Last Saturday, after months of planning and much anticipation, the PSU men’s ice hockey team finally took the ice at the brand new Hanaway Rink. “The fact that they were finally able to perform in front of all their family and friends in such a great facility is unbelievable,” said first year coach Craig Russell of the fans. It was a sell out crowd and you could feel the electricity before the Panthers even hit the ice. The Panthers defeated Southern New Hampshire University 6-0.
Former University System of New Hampshire Trustee, Merle Schotanus did the ceremonial opening puck drop. Plymouth started scoring early and often when junior forward Brian Kriner netted the first goal, which came on the power play, 1:25 into the game. Southern New Hampshire had 20 penalties for a total of 70 minutes. This turned out to be a great advantage for Plymouth because 4 of the 6 goals came on the power play.
This game also marked the first game of Craig Russell’s career here at Plymouth, after serving seven years as an assistant coach, including the past two as associate head coach. Russell is the eighth head coach in the 40-year history of the Panther men’s ice hockey program. He is also a 2003 graduate of Plymouth State where he was captain of the hockey team his senior year. When asked about the bigger milestone, his first win as head coach or opening the new rink with a win. “We have come a long way since I played, but everyone who has ever suited up for Plymouth should feel like they are a part of what’s going on here. The fact that it was my first win as a head coach means nothing compared to the enjoyment I get out of watching this program succeed.”
Between periods, the Plymouth Panther was officially named in an on ice ceremony. After many students entered the contest to name, it was trimmed down to 12 names; with the winning name being “Pemi”. The Bierdermans Zam-boa-ni was also carted out on to the ice driven by Fireman George. His fireman’s hat, baldhead and smooth driving kept the crowd on their feet between periods.
The real story of the game was sophomore goalie, Jack Astedt shutting out the Penmen. He saved all 18 shots put on net stopping anything that came his way. The same could not be said for crowd favorite, SNHU John Carbonneau. He had 31 total saves out of the 41 shots Plymouth put on net. His night was ended early with a 10-minute game misconduct. The Panthers were already up by 5, 11:35 into the 3rd period before things got out of hand. Doug Boulanger of SNHU got tied up with sophomore Alex Cottle near the SNHU goal. Both players were sent to the showers early for fighting. After the refs cooled the heated battle, 3 players were sent off, 2 in the box and both teams played 3 on 3. “I am very proud of the way our team acted, and wish that there would have been a different outcome with the way the penalties were called, but that’s all part of the game,” Coach Russell added when asked about the events of the third period.