Hockey club skates into fourth season

Most of the KSU community knows all about the basketball‚ soccer and softball teams. But did you know that KSU has a hockey club?

Georgia (Sep 27, 2005) — Most of the KSU community knows all about the basketball‚ soccer and softball teams. But did you know that KSU has a hockey club?

While not an NCAA team‚ the club represents KSU at more than 25 games each season competing with institutions such as Georgia Tech‚ the University of Tennessee‚ the University of Texas and Clemson.

“The difference between the KSU hockey club and other sports teams is the other teams are sanctioned sports‚ adhering to NCAA rules‚” Bill Morrison‚ director of hockey operations‚ said. “The hockey club follows ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) regulations and ordinarily does not receive financial support from the school. Club members generate all of the income required to fund the team. In addition‚ the club cannot offer any form of scholarships.”

Now in its fourth year‚ the Owls are poised to bring home their first national championship. Extensive preparations have been made to ensure a successful season‚ including summer training sessions and strategic rebuilding tactics.

“We’ve retooled the entire team‚” Morrison said. “This year we did something different – we actively recruited players. There are 21 rookies this year alone‚ which is unheard of‚” he said.

In all‚ there will be 25 people on the 2005−2006 roster. The club expects 45 students at try−outs this month.

Morrison‚ along with approximately 18 staff members including coaches‚ therapists and interns has worked hard to gain visibility for the group. Their efforts have paid off‚ with an average of 700 fans at each game. Home games are held at either the Town Center Ice Forum or the Marietta Ice Center. Approximately 90 percent of attendees are students and they’re not just from KSU; others come from area high schools. The team enjoys the support of a
400−member Booster Club.

But it’s not just about athletics; the team is also proud of its 100 percent player graduation rate. “It’s not only about hockey‚ it’s about getting a university education‚” Morrison said. “Education‚ life skills and hockey – that’s the club’s mantra.”

Visit the hockey club Web site at www.ksuicehockey.org for the
game schedule and additional information.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the second-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 126 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.