By Liam Quirin
February 8, 2018
On January 26, the Penn State Harrisburg Ice Hockey Club took on Shippensburg University for the Hershey Outdoor Classic with all proceeds being donated to THON.
After having spoken with the team, it came to a consensus that a majority of the team have not yet had the opportunity to play outdoors. So, playing for this beneficial of a cause, at such an exciting venue, created a very large level of excitement and anticipation amongst the players prior to the game.
“Yeah, I mean this is my first time outside as a coach, so it’s definitely a unique situation. Should be fun for both teams involved. For the players, you know, it should be a lot of fun for them. Most of the guys growing up in this area don’t get to play on ponds as often as people elsewhere. So, it should be a lot of fun for the boys.” Head Coach Dom Dicicco says after having asked for his input on the opportunity to play at such an exciting venue.
Adam Tipple and Daniel Yanich provided the Nittany Lions with a combined 7 goals and 2 assists as they defeated Shippensburg University 12-2 that Friday night. The entire team capitalized on their opportunity after scoring 12 goals, 16 assists, and 28 points overall shared amongst them.
“It’s a great opportunity to do something like this since I’ve never done something like this before. On my second competitive year of hockey, to start in a game like this is just incredible, and it’s bonus that we get to raise money for THON,” says goalie Michael Ragusa.
As most know, the team is currently only at club competition level. This meaning that it is not entirely an NCAA division regulated school sport.
However, after seeing what Dom Dicicco had to say about the team’s prospective future program and what it takes for the team to get to the level they’d like to be at, he states “The ultimate goal is to grow the program to NCAA Division-III level varsity sport at the campus. It’s going to take a lot of work from the staff as well as the players that we have coming in, and a lot of money as well as that’s also a big part of it. But you know we’re looking in the next few years to make the jump to ACHA Division-I, and then hopefully that’ll ease the transition into NCAA Division-III.
Hockey is very popular in Central Pennsylvania. For instance, the men’s hockey team at University Park has newly been introduced as a school sport rather than the club team it’s been for the longer while. Since the establishment of the team, an even larger following has been attracted to the team as they continue to dominate in their first several years of playing. Currently nationally ranked as the 16th best team nationally, with 6 of 7 teams in their conference also within the top 20 teams in the country.
It is very exciting to see the anticipation coaches and players have regarding the future for the program as it could provide a new addition of events and opportunities for students and fans here at Penn State Harrisburg. Fans must hop on the wagon before it leaves because hockey is just getting started.
The Lions are currently 2nd in their conference, 1 point out of the top spot. They wrap up their regular season this weekend with away games Friday and Saturday and their final home match Sunday against Lafayette, 6:15pm at Twin Ponds East in Harrisburg. For more information on the team, visit their website HERE.