Hockey club brings a new sport to Marshall

Huntington hockey players will be dusting off skates and returning to the ice with the start of Marshall's new hockey club this semester.

Huntington's Tri-State Ice Arena closed in 2005 and, as a result, the city's division one hockey team fell apart. Evan Hazelett, freshmen management student from Huntington, said the steps to become a club were not difficult and hopes getting a team together will be just as easy.          

"We started the club because there are a lot of guys interested," Hazelett said. "Huntington is a sleeping giant for a hockey team."

JD Rappold, senior biomechanics major from Huntington, said Marshall's hockey club is being constructed as the setting of a new foundation for hockey in Huntington.

"There is hidden talent spread throughout campus and we need to pinpoint these past hockey players for the club," Rappold said.

Those interested to join the club must have a 2.0 GPA and some skating experience. Players will also be responsible for all necessary equipment.

Huntington's lack of a facility for a hockey team will not stop the club from having practices and games. Currently, ice time for the team will be scheduled at the South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena, located about an hour from Huntington.

Rappold said the games will be set during Friday and Saturday nights to market larger crowds.

"The rink in South Charleston is a masterpiece that is comparable to most of the top rinks throughout the country," said Rappold, who has both worked and played at the rink. "Everything is in place to set up shop, we just need numbers."

The club said they have hopes of getting an arena opened back up in Huntington. This club is the beginning of that journey. If all falls into place for the team, then the new rink would be located at the Big Sandy SuperStore Arena.

"This near-future possibility would give even greater opportunities for club hockey organizations and expansion," Rappold said. "Whether this will take place or not is up to a city grant, but it's not out of reach."

Marshall's hockey club was created by a group of interested men on campus who said the need for an organized team is thriving, Hazelett and Rappold included. These two men said they've received a lot of positive feedback and have many guys who want to play in the upcoming season.

"We have two games semi-scheduled with some teams up north," Hazelett said. "As far as players go, if you have the interest and GPA, contact us, that's about it."

The hockey club will spend the remainder of the semester getting organized. Next semester, pending the amount of interest and players the team gets, games will begin. Those interested should contact Hazelett or Rappold for more information.

Crystal Myers can be contacted at Myers132@marshall.edu.