When the time change happened back in October, Northampton head hockey coach Brian Ruff knew what was ahead.

“When it gets dark at 4 p.m., it must be hockey season,” noted Ruff recently. “Which in turn means, the Northampton Konkrete Kids ice hockey team is on the ice with one goal in mind ... to bring the scholastic cup back where it belongs.

And that’s in Northampton.”

Ruff believes his troops will be fueled to get back to the league final after they were eliminated by the Saints in the opening round last season. Heading into last season, Northampton had captured the Lehigh Valley Scholastic Hockey League (LVSHL) Cup in three of the previous four seasons.

“Changes have been made on roster, and in the mindset,” stressed Ruff. “Hopefully, we learned from our mistakes last year, and we can put that knowledge to use in game situations this year.”

Senior Ashtyn Dremock has vacated the goal crease and will assume a leadership position as a forward. Sophomore Austin Wolfe will take over the netminding duties, along with Ty Tomasic from the JV roster.

The forward group will feature returning leading scorers Derek Raudabaugh and Ian Brawn from last year’s squad. Seniors Nolan Radler, Blaise Anderko, Gavin Angelino, Karl Cuchran, and Lennon Murray will provide plenty of experience and grit on the front line. Underclassmen Jackson Repetz, Jamison Dolan, and Zach Grosse will provide some extra speed and scoring ability to the group.

The defense corps will be anchored by senior Rian Leyfert and junior Hunter Jacoby. They will be joined by Cody Nederostek, Colin Becker, Shane Grubbs, and Nathan Ruff.

JV players Caden Kish, Carson Rader, Spencer Ault and Kaiden Butko will provide depth and scoring abilities which will be crucial for the upcoming season.

With plenty of depth, Ruff anticipated a different approach this season.

“We’re looking at a total team effort,” said Ruff. “That’s the change in the mindset. Everyone contributes, not just two or three guys.”

In their opener, Northampton gained some revenge as they dumped the Saints 6-3 behind Jackson Repetz’s two goals. Wolfe recorded 42 saves.

Ruff was pleased with his team’s balanced effort in their opener.

“We scored six goals, and all three offensive lines scored at least one goal,” beamed Ruff. “Two goals were scored by a defenseman. That’s an example of our total team effort.”

Ruff expects a competitive league season ahead, and his team being in the thick of things.

“The league is very balanced this year,” said Ruff. “I don’t believe any teams are head-and-shoulders above the others. It should be very competitive.

“I think we are ready.”