EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — The LIU men's hockey team strengthens its veteran-filled roster with the addition of 15 incoming student-athletes for the upcoming 2024-25 season, including two standout local talents.
 
One of those incoming 15 are Nick Bernardo, a local product from Hauppauge, N.Y., was previously with the North American Hockey League's (NAHL) Maine Nordiques. Bernardo scored 32 points in 57 games during the 2023-24 campaign and showcased his standout defensive abilities throughout the season.
 
Luca Leighton, another local product from Old Brookville, N.Y., had standout performances in the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) and NAHL and is looking to build his resume here at LIU.
 
Other new additions include Daniel Duris, a former Robertson Cup Champion goaltender from Martin, Slovakia, with a .922 save percentage in 41 games with the NAHL's Oklahoma Warriors last season.  Sixten Jennersjö from Ekerö, Sweden, was the second-leading scorer for the NAHL's Northeast Generals and was named second team All-NAHL.
 
Canadian Connor Gregga joins the Sharks and is from Markham, Ontario. Gregga scored 10 goals in 83 games with the Minnesota State University program. Defenseman Andrius Kulbis-Marino will help strengthen the Sharks' blueline. Kulbis-Marino tallied 28 points in 96 collegiate games with Sacred Heart University.
 
Other additions to the LIU men's hockey team include:

• Isaac Lambert (alternate captain from the junior hckey team in Salmon Arm).
• Anthony Lucarelli (former captain of the Powell River Kings).
• Chad Muller (NAHL's Minot Minotauros).
• Brennan Nelson (captain of West Kelowna junior hockey team in BCHL).
• Tyriq Outen (Tampa, Fla., junior hockey goaltender).
• J.R. Perdion (played in BCHL).
• Trenton Powell (alternate captain for the Alaska Wolverines of the NAHL).
• Carter Rapalje (played two seasons at Stonehill College).
• Nick Trela (played four seasons at St. Lawrence University).