There are many interesting clubs at Mines which span a wide variety of activities and one of the most impressive is the Club Hockey team. Founded in 1995 and currently participating in the Division III American Collegiate Hockey Association, the team has provided a great opportunity for hockey players at Mines looking to play at a competitive level without the sometimes overwhelming pressure of Division I teams.
One of the best perks the club hockey team offers is its low costs. Dues are only $150 per semester which, compared to the actual cost of renting ice time, is extremely cheap. Ice time at local arenas like The Edge or Apex Arena can run as high as $200/hour but generous contributions from alumni, friends of the team, and family members defray the costs significantly and enable the team to keep dues very low. Considering they have two practices and two games a week, the players definitely get their money’s worth. For students considering joining who have concerns about the time commitment, the team prioritizes schoolwork above practice with no penalties for missing a practice to get homework done or study.
Another fun perk of being on the team is the Club Hockey Alumni game that is put on every year. The team goes to an Avalanche game at the Pepsi Center then plays against former alumni on the very same sheet of ice. Senior Karvel Haug described the experience: “With the scoreboard above you and the 360 degree view of the stadium, it seems surreal.” Perhaps the most fun parts of being on the team are the road trips. Each season the team makes three road trips to several destinations including New Mexico, Gunnison, CO, and Wyoming. The road trip destinations have expanded in recent years with last year’s trips to Texas and Nebraska and next year’s planned trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. Junior Matt Kreutz described them: “The road trips are a great time for the team to bond and play some teams we normally wouldn’t see.”
Although the team has not received as much recognition as other club sports in years past they have made waves this season with one of their best records ever. “We went 17-7-1 this season,” said Mike Kissinger, the club’s Treasurer. Expanding on the team’s improvement, Senior Gabe Gusey reflected, “The team has progressed so much in my time here at Mines and I hope that rise continues.” For students interested in going to support the team next year, they play their home games at The Edge Ice Arena in Littleton. With no admission, the games make a great way to spend a Friday or Saturday evening or a romantic (and free) date. The Edge Ice Arena also has a bar called The Penalty Box for those fans who are 21 and older.
The team holds try outs every fall near the beginning of the semester so keep an eye out for a notification email if interested in joining. For any further information or questions about the club feel free to email Daniel Fullerton, Team President, at dfullert@mines.edu
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