CC sophomore defenseman Aaron Harstad celebrates his first goal as a Tiger against UMass-Lowell earlier this season. Photo courtesy CC.

Like the freshmen, the Colorado College sophomores have stepped into larger roles this season as needed. Most have showed marked improvement, especially for a class that did not score as rookies.

Defenseman Peter Stoykewych played in 26 games (three assists) as a rookie and improved greatly this season, Tigers coach Scott Owens said. He has appeared in all 30 games this season with eight points (seven assists).

“Stoykewych has really made strides,” Tigers coach Scott Owens said of the Winnipeg draft pick. :He has really stepped into a larger role.”

Another Jets pick, Aaron Harstad, has struggled through an injury-marred second campaign but has managed 21 appearances (four points, one goal) after six assists in 29 games last season.

“His physical play and presence solidified our defensive corps when he is in there,” Owens said.

Most of the sophomores have enjoyed a big increase in ice time through necessity and their own development. Defenseman Ian Young has gone from 10 games played as a freshman (three assists) to all 30 games (seven points, six assists) and a role on the second power-play unit this season.

Center Jordan DiGiando is another player who has stepped up. He has both his goals, his first as a Tiger, in the last six games after not recording a point in 10 contests as a rookie.

“It’s great to be able to get out there and contribute,” said DiGiando, whose versatility has resulted in 14 appearances this season. “It isn’t like your first couple games as a freshman when everyone is flying around you. Even after I didn’t play for a while, I still felt more comfortable as a sophomore.”

Forward Charlie Taft (13 games, two assists) has played in 27 games this season, mostly on one of the top two scoring lines thanks to his hands and speed. He has taken advantage to record 10 points (seven assists).

Wing Scott Wamsganz gives the CC coaches another big-body option as game plans demand while backup goalie Courtney Lockwood contributes through his efforts in practice. Wamsganz had one assist in 15 games as a rookie and two helpers in 21 contests this season.

“There is room for improvement with all of them but we are definitely pleased with their development,” Owens said.