Utica, NY (11/2/2012) – The nationally-ranked No. 13 Utica College men's hockey team looks to open the regular season with three straight wins for just the second time in program-history on Saturday when it hosts newcomer Nazareth College at the Utica Memorial Auditorium (7 p.m.). Saturday's ECAC Men's West Conference opener marks the first time the Golden Flyers have visited the Aud.
Nationally-Ranked: UC (2-0) enters the season ranked No. 13 by USCHO.com for the second consecutive season … The Pioneers held a top 15 ranking for 15 straight weeks last season, hovering between 7-15 before dropping into the receiving votes category in the final two polls of the year.
In the National Spotlight: Junior
Jon Gaffney (Dover, NJ/Springfield Blues (NAHL)) and sophomore transfer Louis Educate are both tied for third in the nation with an average of three points per contest … Junior
Ridge Garbutt (Toronto, Ontario/Brewster Academy (NH)) is not far behind, ranked 11th nationally with an average of 2.5 points per game … Garbutt is tied for second in the country with an average of two goals per game … Gaffney's 2.5 assists per game is tied for fourth in the country … Goalie
Mike Taffe (Maple Grove, MN/Amarillo (NAHL)) stands beside three other goalies in the country as having not allowed a goal so far this year … The Pioneers scoring offense ranks third nationally (7.5 goals per game) … Their scoring defense ranks second in the country … Through two games the Pioneers' lead the nation in scoring margin, 15-1 … The penalty kill unit remains flawless, killing off all seven penalties its has faced this season.
Beginning of League Play: The Pioneers open ECAC West action with Nazareth on Saturday before heading on the road for two straight against Neumann … UC will then return home to take on Elmira in a weekend double header at the Aud.
Utica So Far: UC opened the season with two convincing wins on its home ice against two consecutive SUNYAC opponents, Morrisville (6-1) and Fredonia (9-0) … UC has now opened the season with two wins for the third straight year.
Home Sweet Home: The Pioneers have won 14 of their last 20 home games dating back to last season … UC has enjoyed a paid attendance average of 3,735 through two games.
Social Media: Follow the Pioneers on Twitter
@UCMensHockey or you can follow Utica Athletics
@UCPioneers … Like UC athletics on facebook
@Utica College Pioneers.
Heenan Has Sights Set on 150 Wins: Head Coach
Gary Heenan enters the weekend with 146 career victories over the course of 11 seasons full seasons (+ two games) … He is the program's only head coach since its inception back in 2001.
Upcoming Promotion: The Pioneers will hit the road next Friday for two straight conference games at Neumann, before returning to the Aud for the
First Source Pucks for Posters Night as UC takes on Elmira College on November 16 at 7 p.m.
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