James Spence – Lehigh
While Spence could technically return to use a fifth year of eligibility, Patriot League rules would make it as a transfer, so we decided to keep him on the list.
He’s started all but one game since arriving to play for Coach Kevin Cassese and the Mountain Hawks, and for good reason. Spence’s frame doesn’t fill up a ton of space in cage, but what he lacks in size he makes up for that with his athleticism. The Delco native has continued to impress this season and currently ranks top-6 in the nation for goals against average and save percentage.
Brian Dougherty’s Take: I’ve been coaching him for awhile. He’s in the Springfield [PA] lineage [of top goalies] with Kevin Keenan, Drew Adams, Austin Kaut and now Spence. I like all parts of his game. He’s like the little brother, been getting shot on his whole life. Reminds me of Brian Carcaterra a little bit as far as that kind of knowledge of the game. He’s a big game player, won two state championships in high school. He’s steady and has a good presence.
