Nazareth Hockey debuts

Posted at: 10/18/2012 4:43 PM | Updated at: 10/18/2012 6:07 PM
By: Robin De Wind | WHEC.com

A new era begins for Nazareth College. The Golden Flyers Men’s Hockey Team makes their debut. The team comes from all over the country and all over the world.

The Nazareth Hockey Team has 13 freshman, but don’t be fooled some of these rookies are 20 and 21-years-old, like captain Jordan Ciccarello.

Jordan Ciccarello, junior, captain, said, “I saw the school. I met people. I was sold. Just having two coaches and with Rory puts the icing on the cake.”

Ciccarello transferred to Nazareth from Division I Sacred Heart to play for head coach George Roll. He comes to Nazareth from Clarkson’s prestigious program. His staff, former Amerk Rory Fitzpatrick and Jared DeMichiel who led his RIT Tigers to the Frozen Four. A great resume of coaches to start a program from the ground up.

George Roll, Nazareth Hockey Head Coach, said, “I've been at it a long time. I had people I trusted and recommended players. We wanted quality guys. It's a good group on the ice and in the classroom; they've done a great job so far.”

Golden Eagles will play a 25 game schedule and compete in the ECAC Wes, a conference that includes Elmira, Hobart, Manhattanville, Neumann and Utica; all five were ranked in last season’s final Division III poll.

It will be a tough task for the Golden Eagles, who have brought together players from 11 states and four countries including Cape Town, South Africa and Mark Zavorian, who is from Moscow, Russia.

The team is made up of guys who have been over looked, dealt with injuries and disappointment. They have a second chance to prove they can compete. Underdogs maybe, but don’t be so sure.

Ciccarello said, “I think we're the underdog but we can do some damage because no one knows what we're all about.”

Roll said, “If we can play hard with discipline passion the rest will take care of itself.”

Nazareth hosts SUNY Geneseo at 7pm at the Sports Center at MCC. People coming to the game are asked to wear white for a whiteout.

 

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