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We are blessed to have not just one, but two very talented club ice hockey teams - one in each Division II and Division III in the ACHA, which is a national association. Last year, both teams made us proud in a large way.
The Division III team, coached by both former players and recent FGCU grads Evan Crawford and Alex Lymber, had an incredible run that included 34 wins against only 4 losses. Ranked 1st in the Southeast division at the end of regular season play, the Eagles earned a direct bid to the national championship, hosted by FGCU. There they would take on the other 15 best teams (out of approximately 150 teams nationwide) from all parts of the United States. In the course of the tournament they registered big wins over the Dort Blades from Sioux City, Iowa, Davenport Panthers from Grand Rapids, Michigan and Farmingdale State Rams from Long Island, New York even before playing against the strong Hope Flying Dutchmen from Holland, Michigan in the semifinal game. This was a close contest that could have gone either way; hope emerged the victors by a score of 3-1. In the end, the Eagles finished 3rd in the nation and are looking to take it all in the upcoming season.
The Division II team, coached by Bob Brinkworth and Josh Onyschuk, had an equally outstanding season. The Eagles struggled early on, dropping in the rankings and battling injuries all season long, including a dislocated shoulder to star forward Mike Lendino and broken arm to Mike Sellitto. With several seniors leading the way and younger players stepping up, the Eagles persevered and gained ground in the rankings, determined to make it to the post season. Finishing the regular season ranked 3rd in the southeast, the Eagles earned a bid to playoffs. However, the Eagles saw their hopes at a national title vanish with an unfortunate loss to Ohio's Bowling Green State University at regionals; a game where the Eagles controlled game play, registering a rare 65 shots on goal. The team packed their bags, knowing that victory would have to wait till next year.
The amazing accomplishments of both teams are due to both talented and focused athletes on the ice as well as a very devoted support group off the ice.
We are once again looking for volunteers. This is particularly important this year in view of the fact that we have an ever-expanding fan base. We are especially interested in people who would like to assist with fundraising, game day operations and video broadcasting. Interested parties should contact the club president, Jason Almcrantz at jralmcra@eagle.fgcu.edu.
Tryouts will take place from August 30, 2010 through September 2, 2010 at Germain Areana for all interested athletes. All players looking into trying out for the FGCU Hockey Teams must complete a tryout application and fee prior to the actual tryouts. There will be a mandatory meeting for all on Sunday, August 29, 2010 in the Student Union Ballroom at 1 p.m. on the FGCU campus. Please check out our website at http://www.fgcuicehockey.com/ for further information.
Jason Almcrantz
Hockey Club President
is a member of the 
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