Eastern hockey sees improvement with returnees, recruits

There appears to be plenty of reason for optimism as Eastern Washington University prepares for its fifth season of play in the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League.

For starters, the Eagles return their top four scorers, including Beau Walker whose 18 goals and 31 assists paced a team with a 7-16-1 record under rookie coach Bret Kellogg.

In all, 13 players, plus all three goaltenders are back, EWU associate head coach Pat Hanlon said. Paxton Bell (10-16-26 points) and Brett Mathews (10-7-17) round out the top returning forwards.

Combine that with a host of new faces, including Jesse...