2008 Woodie Awards
For Love of the Game: Rollins Hockey Team Takes to the Ice Despite Hardships
After completing two seasons, the Rollins hockey team looks to build recognition for the future.
Brian LeMay
Issue date: 4/28/06 Section: Sports
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"Hockey is infectious-once it gets in your system you can't get it out," said Coach David Erdmann in an e-mail response. "There's an artistry to skating that combines with the physical demands and finesse of the sport."
The Rollins College hockey team was founded in 2004 by alumnus Steve Cahill. By gathering 15 individuals, including two goalies, with previous hockey backgrounds, the team began playing in the Orlando men's hockey league at the city's RDV Sportsplex. Not only did Rollins make the playoffs this year, but they also gained valuable competition experience. This season, however, the team no longer played in the league, electing to compete against other colleges instead. While this year's games only included opponents of Florida State University, the Florida Institute of Technology, and the University of Central Florida, they are hoping to add several more schools to the schedule next season.
Similar to any organization starting from scratch, the hockey team is facing several obstacles that make the program's success difficult. Their top priority is to become an official member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association, which will elevate them to club status and make future scheduling much easier. But as of now, finding opponents to play is very difficult since the team is an independent organization. "If we join the ACHA, it will be a big boost to our program," said sophomore and Providence, Rhode Island native, Jonathan Mousseau. Team captain, senior Evan Gallo of Marblehead, Massachusetts, further indicated that while this year was a building season, next year has great potential should they join the league.
Financial funding is another challenge for the team. Since renting ice time at the local rink costs $200 per hour, each player must contribute $350 to cover all expenses throughout the season. Furthermore, practices are usually after 10 p.m. on school nights, so often times players are busy and cannot attend. As a result, preparing for games is not an easy task. "The guys get really excited about the games, but practices are hard on us," remarked coach Erdmann. But this year's squad did not let the lack of practice time effect their game play.
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