What? Hofstra has an ice hockey team?
Well, you won’t see them on ESPNU facing off with the likes of Michigan or Boston College any time soon, but contrary to popular belief, Hofstra University does in fact have an ice hockey club team.
Oh, it’s a club team. Well why should I care the slightest bit about a club team when we’ve got all these successful varsity teams here at Hofstra? Oh my, you’ve got me there. I mean, who needs hockey when you’ve got a basketball team who can’t stop beating themselves?
Don’t forget the football team, either. They fooled everyone with a 6-0 start that had us all pinning our hopes on Division 1-AA playoffs. Anyone remember the score of their first significant home game of the season? They lost in dramatic fashion, 40-3.
Wait, you do mean hockey, like real hockey? So, none of that no-contact roller blading around type of stuff, right?
Yes, real hockey with real contact. In case you haven’t noticed (and judging by the low attendance numbers at the Arena of Long Beach, you haven’t), the men’s ice hockey club team has risen to a national championship contender in Division 3 of the American Club Hockey Association.
Since his arrival two years ago, head coach Ian Clugston has brought the team from the cellar of their conference to a program that is garnering recognition nationally.
The team plays at the Arena of Long Beach, roughly 15 minutes from campus. Admission to games is free of charge for everyone, not just Hofstra students.
Well, why would I go all the way to Long Beach to see college hockey when I can go next door to see NHL-caliber hockey with the Islanders?
Hmm, another good question. Well can I answer your question with a question? I suppose I just did. Where’s that sense of school pride? Plenty of students have no trouble going to support our dreadful hoops squad, why not hockey? Not to mention, I’m not sure if you’ve been watching lately, but the Islanders aren’t the most exciting team in the NHL.
Check out a game. Once. You’ll be hooked. Whatever you like, this team’s got it. You want flair? Watch forwards Dan Lio and Craig Zecca weave through opposing defenders like traffic cones.
Had enough scoring and looking for some contact? Defensive bruisers Alex Nucera and Jonathan Morello won’t disappoint. Regardless of what style of play you’re looking for, the grit and tenacity every player shows throughout each game is enough to make you proud they’re representing your school.
Hockey’s pretty expensive from what I hear. They must get a ton of funding from the school to even be able to play, right?
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