The St. Lawrence University men's hockey team and Charles W. Appleton II Head Men's Hockey Coach Brent Brekke have announced the team's leadership group ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Serving as the team's captain is junior defender Jan Olenginski, while Mason Kucenski, Jan Lasak, and Frankie Carogioiello will wear the A's as assistant captains for the Skating Saints.  

"We are excited to announce the selection of these four outstanding student-athletes who will serve as our leaders for our Saints Men's Hockey Team for the 2025-26 season," said Brekke. "These athletes were chosen by their teammates for their exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our program. Each of these leaders has demonstrated a deep understanding of what it means to represent the Skating Saints both on and off the ice. Their passion for the game, daily example, and work ethic make them the perfect role models for our team and program as a whole."

Olenginski, the right-shot defender from Lafayette Hill, Pa., is the first junior since Tim Makowski '23 (A) to wear a letter and is the first junior captain the Saints have deployed since the 2019-20 season, when Dylan Woolf '21 was named a team captain. He is also the first solo captain of the program since Joe Sullivan '18 in 2017-18. Olenginski has played in 53 games through two seasons and has five goals, including a game-winner, and six assists. The defender will lead the Saints as a team and will be an integral part of a young defensive core.

Kucenski, a native of Gill, Mass., is the first goaltender to wear a letter for the Scarlet and Brown since Justin Pesony '08, who was an assistant captain as a junior in 2006-07, and a captain in 2007-08 as a senior. The senior has played in 29 games for the Skating Saints, has a career .896 save percentage, and a 3.17 goals against average.

Lasak, who hails from Surany, Slovakia, joins exclusive company in the history of the program as the second non-North American skater to wear a letter, joining Finnish native Aleksi Peltonen '23, who served as a team captain during his senior year. He is the first non-North American to be named assistant captain for St. Lawrence and is the first player from Slovakia to wear a letter. Lasak has skated in 85 games during his first three seasons and has 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points.

Carogioiello, who has yet to play a game in Scarlet and Brown as a senior transfer, has already made a big impact on the locker room, leading to his naming as an assistant captain. A native of Woodbridge, Ontario, Carogioiello began his career with Miami University (Ohio), where he played in 58 games with three goals and five assists.

"This group of leaders recognizes and understands the important responsibility of wearing a letter and their commitment to raising the bar for our program." Added Brekke. "Their leadership will be crucial as we aim for an unforgettable season!"

The Skating Saints will open their centennial campaign this weekend when the team heads to Western New York to take on Niagara and Canisius. The Scarlet and Brown will play their first game of the season on Saturday, October 4, at 6 p.m. against the Purple Eagles, then will face the Golden Griffins on Sunday in a 5 p.m. tilt.