Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey
Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey is a college ice hockey team that competes in the Atlantic Hockey conference. The team represents Mercyhurst University located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The team has a rich history and has produced several talented players over the years.
History
Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey was founded in 1987 and began playing in Division III. The team moved up to Division II in 1989 and then to Division I in 1998. In their first year in Division I, the Lakers finished second in the College Hockey America conference.
In 2001, the Lakers won their first conference championship and made their first NCAA tournament appearance. Since then, the team has won seven conference championships and made ten NCAA tournament appearances.
Facilities
The Lakers play their home games at the Mercyhurst Ice Center, which is located on the Mercyhurst University campus. The arena has a seating capacity of 1,500 and features state-of-the-art amenities. The team also has access to a weight room, training room, and locker room facilities.
Current Season
The current season for the Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey team is well underway. The Lakers have played several games and have a record of 5-5-2 as of November 2021. The team is led by head coach Rick Gotkin who has been with the team since its inception in 1987. The Lakers have several talented players on their roster including forward Dalton Hunter and defenseman Jack Riley.
Notable Alumni
Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey has produced several notable alumni who have gone on to have successful professional hockey careers. Some of the most notable alumni include:
- Adam Brace - Forward for the Toledo Walleye
- Jamie Hunt - Defenseman for the Dundee Stars
- Matthew Zay - Forward for the Danville Dashers
- Tyler Shiplo - Goaltender for the Quad City Storm
Conclusion
Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey has a rich history and is a competitive team in the Atlantic Hockey conference. The team has produced several talented players over the years and has a bright future ahead. With state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated coaching staff, the Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey team is sure to continue its winning tradition for years to come.