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Sports Club hockey puts heart on ice
By Brittany Jackett Sports editor Mercyhurst College proudly boasts of its strong Division I varsity hockey program and all of the bells and whistles that go along with a first-rate organization; but what often goes unrecognized season after season is the noteworthy and highly-competitive men’s club hockey program. The club team at Mercyhurst provides hockey players with an opportunity not afforded to all college athletes. Those selected to the team are able to continue to play the sport they love, as well as continue to develop their skills at a high collegiate level without having the same stress and intensity of the Division I varsity program. Senior captain Bobby Williams commented on the importance of club hockey. "The club program was a huge draw for me completing my years here. It has definitely been a key component to my college experience, and I wouldn’t have come if the team didn’t exist." The Mercyhurst team participates in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), which is a Division I club team league consisting of 54 teams from across the country. The team is coached by Thomas McKinnon, who has led the men to a 7-4-4 record so far this season. However McKinnon feels that the success of the team relies heavily on, not only the hard work and dedication of the players, but the volunteer support staff that he and his players are incredibly grateful to have. McKinnon explained the importance of a handful of critical men and women from general manager Bill Shannon, assistant coaches Chad Klimow, Jeremy Peterson, Tom Kitchen and senior student manager Matt Ferris to those involved in game day preparations like Joe Fink, Molly Carlson and Kerry O’Connor. "Without them the program wouldn’t run efficiently or effectively. They are just as much a part of the program as the players are," he said. Others who have had a positive impact on the growth and development of the club program are Brian Sheridan, John Baronowski and David Stearns. These men are responsible for the newest addition to club hockey – HurstTV broadcasts all of their games. They have sunk their hearts and soul into the program, and as senior captain Matt Warren commented, "HurstTV is great because it brings awareness to our program, which would otherwise go unnoticed." Thanks to the help of so many people the club program has enticed students from a plethora of regions around the continent. Of the 24 team members, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, Connecticut, Texas and California are represented, as well as three Canadian provinces; a rather impressive collection of players for a club program. Currently leading the team with 26 goals and 14 assists for a total of 40 points is Warren, which places him at fourth in the nation. Also having a notable season is freshman David Gaines, the leading rookie scorer with four goals and 15 assists for a total of 19 points. The men will continue their season playing Sunday in the Mercyhurst Ice Center at 2:45 p.m. against Robert Morris University with an upcoming home game on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 10 p.m. against GMHL.
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