The way Rick Comley sees it, returning the MSU hockey program to powerhouse status is a two-step process - first, restore roster depth, then restock the supply of elite players.
Mission No. 1 accomplished, he says. Comley, MSU's head coach, signed two more recruits Wednesday and two more are expected to sign at any time.
Next season's batch of players is highlighted by three defensemen - A.J. Thelen, Ethan Graham and Brandon Warner. Thelen and forward Chris Lawrence, who originally committed to Mercyhurst, signed with MSU on Wednesday, while Graham and Warner should make it official later this week.
Overall, MSU will have a goaltender, four defensemen, three forwards and one forward/defenseman in its freshman class for a total of nine.
"This year's team was one injury away from catastrophe," Comley said. "I had to increase our depth. And we intentionally took some older kids. Especially on defense, we need people who can come in and play and stabilize the position for us.
"I think the future is bright."
All nine of the freshmen are American, which is somewhat unusual because MSU's roster is normally split between Americans and Canadians. Comley said it's just a coincidence.
MSU's 2003-04 recruiting class
| Name | Pos. | Age | Ht. | Wt. | Jr. team |
| Tommy Goebel | F | 18 | 5-7 | 153 | Cleveland (NAHL) |
| Ethan Graham | D | 20 | 6-2 | 185 | Lincoln (USHL) |
| Tyler Howells | F/D | 19 | 5-8 | 170 | Cedar Rapids (USHL) |
| Chris Lawrence | F | 21 | 5-11 | 170 | Pittsburgh (NAHL) |
| Drew Miller | F | 19 | 6-1 | 165 | River City (USHL) |
| Chris Snavely | D | 20 | 5-9 | 170 | Cedar Rapids (USHL) |
| A.J. Thelen | D | 17 | 6-3 | 205 | Under-17 U.S. National Development |
| Dominic Vicari | G | 18 | 5-10 | 180 | River City (USHL) |
| Brandon Warner | D | 20 | 6-0 | 170 | Pittsburgh (NAHL) |
Source: MSU Sports Information, Pittsburgh Forge
James Jahnke
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