5/3/04--CSUSB Hockey Closes the Book on Another Successful Season
In just a few short years, the members of the CSUSB Hockey Club have taken limited player and financial resources and turned the club into more than a flash in the pan.
For two straight years, their first two in Division I intercollegiate play, the Coyotes have advanced to the Sweet 16 round of the National Championship Tournament.
Although they were trounced both years in the Sweet 16 round of the playoffs, the CSUSB Hockey Players have to consider what they have done a success. They have challenged long-established Division I schools from across the country, many with school funding and player bases in the hundreds, for the Division I crown. They won all the games they were supposed to, and even some they weren't. During this year's NCT, CSUSB took down Western Michigan, a strong team from a strong region, by a score of 6-5. They beat the school housing the Division I NCAA Ice Hockey National Champions, University of Denver, 7-3. They also handled the University of Missouri--Rolla, 7-6. The Coyotes only losses of the tournament came to 2004 national runner-up Penn State and The University of South Florida, two talented programs.
Lately, the Coyotes have been enjoying plenty of campus exposure, and hope to capitalize on that in the form of recruiting and raising awareness of hockey in the nearby community. For a town whose nearest hockey rink is 20-30 minutes away, it's tough to establish a player base. Hopefully, they have garnered the attention of the faculty and staff enough to keep word alive about the CSUSB Hockey Club.
Thanks to all the fans who came out and supported the CSUSB Hockey Club at the 2004 NCRHA National Championship Tournament in Anaheim! Your contributions are truly appreciated. With the bulk of the team returning next year, they hope to challenge for the title once again, and give you some more to cheer for.
For more info, please visit WCRHL.com, NCRHA.org, and NARCh.com. |
