Coastal Men’s Club Hockey back on ice after Hurricane Florence

The Coastal Carolina men’s club hockey team can finally return to their home rink in Wilmington, N.C. after Hurricane Florence shut it down due to power loss.

“The Wilmington Ice House shut down for eight hours before maintenance could recover the power and refreeze any lost ice.” said rink manager Rick Thomas

Due to the Wilmington Ice House being shut down, the CCU men’s club hockey couldn’t practice during the three-week hurricane period, ultimately shortening practice and game intervals in the regular 2018-19 season. Upon returning to the ice, the team played Liberty University twice, losing both games 6-3 and 4-2.

However, the team bounced back the following weekend, winning both games against Old Dominion University 13-1 and 13-4. Several players, including senior Curtis Jattner, Kenny Ferrara and Joe McAdams, added points on the score sheet in the wins against Old Dominion.

“This has been a great year for us, besides the tough three weeks separated from each other,” said Jattner. “We have a good, young team and we’ve made a lot of improvements throughout the year and during this off period.”

Since the team is labeled as a club sport, the team raises money by selling merchandise through their team website and setting up fundraisers around CCU’s campus and and local restaurants. The team has to do this in order to purchase the proper gear and equipment for games and practice, as well as to have money for travel and lodging.

“What’s been the biggest issue is having to travel so far,” said team captain Steven Yaros. “Wilmington is our closest option, so we play and travel there often. Hopefully it will change in the coming years.”

Throughout 2018, the team raised $2,000 through fundraisers and merchandise sales. The team hopes to raise some more money for the rest of the year for other expenditures.

“Another goal is to get a bus for fans, so they can watch a spring game against our biggest rivals, the UNC-Wilmington Seahawks,” said Yaros.

The team hopes to see themselves play in regionals at the University of Tampa and compete for the league championship at the end of the year.

“I’m pretty confident with our team and our chances of making it,” said Jattner.

Since returning to the ice, the club hockey team’s current record is 2-2-0 and they will play in 16 more games this season.

The Chanticleers will play the Citadel and Navy at the Carolina Ice Palace in Charleston, S.C. on Nov. 9 and 10.