It’s a pivotal season for Louisville Ice Hockey. What and who is new, what to expect, and everything you need to know.
I recently sat down with the 2025 Louisville Ice Hockey team during their annual media day, an event that brings fans and players together for autographs, and photo sessions to kick off the new season.
Alongside Head Coach Brian Graham, Assistant Coach Sam Zaritsky, and his players, we discussed the year ahead, the changes within the program, and the general state of hockey in Louisville.
What’s New for Louisville Ice Hockey
This year, the Cardinals are making a major leap as they move up to ACHA Division I. In fact, Louisville will be sporting two rosters for the first time: one at the Division 1 level and one at Division 2.
The move brings fresh competition in the University of Kentucky and Alabama while re-igniting in-conference rivalries that fans are used to seeing in NC State, UNC, Syracuse, and Pittsburgh.
Must watch Louisville Ice Hockey games
Of course, the rivalry games against Kentucky (Nov. 21, Nov. 22, Feb. 6, and Feb. 7) are circled on every fan’s calendar. But Coach Graham pointed out other key matchups as well, including a road trip to Alabama and the home-opening weekend against Northern Illinois on Friday, September 25.
That opener will also feature a special moment for Louisville’s youngest hockey players.
“The Learn to Play kids, the Little Ice Cards, will be coming out on the ice for the national anthem. And there’s 60 kids that we had in the Little Ice Cards…a bunch of six year olds are going to be on the blue line with us. I’m excited about that and having all their families and all these kids out there and just getting them out there and seeing the game,” Coach Graham said.
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Louisville Hockey’s Identity
Players described this year’s team as more skilled than past rosters, with “good hands” mentioned often. Fans may see less of the grind-it-out style and more finesse on display.
But make no mistake, this team can still get physical. Jack Bowers, Andrew Murray, Karl Dreux, and Joshua Nardi were all frequently mentioned as players who won’t hesitate to get physical to protect their guys.
“Nardi is tough,” Coach Zaritsky said.
“I wouldn’t want to get hit by him [Karl Dreux]…he’s 6’5”. He can reach the door handle from here…that door handle is 14 feet away,” Coach Graham says.
“He’s strong too,” Coach Zaritsky added.
Players you need to know
When asked about the most underrated player on the roster, both coaches were quick to highlight senior defenseman Nick Beeman.
“Beeman is 5’5” but he plays like he’s 6’5”…we are very fortunate to have him in our program. I think we’re one of the luckiest teams in the league to have a player like that on the roster. I don’t think our team underrates him, I think the league will underrate him and that’s “shame on them,” Coach Graham tells me.
“I think it’s because he always makes the right play. Nothing flashy. Just job is done. Everytime,” remarks Coach Zaritsky.
Speed is another strength, with sophomore defenseman Joshua Nardi and sophomore forward Andrew Murray competing for the title of fastest skater. Coach Graham thinks they are both fast but Murray may have the edge.
“I’m going the opposite,” Coach Zaritsky chimes in. “I’m Going Nardi. I mean he races [Brau] every time after practice and he’s won the last couple.”
Murray also earned Coach Graham’s trust in clutch moments. When asked who Coach Graham would like taking a penalty shot if his life was on the line, there was no hesitation when he answered his life on the line there was no hesitation when he answered “Andrew Murray”.
“We were in an all star game this past summer and I think he was 3 for 4 on penalty shots in the game,” Coach Graham explained.
And then there’s Karl Dreux’s blistering shot, one that his teammates and coaches are equally wary to be on the receiving end of.
“I don’t think he even takes slapshots. He doesn’t need to,” Graham noted of Dreux, who has been clocked with an 86 mph snapshot.
State of Hockey in Louisville
Growing hockey in Louisville remains a central focus for the program, and Coach Graham emphasized the importance of developing the next generation of players through the Little Ice Cards. Assistant Coach Louie Abounader runs the program, which already has three players from Louisville competing at the AAA level.
One standout is China Taylor, who has quickly become a rising star.
“China Taylor, she’s killing it. Se was the…youngest player…on the team…she was 15 on a u-18 team and she dominated. She got the player of the game at the championship game as a 15 year old being from Louisville, KY playing with kids from all over the country.”
“She got a full ride offer to Wisconsin. It’s all part of that youth program. It’s growing ten fold. We need to keep growing the game in this town, get more ice, and get more kids out there.”
Closing Thoughts
With a move to Division I, a roster stacked with speed and skill, and a coaching staff committed to growing the game in Louisville, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in program history. This team has the talent to compete, the toughness to protect each other, and the energy to bring fans out of their seats.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or are brand new to hockey, there’s never been a better time to get behind the Cardinals. Catch the full schedule and streaming links at cardsicehockey.com and don’t miss your chance to see Louisville hockey make its mark on the national stage.
