Sacred Heart Men's Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is a game that requires skill, strategy, and teamwork. At Sacred Heart University, the men's ice hockey team embodies these qualities and more. With a rich history and a strong following, the team has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of college ice hockey.
The History of Sacred Heart Men's Ice Hockey
The Sacred Heart men's ice hockey team was founded in 1993 and began playing at the Division III level. In 1998, the team made the jump to Division I and has remained there ever since. Over the years, the team has played in multiple conferences, including the Atlantic Hockey Conference and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
One of the team's defining moments came in 2006 when they won the Atlantic Hockey Championship and earned the program's first-ever bid to the NCAA Tournament. The team has gone on to make several appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a memorable run to the Frozen Four in 2019.
The Coaches and Players of Sacred Heart Men's Ice Hockey
The success of the Sacred Heart men's ice hockey team can be attributed in large part to the talented coaches and players who have come through the program. Head coach C.J. Marottolo has been with the team since 2005 and has led the team to multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. He has been named Atlantic Hockey Coach of the Year multiple times and is widely respected in the college hockey community.
The players on the team are equally impressive. Many have gone on to play professionally in both the United States and Europe. Some notable alumni include Jason Smith, who played for the Edmonton Oilers and the Ottawa Senators, and Bear Trapp, who played for the Hamburg Freezers in Germany.
The Fan Experience at Sacred Heart Men's Ice Hockey
Attending a Sacred Heart men's ice hockey game is a thrilling experience. The atmosphere in the arena is electric, with fans cheering on the team throughout the game. The Pep Band adds to the excitement, playing music and leading chants to get the crowd fired up. The team also has a dedicated student section known as the "Heartbreakers," who dress up in red and white and make noise throughout the game.
For those who can't make it to the arena, the team offers live streaming of their games on ESPN+ and other platforms. Fans can also follow the team on social media to stay up to date on news and events.
The Future of Sacred Heart Men's Ice Hockey
The future of the Sacred Heart men's ice hockey team looks bright. With a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff, the team is poised to continue competing at a high level. The team is also set to move into a new state-of-the-art arena in 2022, which will provide an even better fan experience and further establish the team as a top program in college hockey.
If you're a fan of ice hockey or just looking for an exciting sporting event to attend, be sure to check out the Sacred Heart men's ice hockey team. With their winning tradition and passionate fan base, the team is sure to provide a memorable experience for all who attend.