The 2013-14 edition of the Waterloo Warriors men's hockey team will carry many of the same labels that they have for years – physical, disciplined, intense, tough to play against.  But this year, they'll add one more moniker to their reputation – defending division champions as the Warriors open up as the fifth ranked team in the country.

The Warriors will be out to prove that their 2013 West division crown was no fluke, and that they have reestablished themselves among the OUA's elite hockey programs. And, with another year of experience for his core group, coupled with a strong recruiting class, head coach Brian Bourque thinks his team is poised to make another deep run come playoff time.

"The biggest thing that came from last year is that we had a quiet confidence, even when we were struggling," said Bourque. "I think that will allow us to work through any ups and downs we might have. At the end of the day, it's all about putting things together at the right time."

The Warriors certainly did that last season, even after a regular season that was disappointing by their high standards. Their 12-11-5 record was, statistically, their worst regular season in nearly a decade. They finished 6^th in the ultracompetitive OUA West division, entering the playoffs as heavy underdogs to even get past round one.

That's also when the Warriors came together and, as Bourque advocated, peaked at the right time. They rolled through the West's top 3 seeds in the playoffs, claiming the division crown and a spot at the University Cup national championship tournament in the process. Once at nationals, the Warriors again made waves by upsetting top-seeded Alberta before falling a win short of the CIS championship game.

So while they might have a tough act to follow, the personnel Bourque has assembled looks ready for the challenge. The trio of Waterloo all-stars will return to form the core of the Warriors once again, as reigning CIS scoring champ Justin Larson (Buckhorn/), CIS rookie scoring champion Colin Behenna (Waterloo/) and OUA second-team all-star Joe Underwood (Canton/) – the new Warriors captain – will all be back in 2013-14.

In addition to the 16 players returning from last year's University Cup lineup, Waterloo also has an impressive crop of recruits this season. After a redshirt year, former minor pro forward Chris Chappell (Pickering/) is ready to hit the ice and contribute immediately. The addition of OHL all-star Steven Silas and veteran rearguard Ryan Hanes (Kanata/) should add both offense and defense on the blue line. And OHL veteran goaltender Mike Morrison (Hamilton/), who started over 150 major junior games in his career, should help fill the void left by graduating backstop Keaton Hartigan (Kitchener/).

Bourque has also added CIS experience in this year's recruiting class, adding former UNB forward Luke Lynes (Washington/) and former Windsor Lancer Anthony Tapper (Marmora/). Lynes, a draft pick of the Washington Capitals, will get an opportunity to contribute offensively on the top 6, while Tapper adds much-needed sandpaper and depth while bringing a breadth of CIS and OHL experience. Plucky forward Tyler Norrie (Simcoe/), a point-a-game player in Jr. B last season, will also add some scoring depth up front.

Offensively, Bourque hopes to find a more consistent balance throughout the lineup in 2013-14. In addition to Larson and Behenna, third-leading scorer Andy Smith (Rosetown/) returns to re-form last year's top line, and Kain Allicock (Markham/) and Brett Mackie (Whitby/) will look to pick up from their productive postseasons in 2013.

The blueline didn't lose a single player from a year ago, and, with the addition of Silas and Hanes, Waterloo could have an embarrassment of riches on the back end. The added talent and depth should help take the pressure off Underwood, who often played upwards of 40 minutes a game in the playoffs last year. Also returning is the shutdown tandem of Ryan Molle (Calgary/) and Jeff Einhorn (Red Deer/), and Sam Caldwell (Cape Breton/) and Paul Bonar (Brandon/) will look to make the jump in their second years in Waterloo.

Between the pipes, Morrison will form a formidable duo with fourth-year returnee Justin Leclerc (Saskatoon/). Both keepers have extensive major junior experience, and Bourque said both goaltenders will get opportunities to play in the first half of the season. With two defacto number-one goalies, Bourque has the luxury of playing both and rolling with the hot hand.

With so much promise and a division title to defend, Bourque knows the expectations are high. But he's also grounded in his approach, and he knows his team must stay grounded and focused to make another run at a national championship.

"People are already talking about the experience we gained last year, and kind of skipping the stuff that needs to get done along the way," said Bourque. "We're not going to do anything different. I'm a big believer in doing the little things day-in, day-out. Our goal is to be as good as we can."

The Warriors open their 2013-14 season at home against UOIT Ridgebacks on Oct 10 at 7:30 pm. Many of the Warriors games can be seen live on Warriors TV, and you can follow the Warriors men's hockey team on Twitter @UWWarriorHockey and coach Brian Bourque @WlooBourque