From the newsstand: This article appeared in the April 2024 print edition of The Eagle.You can find the digital version here.
It's a cold Wednesday night at the Cabin John Ice Rink in Potomac, Maryland, home of American University's club ice hockey team.
Without a Division I hockey program, club hockey team members create a culture that students won't find anywhere else on campus. Senior captain Connor Cain said the team is very close-knit. A family that spends time together on and off the ice.
“We're going to a restaurant,” Kane said. “My roommate and I are on the same team, so we host something at our apartment about once a week.”
Kane said that when applying to college, it was important to find a school that offered club hockey. Without a DI hockey team at American University, students might have a hard time finding a place to express their love for the game.
“Having that culture and having a community where you can make friends outside of class. There was a structured place on campus where you could make friends and build a community,” Cain said.
Sophomore co-captain Brooklyn Spaces is in his second year with the team and, like Kane, speaks highly of the community.
“We're having a great time and there's nothing difficult about it. We're like a family,” Spacy said. “I always have a good time, both at away tournaments and just here.”
The Eagles will play schools along the East Coast from Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. During the regular season, the team made four road trips.
Now, after making the playoffs for the first time in three years, the Eagles are preparing to face teams in the ACCHL Division III Tournament.
The team's success this season is largely due to their line. Cain, freshman Miles Frasca and senior Joe Faried had the highest scoring line in program history, demonstrating the team's continued growth.
Still, there is certainly room for beginners. Junior Connor Wall joined the team this year and was new to hockey, but he still “played full time and scored some goals,” Frasca said.
The team practices once a week, so the commitment to participate is low. The biggest hurdle for beginners is price. Each member of the team pays a membership fee, but Kane says the club is willing to help anyone play if cost is an issue.
“We don't want cost to be a barrier to playing hockey,” Cain said.
As the program grows, each player has hopes for the team. Cain expects the club's presence on campus to grow.
“Not many people know that we have a hockey team on campus. Those who do come to the games say they love the games,” Cain said. “I also think there will be more opportunity to reduce costs and build the program a little bit.”
“We are growing the program,” Frasca said. “We need to achieve a championship within the next few years.”
Despite having different hopes for the season ahead, all team members agreed that the club is like a family.
Freshman Lev Belopolsky agreed: literally. ”
This article was edited by Penelope Jennings, Delaney Hawk and Abigail Pritchard. Copy editing was provided by Luna Jinks, Isabelle Kravis, and Liah Argiropoulos.
sports@theeagleonline.com
