Hockey hits the ice with high hopes

The chill is back in the air, as we march towards another Chicago winter.

Cool weather means hockey season is back, with the DePaul University Hockey Club set to hit the ice. For many, that means they are able to continue playing a game they love.

Bill Allen, in his 3rd year as President of the club said, "I have been playing hockey my whole life. I tried pursuing [hockey] at the Division I level, but [the American Collegiate Hockey association] is the next best thing."

On their website, the club pledges to have a student staff that is integral in all of the decisions that determine the course of the program.

DePaul University helps fund the team, but players take on the responsibility of paying fees out of their own pocket to play each season.

"The fees allow us to hire coaches and other things we needs like ice time," said Allen.

For players less seasoned than Allen, there was a need to help them get familiar with the club's practices and principles.

Sophomore Vince Volpe said, "We spent a week together during training camp and it really helped us come together as a team and get to know all of the new guys."

Last season, the team made it to the regional championship, coming up one game short of nationals.

Home games for the team are played at Northshore Ice Arena in Northbrook. A free fan bus will be leaving from State restaurant in Lincoln Park at 7:30 PM on Friday, September 30, to get students to and from the first home game vs. Bowling Green at 9:10 PM.

The season runs through March, but at the end of September, the DePaul University Hockey club will begin their journey to improve on last season.

Allen said, "We want to take it to the next level."