Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES CORE Website

Utica, NY (12/20/12) – The nationally-ranked No.  9/8 Utica College men's hockey team will join forces with Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES CORE (Community of Resources & Expertise)  to host the second annual "Bully Proofing Your School Night" on Saturday, Jan. 5th as the Pioneers take on visiting and nationally-ranked No. 2/2 Oswego State at 7 p.m.

"We are anxious to get back out on the ice after the holidays. It's exciting that our first weekend back from break includes a special night where we can help provide a forum to educate the community about bully prevention in our schools," said 12th year Head Coach Gary Heenan.  "Our student-athletes know that community service plays a major role in a well rounded college experience and we're thrilled to be able to partner with a quality organization like OHM BOCES CORE.”

Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol and a local student will perform the ceremonial puck drop to kick off the evening's festivities.

Throughout the game there will be a Bully Proofing Your School "TAKE THE CORE CHALLENGE" banner displayed for all students to sign as a pledge NOT to bully, to get help if you are a victim, and to promote no longer being a bystander in regards to bullying in schools.

“Respect Begins When Bullying Ends” posters will be handed out to fans and students to hold up throughout the contest and there will be an informational booth set up for those interested in finding out more about the program. Alongside the informational materials will be promotional items offered through CORE, including sack backpacks. On top of all this, Middle School Madness will perform during an intermission and KISS FM will provide activities for fans.

Numerous studies have found that many children across the nation are bullied and/or harassed on a daily basis in school. "Bully Proofing Your School" is a nationally recognized school safety program, scientifically proven to help create a safe, respectful and caring school culture. Creating this type of culture promotes student attendance and achievement in school. For more information about the program please visit http://core-ohmboces.org/programs and select the Bully Proofing Your School (BPYS) tab.

Utica headed into break riding the highs of a four game winning streak and it is off to its best start in the 12 year history of the program.  Utica has never entered the holiday break with nine victories, but they have posted eight wins before break on three different occasions ('11-'12, 10-'11, '07-'08).

UC currently ranks fourth in the country with an average of 5.00 goals per game and the Pioneers average margin of victory (2.82) is the fifth best in the nation.  Utica's penalty kill unit has squashed 43-of-47 power-play opportunities this year, good for a rate of 91.5%, which ranks second in Division III hockey.  The Pioneers nine total wins is tied for 5th in the country.

Utica (9-2, 3-2 ECAC West) is currently in the midst of a month long break from competition before returning to the ice to take on Salve Regina back at the Aud on Friday, Jan. 4th at 7 p.m.

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