By snoadmin
“Yes, we have an ice hockey team at CSULB,” says the team on its MySpace Web site. Despite its lack of notoriety, the Long Beach State club hockey team has the skills and dedication of any other athletic team on campus.
The LBSU hockey team competes in the ACHA division II, Western Region and has 29 games on its schedule. Its home games are played off-campus at Glacial Gardens Skating Arena in Lakewood. The team also travels for its road games, going to Northern California, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Utah.
Hockey became a club sport in 1993, but it was less competitive than it is now and the team wasn’t made up of exclusively LBSU students. During the past 13 years, the team has become more organized. Now one has to be a full-time student at LBSU and maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. or above.
“This year we have a stronger team,” said assistant coach Ryan Feesago. “We have better players with more skill. We are looking forward to going nationals this year,”
So far, it looks as if Fessago’s prediction is coming to fruition.
The team is off to its best start in its 13-year history, winning its first five matches. LBSU has beat Arizona State twice and USC, Loyola Marymount and San Jose State. The 49ers have outscored their opponents 31-10.
The game against SJSU was a “true test of wills for the 49ers,” said team announcer Phillip Goodman. “The Spartans dominated the Western Region last season with a record of 28-2, including two victories over the 49ers.”
John Cacciatore is the 49ers head coach. Originally from Philadelphia, he has an impressive background with hockey, with experience as a coach and a player. He’s been involved with CSULB hockey since 2000.
Cacciatore described the guys on the team as having enormous commitment to not only the sport, but to the fans.
“It’s worth watching,””said forward Brian Horwitz. “When there’s a large crowd, we step up our game.”
For fans, going to game at Glacial Gardens costs $2 for CSULB students and $5 for non students. The team raffles off hockey gear and other prizes at the games.
“It’s just awesome playing in front of your fans,” said defenseman Jason Hastings.
Unlike many sports, playing hockey can be demanding financially. The equipment is expensive and hockey players go through a few sticks a year. Plus, there is the time commitment and trying to balance hockey, school and work.
“It’s one of the more expensive teams to join on campus,” Cacciatore said. “It costs about $1500 just to join the team.”
“It costs to rent out the rink, even for practices, which is why we practice in the morning; it’s cheaper,” Cacciatore added. “Not to mention how much it costs for us to travel.”
For people new to hockey, the sport is aggressive but also takes a lot of skill and hand/eye coordination.
“It’s a fast sport with a lot of hitting,” said goalie Frankie Mitrano. “It’s exhilarating, especially playing goalie. You can’t make a mistake.”
There are 27 players on the roster, but only 20 actually dress and play. Because of injuries, every player sees ice time. Last year alone, LBSU suffered eight injuries, including five separated shoulders, a broken leg and a few other painful misfortunes.
“Staying healthy is a huge problem. Guys go down left and right,” Feesago said.
This week LBSU heads to Utah to face Utah State and Weber State. The hockey team won’t be home until Nov. 18 when it meets UC Berkeley. Games can be heard live on the Internet at LongBeachState.com.
