winners. Bentley coach Ryan Soderquist was pleased with Koudys’ production, although his numbers pale compared to his junior stats. Playing for the Burlington Cougars of the Ontario Junior Provincial League, Koudys had 17 goals and 48 points in 2007-08 and 28 goals and 67 points in 2008-09. His seven game-winners with Burlington were a sign of things to come. A rugged player with 159 penalty minutes almost evenly split over two seasons with Burlington, Koudys was whistled only three times for Bentley.

What He Does: Koudys (pronounced cow-DICE) is a bit undersized at 5-foot-7 but that does not deter him from winning battles in the corners and going strong to the net. His skating speed is an asset, allowing him to create space in the offensive zone and drawing penalties from slower defenders. Koudys had no problem getting acquainted with new linemates as Soderquist paired him with three different lines in the final three games of the season.

The Bigger Picture: Soderquist believes Koudys got a bit fatigued during his freshman season, balancing Division I hockey with his academics. The result was a bit of inconsistent play, from shift-to-shift, and especially from Friday to Saturday games. Koudys took his coach’s advice and worked hard in the weight room over the summer, adding a dozen pounds to his frame. Soderquist expects Koudys to see more time on the power play, in addition to his penalty-killing duties. Older brother, Joe, is a senior hockey player at Alabama-Huntsville, younger brother, Patrick, will play for RPI, and their father, Randy, played for RPI, graduating a year before the Engineers won the 1985 national championship team, so hockey and hard work runs in the family.

Bentley coach Ryan Soderquist on Koudys: “The difference between him last year and this year will be the ability to play at the highest level every night. If he does that, he could be a 35-40 point guy in our league. He had 20 last year and I don’t think he even sniffed his potential.”