CASE SUMMARY
The King's College men's ice hockey team enters the 2026-27 season with an intriguing blend of experience and youth as the Monarchs continue building under second-year head coach Race Bennett.
 
A talented group of newcomers brings enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the program, while returning players provide leadership and experience throughout the lineup. That balance has created optimism as King's prepares for the challenges of a new season.
 
Bennett pointed to "the blend of experience and youth within our team," as a key factor heading into the season. "Our newcomers are excited to have the privilege to experience playing at the NCAA level for the first time, and returning players will provide strong leadership and knowledge throughout the year."
 
 
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
The Monarchs were selected seventh in the 2026-27 MAC Men's Ice Hockey Preseason Poll, which was voted on by the conference's head coaches.
 
Neumann topped the poll with 64 points and eight first-place votes, followed by Stevenson (55), Alvernia (50), Wilkes (42), Arcadia (33), Lebanon Valley (30), King's (24), Misericordia (18), and Albright (8).
 
Entering the second season of the Race Bennett era, the Monarchs are focused on continuing to establish their identity while capitalizing on the blend of returning experience and youthful enthusiasm that has defined the preseason.
 
 
PROGRAM OUTLOOK
King's returns a number of players expected to play key roles as the season unfolds.
 
Junior forward Grant Parshall emerged as one of the Monarchs' top offensive contributors a season ago, recording 14 points on eight goals and six assists while appearing in all 25 games. Between the pipes, junior goaltender Ben Williams posted a .929 save percentage, a 2.76 goals-against average, and two shutouts across 11 appearances.
 
The Monarchs will also look for continued growth from sophomore defenseman Artsiom Barashkin, who registered seven points in 13 games during his first collegiate season. Veteran leadership will come from senior center Steve Armstrong and team captain Mikey Harrel. Armstrong made an immediate impact after joining the program midseason, recording seven points on four goals and three assists in just 11 games, while Harrel's leadership and experience remain important pieces on the blue line.
 
Together, that group represents a mix of leadership, experience, and emerging talent that will be counted on throughout the season.
 
 
MONARCH NOTES
One of the most encouraging developments throughout the preseason has been the chemistry within the locker room.
"One strength that has been evident so far has been how much the student-athletes enjoy being around each other," Bennett said. "We have a tight-knit group that will continue working on developing chemistry both on and off the ice."
 
The coaching staff has also seen a growing competitive edge develop throughout the roster.
"Our coaching staff is excited to see the competitive stamina building within the team, and we look forward to that continuing," Bennett said.
 
Another major addition to the program came this offseason with the arrival of assistant coach Jacob Smulevitch.
"Our program is very fortunate that Jacob Smulevitch joined our coaching staff over the summer," Bennett said. "Jacob's relentless work ethic and strong hockey mind has been a huge addition to our team in such a short amount of time."
 
 
THE ROAD AHEAD
A highlight of the schedule awaits after the calendar turns to 2027.
 
The Monarchs will travel to Massachusetts for the Boston Landing Collegiate Invitational on Jan. 2-3, where they will have an opportunity to play a pair of contests at Warrior Ice Arena, the practice facility of the Boston Bruins.
"We want to thank Alex Gacek and Nichols College for inviting us to the Boston Landing Collegiate Invitational," Bennett said. "Our group is very excited to kick off the second semester playing in Boston at Warrior Ice Arena. Would love to see some fans out in Boston to start 2027!"
 
The tournament provides a unique opportunity for the Monarchs to gain valuable experience while competing in one of the premier hockey markets in the country.
 
 
MISSION STATEMENT
For the Monarchs, one phrase has helped define the preseason: "OUR Standard"
 
"This has been a main talking point for us through the preseason," Bennett explained. "We don't worry about any other teams, we have just been focusing on what we can control."
 
That mindset has shaped the team's approach both on and off the ice as the Monarchs work to build consistent habits and expectations throughout the program.
"We will continue to establish the standard we hold ourselves to when representing King's College and the Men's Hockey program," Bennett said.
 
Bennett has been encouraged by what he's seen from the group throughout the fall.
"Our staff has been impressed with the work ethic and competitiveness of our group this fall," Bennett said. "It will be exciting to see the continued growth of individuals and the team as a whole throughout the season."
 
With a strong mix of veterans and newcomers, a growing culture, and an emphasis on accountability, the Monarchs enter the 2026-27 season eager to continue building toward the future.