“We brought back 20 players, including 11 seniors, so expectations are high,” said Patten, who counts on seniors JJ Santaga and Landon Cooper to spearhead the defense in front of senior goaltenders Matt Waldman and Chris Silvester. “We’re looking to make a deep playoff run.”

The top-scoring line of seniors Brendan Lloyd and Nick Lewis, and junior Nick Bosenberg is the linchpin of Bellmore-Merrick’s offense. “We’re very deep at forward,” Patten said.

Lynbrook/East Rockaway and Oceanside are both on the plus side of .500 and sitting second and third, respectively, in the Liberty Division with seven wins apiece. The Owls, who qualified for the state tournament last season, have defeated the Sailors by scores of 5-4 and 4-2.

“The league is balanced and competitive,” Lynbrook coach Kerry Zelanka said. “You have to come to play if you want to be successful.”

A revamped Lynbrook defense is taking shape behind junior Ian Canter and senior Paul Trowbridge. Sophomore Ray Mohler and junior Nick Roepken, a converted winger, solidified the unit. Senior Brett Epstein and sophomore Jason Posner are performing well between the pipes. The forward group is led by sophomore Greg Hendrickson, a highly skilled scorer, as well as speedy seniors Andrew Torlincasi and Justin Leone.

Oceanside, a few years removed from a county championship and coached by Bill Clark, entered January riding a three-game win streak.