Hockey Hogs start to skate next fall
Kyle Kleber
Issue date: 5/2/07 Section: Sports
"We've got a lot of talent for next year; and as of right now, we have a good team," Bugbee said. "Many of the players have all had experience with either winning or playing in state championships."
Students who are undergraduates or graduate students, and have at least a 2.0 grade point average, and have some experience playing hockey, are eligible to play for the team, Bugbee said.
Because there aren't many sponsors yet or much funding from the school, players are responsible to pay to play and purchase their own equipment.
"The main concern will focus on school first, but also allow for students to continue playing hockey out of high school," Bugbee said.
As of right now, the team won't be traveling much because they can't afford it, but it will split a home and away game series with UNT and SMU.
Oklahoma State is scheduled to play a couple weekends at the Jones Center because no arena is located on its campus.
The Ice Hogs were invited by the Alabama Frozen Tide to play in Tuscaloosa, but had to turn them down due to the lack of sponsorships.
The youth and adult leagues that play in the Ozark Hockey League are the main contributors for the club team to even have a place to play.
The leagues are giving up their current ice time at the Jones Center to allow the Ice Hogs to play. To return the favor, the team plans to have youth hockey clinics to raise money for the team, Bugbee said.
Tickets are $5, and student prices are up for discussion with student, ranging from $1 to $2 with a valid student ID. Ticket discounts will also be available for people involved with the junior hockey leagues and family of the team members, Bugbee said.
The ticket price will include a program with team, roster and sponsorship information. Bugbee plans to have a Web site with more information to be up by the end of the month, he said.
"We're basically here to have a lot of fun," Bugbee said. "Everyone that I've talked to is really excited about the team."
The only downside to the start of the club team is that because this is their first year of competition, they are ineligible to compete for the ACHA National Championship, Bugbee said.
The Ice Hogs will hopefully begin practicing during the summer in preparation for their first games in the fall semester. The team is currently looking for sponsors and more players to try out for next season.
Students who are undergraduates or graduate students, and have at least a 2.0 grade point average, and have some experience playing hockey, are eligible to play for the team, Bugbee said.
Because there aren't many sponsors yet or much funding from the school, players are responsible to pay to play and purchase their own equipment.
"The main concern will focus on school first, but also allow for students to continue playing hockey out of high school," Bugbee said.
As of right now, the team won't be traveling much because they can't afford it, but it will split a home and away game series with UNT and SMU.
Oklahoma State is scheduled to play a couple weekends at the Jones Center because no arena is located on its campus.
The Ice Hogs were invited by the Alabama Frozen Tide to play in Tuscaloosa, but had to turn them down due to the lack of sponsorships.
The youth and adult leagues that play in the Ozark Hockey League are the main contributors for the club team to even have a place to play.
The leagues are giving up their current ice time at the Jones Center to allow the Ice Hogs to play. To return the favor, the team plans to have youth hockey clinics to raise money for the team, Bugbee said.
Tickets are $5, and student prices are up for discussion with student, ranging from $1 to $2 with a valid student ID. Ticket discounts will also be available for people involved with the junior hockey leagues and family of the team members, Bugbee said.
The ticket price will include a program with team, roster and sponsorship information. Bugbee plans to have a Web site with more information to be up by the end of the month, he said.
"We're basically here to have a lot of fun," Bugbee said. "Everyone that I've talked to is really excited about the team."
The only downside to the start of the club team is that because this is their first year of competition, they are ineligible to compete for the ACHA National Championship, Bugbee said.
The Ice Hogs will hopefully begin practicing during the summer in preparation for their first games in the fall semester. The team is currently looking for sponsors and more players to try out for next season.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Wayne Watson
posted 5/02/07 @ 4:02 PM CST
About time! Love hockey and the HOGS. Bring it on, boys! We are excited to have you here!
krcole
Kelli Cole
posted 5/02/07 @ 8:46 PM CST
I can't wait to see hockey up here! I will definitely come out and watch some games this fall!
John Marksmen
posted 5/08/07 @ 12:59 PM CST
It's about time we have some Hog hockey. I know fans will back the stands to watch these guys. Go Hogs!
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