Penn State Ice Lions Club Hockey
Are you a hockey enthusiast looking for some competitive action in the university circuit? Look no further than the Penn State Ice Lions Club Hockey team. Founded in 2012, the team has been making waves in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division III for several years now.
History of Penn State Ice Lions Club Hockey
The Ice Lions Club Hockey team was established in 2012 under the guidance of coach Rich Czarnecki. The team was created with the aim of providing a platform for Penn State University students to showcase their hockey skills and compete at a high level. The team started out in the Keystone Collegiate Hockey Conference (KCHC), where they won the championship title in their very first season.
Since then, the team has achieved significant success in the ACHA Division III, consistently making it to the conference playoffs and nationals. The Ice Lions have also been involved in several community service initiatives, including their annual Skate for the Cure event, which raises funds for breast cancer research and awareness.
Team Structure and Training
The Ice Lions Club Hockey team consists of around 25-30 players each season, selected through tryouts in the fall semester. The team is led by a group of four executive board members, who manage the administrative and logistical aspects of the team. They are assisted by an experienced coaching staff, which includes Czarnecki and assistant coaches Matt Griffith and Jeff Brown.
The team practices around three times a week at the Pegula Ice Arena, the state-of-the-art facility that also serves as the home rink for the Penn State Division I men's and women's hockey teams. The players are put through rigorous on-ice and off-ice training sessions, focusing on skill development, team tactics, and fitness.
Competitions and Achievements
The Ice Lions Club Hockey team competes in the ACHA Division III, which consists of over 65 teams from across the country. The team participates in the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference (DVCHC), which includes other Pennsylvania-based teams like Drexel University, Villanova University, and the University of Pittsburgh.
The team has had an impressive record over the years, making it to the DVCHC playoffs every season since its inception. They have also qualified for the ACHA nationals twice, in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. In addition, the team has won several accolades, including:
- 2013-14 KCHC Championship
- 2016-17 DVCHC Regular Season Champions
- 2016-17 DVCHC Playoff Champions
- 2017-18 DVCHC Regular Season Champions
Community Outreach Initiatives
The Penn State Ice Lions Club Hockey team takes its social responsibility seriously and engages in several community outreach initiatives throughout the year. The team organizes its annual Skate for the Cure event, which raises funds for breast cancer research and awareness. The event sees players and fans come together to skate for a good cause.
The team also participates in other community service events, such as volunteering at local food banks and participating in charity walkathons. The Ice Lions Club Hockey team understands the importance of giving back to the community and strives to make a positive impact through its actions.
The Future of Penn State Ice Lions Club Hockey
The Penn State Ice Lions Club Hockey team has come a long way since its inception and has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the ACHA Division III. The team's strong emphasis on skill development, teamwork, and community outreach has contributed to its success on and off the ice.
As the team looks to build on its achievements and go from strength to strength, it will continue to rely on the support and encouragement of Penn State alumni, students, faculty, and fans. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or simply looking for some exciting sporting action, the Ice Lions Club Hockey team is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
