Blue Devils snag SUNYAC title in previous season, prepare for upcoming home opener

Sports Brief

Last season the men's hockey team skated away from a defeated Plattsburgh with their first SUNY Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) championship in 12 years. Their playoff run consisted of home and away games against Buffalo State, Oswego and Plattsburgh.

Subsequent to their achievement last season, the Blue Devils have begun preparations for an intense season with a brand new team.

"We have been skating three times a week without coaches since arriving to school," said sophomore goaltender Pat Street. "Our freshmen this year are excellent players as well. Their character and work ethic fits in well with our program."

The Blue Devils have also started what they describe as "grueling" conditioning with Head Coach Jeffrey Meredith and weight lifting four times a week, as well as regular ice rink practice.

Fredonia will begin this season with a pair of away games against Cortland and Manhattanville. The Cortland Red Dragons, SUNYAC contenders, were undefeated against Fredonia last season. The Manhattanville Valiants, formed in 1999, are a newly added team to the SUNYACS. They did not face Fredonia last year.

"We will be one of the toughest teams in the division to score on with our veteran defense," Street said. "Everyone on the team cannot wait for the season to get started."

Fredonia ended last season with an overall record of 15-10-4. They will take on the Utica Pioneers at 7 p.m. on Friday Oct. 26 and Saturday Oct. 27 at home.

-Information provided by the Sports Information Desk. Reporting done by Kerra Trivieri, Sports Editor.