2008-2009 DIII FROZEN FOUR IS IN PLACID

The hockey message boards have had rumblings about the DIII championship being held at Lake Placid again for the conclusion of the 2008-2009 season. I've looked at this with reservation since no proof could be found. Oddly, the NCAA has been mum about it.

Well, now there's finally proof. The Olympic Regional Development Authority has listed the March 21 & 22 event at its website:

http://www.orda.org/newsite/tosee/lineup.php

I'm there!

I was there in March of this year (Easter weekend no less) to see the DIII version of the Frozen Four and it was a real treat to see the event held where the Miracle on Ice took place. As a matter of fact, I really enjoyed seeing Brockport foe Plattsburgh get shut out by St. Norbert.

Lake Placid is a perfect, accessible location for us here in Upstate New York. It's a great town and an great venue. Nothing against Elmira (the 2006 host), but Placid beats the Hell out of it as a host site.

I strongly suggest that if you plan to go you book a hotel NOW. Many of them are already sold out (thanks to the Can-Am youth tournaments). One hotel right on Main Street still has a few rooms left. Check out the Northwoods Inn ($149/night):

http://www.northwoodsinn.com/default.asp

BROCKPORT'S STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE

Last year the Golden Eagles played 9 games against "top ten" teams! It was a difficult schedule, hence the 7-15-3 record which belied the team's competitiveness.

Brockport has a much easier schedule this year. The overall record of the 13 known teams is 130-188-22. There are only four teams on the list with winning records. Here they are ranked first to worst based on the 2007-2008 season:

Plattsburgh 25-2-0
Oswego 18-6-2
Hobart 18-8-2
Fredonia 15-9-3
Cortland 11-12-3
Buffalo State 10-12-4
Potsdam 10-13-4
Geneseo 8-17-0
Western New England 6-17-2
Morrisville 5-20-0
Worcester State 2-23-0
Framingham 1-23-1
Lebanon Valley 1-23-1

Note: I have not counted the teams in the Castleton tournament because who’s-playing-who cannot be known yet.

DONATE TO A HOCKEY ALUMNUS' CAUSE

Brockport hockey alumnus Sean McCrossan has given back to the program for years, always lending a hand for the alumni game. He's participating in a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation event - "100 Holes Of Marathon Golf" - on Monday and he's looking for people to donate to the cause. To learn more about the marathon and to donate to it, visit this site:

http://www.cff.org/LWC/dsp_donationPage.cfm?idEvent=8244&idUser=214766

HOCKEY MEMORABILIA RAFFLE

The hockey team began a raffle fundraiser today.

The two items they are raffling off:

(1) The Gretzky "Cup over Head" is a large piece. Framed dimensions are 31" x 43". It is a limited edition of 200 and retails for $1000. - $1200. This is hand-signed personally by Wayne Gretzky and comes with a certificate of authenticity (taped to back) from WGA (Wayne Gretzky Authentic)

(2)"The Goal" Bobby Orr. Framed dimensions are 25" x 33". It is the only reproduction that was taken from Ray Lussier's (photographer) original negative. This is an open edition and retails for $700. - $850. This is hand signed personally by Bobby Orr and comes with a certificate of authenticity by WGA

Tickets for the raffle are $10 each. The winning tickets will be drawn opening night, October 25th. For more information people can contact Mark Digby at mdigby@brockport.edu

THE POND COMES TO LIFE

Courtesy of Zamboni driver Todd Brudz, here are some great pics showing the ice arena coming to life....

GOLF TOURNAMENT CANCELLED

The golf tournament that was scheduled for later this month has been cancelled. Unfortunately, sign-ups for this event (which would have benefited the hockey program) have been slim.