Puck 'N Hockey

When I started Puck ‘N Hockey, I wanted to focus on the Washington Capitals and the local hockey community.  So, this post will represent the first that will focus on some of the great, local hockey that is played in the DC-Baltimore region.

Many years ago, I attended the University of Maryland Baltimore County and played for the ice hockey club there.  That was probably the most fun hockey I have ever played.

There is nothing like it. As players, you go through the practices together.  You live together on the road trips for away games.  You literally fight for each other.  Since leaving UMBC, I have always followed the Retrievers via the Web, recalling the fond memories of skating for the club.

The UMBC Ice Hockey Club is, as it was when I played, part of the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II.  Many of the players skated for upper tier youth teams, regional junior organizations, or high school teams.  The ACHA is a lesser known, high quality brand of hockey that has experienced incredible growth in recent years as players realize that it is an option post-high school.  Not everyone is going to make a junior or NCAA team but most players want to continue competing while going to school.  Collegiate club ice hockey is a perfect fit for these players.

ACHA Division II National Tournament Championship Bracket

So, while everyone has been focusing on the major conference playoffs in NCAA ice hockey, I have been following the ACHA national tournaments.  I was pleasantly surprised to read that the UMBC club has made the DII semi-finals in the Retrievers’ first appearance in the national tournament.  After falling 8-2 in the first game of pool play to Colorado State, the Dawgs found their way to defeat an old foe, William Patterson and Lindenwood University to win Pool A.

The UMBC Retrievers will face Central Connecticut State University for a finals bid.  CCSU defeated the club teams from Michigan State and Ohio State in pool play.

This is huge for the program at UMBC.  A national tournament appearance has been a goal for the club since its inception in 1988.  In the club’s first trip to nationals, the Dawgs have the chance to play for the championship.  Could a little bit of magic be part of the Retrievers’ historical run so far?

You can find out more about the ACHA DII National Tournament here and the UMBC Ice Hockey Club here.

Go Dawgs!

UPDATE: CCSU defeated UMBC 7-2 to advance to the ACHA DII Finals.  Congratulations to the UMBC Ice Hockey Club for such a successful showing in their first ever appearance at the National Tournament.