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 At
top, The men's ice hockey team played the HC Valvenosta in Laces, Italy over
Christmas break while touring Europe and playing several games. At right,
members of the team take in the sights in Innsbruck, Austria.
Below, Wesleyan plays the Caldaro Under-26 squad in Caldaro, Italy. (Photos
contributed by Chris Potter) |
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| Posted 01.22.07 |
Men's Ice Hockey Takes Europe by Storm
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During the winter holiday break, the men’s ice
hockey team toured Germany, Austria and Italy, competing against four local
club teams, and winning all the games while beating opponents by a combined
score of 30-1.
“I’m afraid the competition there wasn’t quite up to level we expected,”
said fourth-year head coach Chris Potter. “But it still gave us a chance to
skate, practice a few new things and improve our game overall.”
 The
planning for the trip began almost two years ago. Wesleyan teams are
permitted foreign travel once every four years. Following the 2004-05
season, Coach Potter and his upperclassmen began discussing options. “We
talked about the Czech Republic and Scandinavia, but in the end this trip
won out,” Coach Potter explained.
Using numerous fund-raising techniques to help cover the $1,900 cost per
individual, the team accumulated enough money to bring a contingent of 36
people, including all 32 players, the three coaches and the head athletic
trainer. They were joined by 30 family members, bringing the total for the
trip to 66.
The three-country trip began in began in Munich, Germany, a city that left
an impression on at least one player.
“I thought our three days in Munich were the best,” said forward J.J. Evans
’09. “It seemed so European and I thought the bratwurst was spectacular.
Even though I got a kiss from an Italian girl on New Year’s Eve when we were
in Bolzano, I’m still going with Munich.”
For team captain Will Bennett ’07 Innsbruck, Austria was a favorite. He also
said the location of the team’s final contest against the Caldaro (Italy)
Under-26 squad, an 8-0 Wesleyan win, was amazing.
“This rink was dropped right into the countryside,” Bennett said. “It made
you wonder how they managed to build it where they did.”
Soon after returning, the Cardinals managed to get their skates back on for
their regular-scheduled home games on January 5 and 6. Wesleyan won both to
extend its current unbeaten streak to five games and hold a 5-3-2 overall
record. It is the first time the team has held a winning record after 10
games since 1988-89.
“I’m seeing the team starting to gel,” said Coach Potter. “I think the trip
was valuable and I made some interesting rooming assignments to help the
players get more comfortable with each other. I’m hoping the whole thing
will pay off as the season progresses.”
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By Brian Katten, sports information director |
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