The UNM Ice Wolves (2-7-1) open the second half of the 2002-03 season this weekend at the Outpost Ice Arena against the Colorado University Buffaloes (12-5-2).
The young club is striving to make a name for itself, building on the success and strength of 2002. In 2003, the Ice Wolves are coming out firing.
For UNM, this is an opportunity to showcase its talents against one of the largest and best clubs in the region.
For the Buffaloes, 2002 marked the best start in school club history while earning a number one ranking in Division II Western play.
With two top CU players, Ricky Lee (16 goals, 19 assists) and Zach Sanner (15 goals, 16 assists) amassing over 30 points each in the first half of the season, it is crucial for UNM to establish a physical game early. If successful at this, the Ice Wolves could establish their own physical brand of hockey and gain more control over the flow of the Buffalo players.
Ice Wolves leader in scoring and penalty minutes, Edgar Solis, understands the importance of physical hockey in thwarting scoring chances for visiting CU.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
"On the ice, anything goes," Solis said. "We're going to give you very little room."
On the offensive side of the puck it will be a task in putting the puck past the Buffalo goaltender, Schulyer Hoversten. Hoversten has recorded 330 saves on 377 shots while amassing 4.39 goals against average.
For the Ice Wolves, 2002 meant the start of the first unified club in many years and UNM players are not about to let the unity slip away.
"We've got great team gel," Solis said. "We're very lucky."
Team unity will be crucial in propelling the young hockey club to victory in its first home test of the season.
Action gets underway Friday, Jan. 31, at 9 p.m., in the first game against the Buffaloes. Play continues on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 5 p.m. Both games will be played at the Outpost Ice Arena, UNM's home ice, located at 9530 Tramway Blvd. NE. Tickets are available at the Outpost Arena the day of the games. Prices for general admission are $5, $3 for students and $2 for children under 12. For more information, call Outpost Ice Arena at 856-7595.
