Click the play button above to watch the pre-game interviews with some of the Pioneers
Utica, N.Y. (1/18/2012) - Two nationally-ranked opponents will head to the Utica Memorial Auditorium this weekend to take on the No. 12 Utica College men's hockey team. The Pioneers will open up the weekend on Friday night with an ECAC Men's West Conference contest against No. 11 Elmira College. Friday night's contest will be a part of the second annual
First Source 'Pucks For Posters' Night in support of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children – New York/Mohawk Valley. The Pioneers will turn right back around on Saturday to take on No. 6 Amherst College for a non conference bout at 7 p.m.
About 'Pucks For Posters' Night: Events will include raffles for pucks signed by the UC Hockey Team, an on-ice challenge to win a cycling prize, a 50/50 raffle and wristbands for sale. Be sure to visit the Child ID Kit booth to have your child's ID done and learn more about the cause. All proceeds from the night are to benefit The Ride for Missing Children, the area's largest fundraiser for NCMEC-New York/Mohawk Valley.
Big Weekend For Utica: The Pioneers (11-5, 1-3 ECAC West) look to get back on track after a 5-2 loss at No. 2 Oswego on Saturday … They have played eight games since their last conference contest at Manhattanville on Dec. 2 … UC has won six of their last eight contests … The Pioneers are currently led by sophomore forward
Trever Hertz (Jaffray, British Columbia/Quesnel Millionaires (BCHL))'s 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) … Sophomore goalie
Evan Smith (Penticton, British Columbia/Calgary Royals (AJHL)) is expected to get the start in net for the Pioneers and he currently boasts a 6-3 overall record, including a 2.20 goals against average.
Last Time Against Elmira: Visiting Elmira College netted three unanswered goals in the third period to come from behind and earn a 3-1 victory over Utica College in front of 3,801 fans as the Pioneers hosted their AmeriCU 'Pink The Rink' event at the Aud on Nov. 4.
All-Time Against Elmira: The Soaring Eagles currently hold a 16-8-4 advantage in the all-time series against the Pioneers … The last time Utica defeated Elmira was on Feb. 21, 2009 when the Pioneers top the host Soaring Eagles, 4-3.
Getting to Know Elmira: The Soaring Eagles (11-5-1, 5-0 ECAC West) have gone unbeaten in their last five contests … Three of their last four wins have come against Morrisville … They currently sit atop the ECAC Men's West Conference with an unblemished 5-0 record … Their undefeated record in conference play includes two wins over Neumann, and one win each over Manhattanville, Hobart and Utica … Senior forward Kevin Willer leads the way for Elmira with 21 points on 10 goals and 11 assists, including a team-best eight points in conference play … Sophomore goalie Matt Milne has started three of the last four games in net for the Soaring Eagles and he has won all three games, while posting a 1.33 goals against average.
Getting To Know Amherst: The Lord Jeffs are currently 11-2-1 overall and they have lost just once in their last ten games … They are in the midst of a nine game road trip and they will travel to Hamilton College on Friday night before taking on the Pioneers at the Aud on Saturday … Senior forward Mark Colp lead's Amhert's balanced scoring attack with 15 points (six goals, nine assists) … Five different skaters have at least ten or more points this season … Jonathan LaRose and Nathan Corey have both spent significant minutes in between the pipes for Amherst this year … LaRose leads the way with a 7-1-1 overall record.
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