Dennehy skates the puck up the ice. PHOTO/Eden Ellis '08

Not generally recognized around campus, the Faculty Ice Hockey team competes in a regular schedule throughout the Fall Term. The squad had a strong start to its season and it currently stands with a 3-1 record. Last Tuesday, the faculty extended its win streak to three games with an 11-8 victory. Two weeks ago, the team defeated its rivals, the Icemen. The game was highlighted by four goals from Michael Velez and six from Raymond Diffley.

The squad was formed 3 years ago by Andrew Murgio and Tom White. The squad is coached and managed by Murgio. Playing in the Connecticut Hockey League (CHL) Division 2, the team has season games on Tuesday nights here on Campus. The league includes eight teams and two regular season games. The season lasts twelve weeks, excluding the playoffs. In previous seasons, the faculty played at 9:30 p.m. Thus, a good number of students attended the games. However, this year, the games have been pushed to 10 p.m., making it very impractical for students. “Most games, we do get some spectators,” said Murgio. “Other teachers and families come to the games, but sometimes, when there are special programs on Tuesday nights, we get some students that come.”

The team this year is composed of Captain Murgio, Tom White, Pat Dennehy, Michael Velez, James Elsworth, Raymond Diffley, Courtney Riepenhoff, Bob Demarco, Amanda Belichick, Doc Gardner, Michael King, Charlie Long, Jeffrey Carter, Mr. Organschi, and Mr. Lyon at goal. This team is full of experience in the game of ice hockey. Dennehy is the Boys Varsity Ice Hockey coach, while Riepenhoff coaches the girls. Riepenhoff lead the girls to the New England Championship last season, and in result, won the award for Coach of the Year. Also, Both Velez and Demarco played in great college teams are their prime. The knowledge of the game translates into great play on the ice.