St. Thomas and Minnesota Welcome D1 Navy For a Special Weekend
It is not a very common occurrence to see a WCCHA team play an ACHA D1 team - such games are normally away series, and for those teams that do schedule against these opponents, it is only once or twice a year. However, since the WCCHA was formed in 2003, only one ACHA D1 team has travelled to play a WCCHA team, current member North Dakota State.
Naturally, then, this weekend represents a unique opportunity and experience for many reasons. The Naval Academy ACHA D1 team is set to travel to the Twin Cities for a game a piece against St. Thomas and Minnesota.
Interestingly, it was Navy that came up with the idea of traveling to the State of Hockey. According to Minnesota Team President Austin Freeman, "Navy sent out an email to us asking if we would be interested in playing an exhibition game against them to start off the season.
"They were interested in playing in the Mariucci and wanted to get that BIG10 college vibe feel that we are lucky to play in every week."
For Freeman, hosting Navy at Mariucci was a no-brainer. "It’s really a vintage college venue. Mariucci has a ton of history and for Navy to come in and experience the arena of the Gophers, it’s really a special event for them. East coast hockey is one thing, but playing in the State of Hockey, especially at Mariucci, is going to be a fun event."
While Navy will play Saturday night at Mariucci, which serves as Minnesota's regular home arena, a truly special game will take place on Friday evening. With the help of Navy, St. Thomas is set to host the Midshipmen at the Xcel Energy Center, home of the NHL's Minnesota Wild. It will be the first time a WCCHA team has played at the X.
St. Thomas Team President Dylan Skule was happy to explain how the possibility of a game came into focus. "Navy Rep John Naughton reached out back in the spring and mentioned the potential for a series between our two teams. From the beginning, it was going to be a special series for us - it’s not everyday that a Representative from the US Naval Academy personally reaches out and wants to play us.
"What made it more special was due to the hard work of Minnesota USNA Alumni Association Rep Jon Olson (JR), who had approached us with the idea to play at the Xcel Energy Center. That made it even more of a highlight on the schedule."
Skule also said his team is excited. "With the majority of the players growing up playing high school hockey here in Minnesota, the X has always been a mecca, with some being lucky enough to play there during the [high school] state tournament and others watching. It’ll be an unforgettable experience to play in that kind of environment."
Aside from enjoying the unique experience, both teams are hoping to use the games as an opportunity to showcase their clubs and the league. "We want to go out and show some pride for our school to compete against a D1 club team, maybe make some magic happen," said Freeman.
"Hopefully our squad and St. Thomas can make a name for the WCCHA."
Skule added, "This weekend hopefully will serve as a testament to both Division II and Minnesota club hockey that we can compete with Division I teams outside of the Midwest. We are also hoping to provide a fun experience for the players that will be remembered long after they move on from the program."
Friday night's game between St. Thomas and Navy is set for a 7 PM start at the XCel Center, with a Minnesota Warriors exhibition game preceding it at 6 PM.
Saturday's game hosted by Minnesota at Mariucci is also set for 7 PM.
Admission to both games is free to the public.
The full schedule of events for Navy can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/usna-hockey-2016
If you are unable to make the game, you can follow the teams for updates on twitter at @NavyHockey, @UMNClubHockey and @USTClubHockey.
