Affiliate (Club) Ice Hockey Teams Develop at PSU

PSU officially is in the process of establishing both Men and Women's affiliate (club) ice hockey teams.  At the moment, tryouts are still to be announced for both teams, the coaching staff and officials will know more on Mon. Nov. 5. If you are interested in playing club hockey be sure to go to the meeting at the ice arena on Monday Oct. 29^th at 6 p.m.

"We are shooting to have everyone on the ice within the next week or so," stated the Men's Head Coach Andrew Stewart.

"I'm looking forward to playing competitive hockey again against other really good schools," said Ben Haskell.

This year the affiliate team will be independent, allowing them to play junior and prep school ice hockey teams, as well as other collegiate club hockey teams. "Our main focus is playing club teams in the ACHA Northeast," Stewart mentioned, "That is the division we are hoping to be a part of next season."

"This will give players a chance to play at a less demanding level," said senior Tim Shirley.

Neither of the teams are affiliated with the varsity ice hockey teams, nor will the program be as strenuous as the DIII level, but it gives PSU students the opportunity to play ice hockey during their college career, and build up a new program. 

"Giving girls who love the game the opportunity to still play and work on their skills, is a huge benefit.  It also gives girls something to do and be proud of," said senior Dana Volk.

Home games for both teams will take place at the Hanaway Ice Arena, Stewart mentioned, "A majority of our games will be played at home." All PSU students will receive free admission at the door to each game.

"There are plenty of people that are willing to play and if the team is successful it will be good for the schools reputation," said junior Andrew Garbino.

The target date for the official beginning of the affiliate (club) hockey season is the first week of November. "We're still looking to make that happen," stated Stewart.  

The affiliate hockey teams are expected to play at a competitive level, tryouts will be held for both teams during the first couple of weeks in November, exact dates are still being determined, "everyone is welcome to come out for tryouts," said Stewart.

"The affiliate (club) hockey program will be good for Plymouth students to play a sport they love at the competitive level," said Shirley.

Both the Men, and Women's affiliate ice hockey programs are still being finalized; more information will be given out in the next couple of weeks. If you are interested in learning more about the Men's program you can contact the head coach, Andrew Stewart, via email at aastewart@plymouth.edu. To contact the Women's head coach, Laura Solverson, you can reach her via email at laura.solverson@gmail.com