The Union University men's hockey team celebrates winning the national championship on April 12, 2014. 9 Photo courtesy of NYA/DAN Z. JOHNSON)
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced Monday that it will welcome players and staff from the 2014 Union College Men's Hockey National Championship team to Saratoga Race Course on Friday, July 19, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the historic achievement. The meet-and-greet with team members will coincide with the first prize giveaway of the summer.
Players from the 2014 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey National Championship winning team, including Frozen Four MVP and National Hockey League defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere and Union captain Matt Boddy, will be signing autographs and taking photos with fans at the Jockey Silks Porch from 1:30-2:15 p.m. The 2014 NCAA Division I Championship Trophy will be on display and there will be photo opportunities.
In the afternoon, a special race will be held in honor of the team, titled the 2014 Union Hockey National Championship, beginning at approximately 2:50 p.m. After the race, members of the 2014 National Championship team will present the trophy to the winner.
“We are excited to celebrate Union College hockey's 10th national championship anniversary at Saratoga Race Course,” said Jim McLaughlin, the college's athletic director. “This honor not only commemorates an incredible achievement in our program's history, but also highlights the tenacity and dedication of our players, coaches and supporters. We are proud of the traditions of our team and are excited to share this milestone with the Saratoga racing community.”
The 2014 Union College hockey team made a historic run to the Frozen Four with a win over Boston College in the semifinals, then defeated the University of Minnesota in a thrilling national championship game to win its first national title. Tournament MVP Gostisbea recently completed his 10th NHL season and is one of 17 team members who will play professionally after their time with Union.
“NYRA is proud to welcome members of the 2014 Union College NCAA Division I men's hockey program to Saratoga Race Course to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their unforgettable championship,” said NYRA Chairman and CEO David O'Rourke. “Our fans recognize and appreciate elite performance, which is why this venue is the perfect fit for their event.”
Meanwhile, the first of four premium giveaways for the 2024 event at Saratoga Race Course will be available on Friday, July 19. Fans will have the chance to receive a 40-ounce white drink tumbler featuring the traditional red Saratoga logo. The giveaway will be free to those who pay admission, while supplies last. To receive the giveaway, fans must present their admission ticket at a designated location on the track.
Saratoga’s summer racing season continues through Monday, September 2, highlighted by the 155th renewal of the DraftKings Traverse Racecourse, a Grade 1, $1.25 million race on August 24, and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Racecourse on August 3.
Racing takes place five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, except for the final week which ends on Labor Day.
