USU hockey has high hopes for year
Summer break is over and the USU hockey team has had only three short weeks to condition and train for Friday night’s season-opener.
On top of a whirlwind schedule, teammates are still getting to know each other due to the addition of several new players. However, Kent Arsenault, junior in parks and recreation, and one of two team captains, said he is expecting this season to be one of the best in school history.
Aggie head coach Jerry Crossley agreed.
“Although it’s hard to say what the season will be like before we’ve got a few games under our belt, this should be a really good season,” Crossley said.
Jon Eccles, assistant coach and team manager, said he is also looking forward to a promising start. He said differences this season from last season include depth to the team, experience and the potential skill of the players.
“We’ve got some really talented players from Utah Valley University who came to us looking for a program with a great supporting community and university,” Eccles said. “Overnight we’ve changed how the team looks and plays.”
Jordan Francom, also a team captain and a senior majoring in wildlife science, is excited for the season. “Oh yeah, it’s going to be a good season,” he said. “This is the most talented team I’ve seen since I’ve been here.”
Although the teammates are new to each other, none are new to the sport, and Francom said they are already a tight-knit group who not only hang out together, but play well together.
Eccles also said the team has been working very well together in practices thus far without much division between new and returning players. A true love of the game has brought these players together, he said.
With a rigorous routine – including three practices and two games a week – these athletes hardly have time to squeeze in school, work and play.
“It’s pretty busy and it’s tough, but it’s worth it,” Francom said.
Eccles said he feels the players work twice as hard as school-sponsored athletes. This is because the hockey players have to pay to play, don’t get benefits like scholarships and meal plans and are still expected to meet NCAA grade requirements.
“They are a great group of kids with a commitment to the sport,” Eccles said.
What are the team’s expectations?
Eccles said the ultimate goal is a national championship. He said they have always had winning seasons, but they want to do more this time around than simply try for the championship.
Eccles said he sees this as plausible this season because of the addition of more potential goal scorers and another experienced defenseman.
“The fans are going to love it,” Arsenault said. “There are lots of guys here we can depend on to score.”
Crossley gave thanks to the fans because they allow the team to exist; Francom said the fans are what inspire this team.
“Playing in front of 2,000 cheering fans is an amazing experience,” Francom said. “Logan is a great hockey town.”
–jodi.burton@aggiemail.usu.edu