Club hockey plays first regular season game
The Utah State club hockey team will begin it’s regular season action for the 2001-2002 season this Thursday in Ogden.
The first round of thrills will take place against nationally ranked Colorado State University on the Ogden Ice Sheet.
“[This is] the most talented team we’ve ever had,” said Aggie head coach Jerry Crossley.
The Colorado State game will be a true test of that talent. This year the Aggies hope to take the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Hockey Association Championship like they did two years ago.
Although they have a lot of talent, penalties may be a challenge to overcome in future games as the Aggie squad has struggled in that category. They have also had the disadvantage of not being able to get much live practice time on the ice, which was also a determining component of the pre-season exhibition games.
Adam Lain and Jake Groseth, two rookie goalies that started in the Weber State and University of Utah games, respectively, have contributed a lot to the team.
“The goal tenders both kept us in the games a longtime. They were a big factor in staying competitive in both games,” Keith Bleazard, general manager, said.
Team members attribute much of their past success to the huge fan base that supports them at the games. The Aggies usually have more support at their games in Ogden than Weber State does.
The Aggies will have a true home games starting in January when the Bridgerland Ice Arena will be completed.
The Aggies will round up the week against Brigham Young University on Friday at Seven Peaks Ice Arena in Provo.