2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsIce hockey sticks with Division I foe before losing two
Kevin Price
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Sports
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Solid offense has been a key part of the 3-2 start for the Missouri State hockey team this season.
The team has scored 30 goals in five games. Their opponents have only scored 16 combined.
"We played Central Okla-homa, which is a Division I team, and we were never really out of the game," said head coach Ben Alexander. "When the games ended we were just on the wrong side of the scoreboard."
Missouri State dropped its first two games to Central Oklahoma, losing 5-0 and then 5-4.
"So far we haven't completely settled in as a team, and we still have things to work on, but we have been playing well through the adverse times, and trying to make the best of every situation," said goalkeeper Mike Poepping.
After their first two losses, the hockey team ripped-off three straight victories.
They played Eastern Illinois twice last weekend and won 10-1 and 8-3. In between the two wins, they played and beat Robert Morris 8-2.
"I feel like our team is really coming together," said junior forward Anthony Trupiano. "Last weekend was a big step in the right direction. I think everybody is really excited, we have high expectations this year and we need to stay focused in order to reach those goals."
Missouri State's first home game is this weekend at Jordan Valley Ice Park against Mizzou. The teams square off tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m.
"This year our team is loaded with talent from all positions," Poepping said. "The three game win streak is definitely giving us a boost coming into the tough series against our biggest rivals, Mizzou."
Add in the home ice factor, and players are even more eager.
"We are really excited for the home opener," Trupiano said. "When it comes to preparation we try to prepare as hard as we can for any opponent, but with this weekend being Mizzou there is a little more excitement and determination to win."
The team is 3-0 in conference, with the Saturday matchup against Mizzou being the next conference game. Missouri State and Mizzou meet four times over the season, but only two of the games will count towards their conference record.
"No matter what our record is, no matter who we are playing, we are fired up, but Missouri is our rivals and there is just a little extra whenever we face them," Alexander said.
The team has scored 30 goals in five games. Their opponents have only scored 16 combined.
"We played Central Okla-homa, which is a Division I team, and we were never really out of the game," said head coach Ben Alexander. "When the games ended we were just on the wrong side of the scoreboard."
Missouri State dropped its first two games to Central Oklahoma, losing 5-0 and then 5-4.
"So far we haven't completely settled in as a team, and we still have things to work on, but we have been playing well through the adverse times, and trying to make the best of every situation," said goalkeeper Mike Poepping.
After their first two losses, the hockey team ripped-off three straight victories.
They played Eastern Illinois twice last weekend and won 10-1 and 8-3. In between the two wins, they played and beat Robert Morris 8-2.
"I feel like our team is really coming together," said junior forward Anthony Trupiano. "Last weekend was a big step in the right direction. I think everybody is really excited, we have high expectations this year and we need to stay focused in order to reach those goals."
Missouri State's first home game is this weekend at Jordan Valley Ice Park against Mizzou. The teams square off tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m.
"This year our team is loaded with talent from all positions," Poepping said. "The three game win streak is definitely giving us a boost coming into the tough series against our biggest rivals, Mizzou."
Add in the home ice factor, and players are even more eager.
"We are really excited for the home opener," Trupiano said. "When it comes to preparation we try to prepare as hard as we can for any opponent, but with this weekend being Mizzou there is a little more excitement and determination to win."
The team is 3-0 in conference, with the Saturday matchup against Mizzou being the next conference game. Missouri State and Mizzou meet four times over the season, but only two of the games will count towards their conference record.
"No matter what our record is, no matter who we are playing, we are fired up, but Missouri is our rivals and there is just a little extra whenever we face them," Alexander said.
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