Long Island University Men's Hockey
Long Island University (LIU) is a private university located in Brooklyn, New York. It was established in 1927 and since then, it has become a well-known name in the world of higher education. Over the years, LIU has diversified its academic offerings, expanded its campus, and made noteworthy contributions to research and community service. Today, LIU is also a name to reckon with in the world of hockey, with a men’s team that has captured the imagination of many.
The Early Years: 1950s-1980s
The roots of LIU hockey can be traced back to the 1950s when the university fielded a team in the Metropolitan Collegiate Hockey Conference. The team played its home games at the Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn, before moving to the Garden City Ice Arena in Long Island. Throughout the 60s, 70s, and into the 80s, LIU continued to compete in various leagues, including the Eastern College Athletic Conference and the American College Hockey Association. The team achieved some notable victories, including a win over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1978.
The New Era: 2020 and Beyond
After a hiatus of more than three decades, LIU men’s hockey returned to the ice in the fall of 2020. The re-launched program made its debut in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and competed in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. The team’s home ice is the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the same arena that is home to the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League. The coach of the team is Brett Riley, who was previously an assistant coach at Colgate University.
The inaugural season of LIU hockey was marked by several milestones, including the first-ever Division I win against Army West Point in January 2021. The team also had a historic win over AIC in February of the same year. Despite playing in a challenging conference and facing off against some of the top teams in the country, the Sharks, as the team is known, acquitted themselves well and showed that they are a force to be reckoned with.
The Players: A Diverse and Talented Roster
The LIU men’s hockey team has a roster that is as diverse as it is talented. The players hail from different parts of the United States, as well as Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Slovakia. Many of them have played at the junior level, in leagues such as the United States Hockey League, the North American Hockey League, and the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Some have also represented their home countries at international tournaments such as the World Junior Championships.
One of the standout players on the LIU roster is sophomore goaltender Garrett Metcalf, who had an impressive season in 2020-21, recording a .917 save percentage and earning several honors, including Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Year. Other players who made significant contributions include seniors Erald Krasniqi and Christian Rajic, as well as freshmen Liam Blackburn and Austin Master.
The Future: Bright and Promising
The future of LIU men’s hockey looks bright and promising. With a new coach, a talented roster, and state-of-the-art facilities, the Sharks are poised to make a mark in Division I hockey. The university has made a significant investment in the program, with plans to build a new arena on the LIU Post campus in Long Island. This will provide the team with a dedicated home venue and further enhance its profile in the hockey community.
LIU men’s hockey is more than just a team – it is a symbol of the university’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and community engagement. Through its on-ice performances, the team inspires and motivates young players, fans, and alumni alike. It is a legacy in the making, and one that will only grow stronger with each passing season.