Over the past month and a half, the St. Lawrence hockey teams have been practicing and playing games at the SUNY Canton Roos House while Appleton Arena has been under construction.
Many thought that playing at a nondivision-one facility would hinder both programs and their starts to the season. However, coaches and players alike have only great things to say about the situation.
“What’s cool is how dedicated the locals have stayed. I’ve seen almost all of my regular season ticket holders that sat in my section,” said sweater girl Sydney Giacin after the women’s hockey team had an exhibition scrimmage against the Korean Women’s National Team.
The game, being held at the Roos House, had a very large turnout. Canton locals who usually go to Appleton to watch games were out in full force at SUNY Canton. With a 7-1 victory, the women’s team sent the fans home happy.
The first scheduled game back in Appleton for the teams is Nov. 29. Both coaches as well as schools are content with the facility accommodations right now. Having SUNY Canton, “another top notch collegiate four-year college right next door has been a blessing. It’s been a facility that is fan friendly, and player friendly,” said Coach Chris Wells, the head women’s hockey coach.
The men’s hockey team has had a very similar outlook on the situation. With a 2-3-1 record, they are already off to a better start than last year’s team.
Like the women, the men have adapted well to their environment. “We were going to embrace [playing at SUNY Canton] and not look at it as a negative and I thought the guys, it forced them to come together, and you know really buy into it as a group. It’s a great setup, they’ve been really accommodating,” said Coach Brekke, the head men’s coach about playing at SUNY Canton.
Players on both teams have said almost identical things. “SUNY Canton has been very accommodating and we’re really grateful to be able to use the facility during the construction of Appleton,” said Claire Dudley, defenseman on the women’s team.
Similarly, Mark Mahoney, defenseman on the men’s team has said that “our temporary home at the Roo’s house has been great.” Clearly, the players and coaches alike have embraced the SUNY Canton atmosphere.
SUNY Canton has also enjoyed having two Division I programs on their campus. “It’s been terrific having them here. They’ve been wonderful guests of ours and very terrific to work with, whether it’s scheduling practices or coordinating games. We’ve always had a terrific relationship with St. Lawrence,” said Randy Sieminski, SUNY Canton Athletic Director.
Hopefully this relationship continues to thrive as the SLU hockey teams get into the heart of their schedule.
With Appleton hoping to reopen in late November, both men and women hockey programs are very much looking forward to moving back into the renovated, top-notch Division I facility.
The new strength and conditioning space, locker room and updated concourses are to be a selling point for new recruits. “The renovated Appleton is a little bit like icing on the top,” said Coach Wells.
As Appleton continues to be renovated, there is a lot of excitement about the future of the two hockey programs. For now, they are completely happy playing at SUNY Canton as they continue to look forward in their season.