(Crookston, Minn.) – The University of Minnesota, Crookston Men’s Hockey team will open the 2008-2009 season on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1 when they play host to Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) foe Bethel University in a non-conference series. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Crookston Civic Arena. It will be the season opener for both squads.
U of M, Crookston finished the 2007-2008 season with an overall record of 6-21-0 and Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA) record of 5-15-0 which was good for sixth place. The Golden Eagles battled hard in their playoff series at Marian College but fell in two tough games by scores of 3-2 and 3-1 respectively.
Veteran U of M, Crookston mentor Gary Warren returns for his eighth season behind the Golden Eagle bench. “We look forward to working with a positive component of returning upperclassmen,” says Coach Warren.“A number of these individuals have worked hard in the off-season and anticipate a rewarding year. We have added to our depth in a number of positions and we anticipate exciting contributions from our newcomers.”
U of M, Crookston returns a number of players who saw major playing time last season. Matt Marchel (Jr, Def, Grand Forks, N.D.) scored three goals (two on the power play) and added eight assists for 11 points. John Lombardi (Jr, Fwd, Apple Valley, Minn.) scored six goals (three on the power play) and added two assists for eight points. Martin Husicka (So, Fwd, Vsetin, Czech Republic) scored two goals (one power play) and added six assists for eight points in only 15 games. Collin Perry (Jr, Fwd, Grand Forks, N.D.) scored two goals (both power play) and added four assists for six points. Fred Kooser (Jr, Fwd, Omaha, Neb.) scored one goal and added three assists for four points.
Golden Eagles vs. Bethel University 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 31
2 p.m. Saturday, November 1
The Royals finished the 2007-2008 season with an overall record of 16-7-2 and MIAC record of 11-4-1. Senior, forward Kent Bostrom is Bethel’s top returning player. He scored 11 goals and added 20 assists for 31 points. Junior, goaltender Aaron Damjonovich was 16-6-2 in net last season with a 2.97 goals against average (GAA) and a .913 saves percentage.
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Golden Eagle Hockey is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
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UMC News