Club News

ECU Clinches First Place

Greenville, NC – Saturday afternoon saw the Pirate Ice Hockey team in action for their last regular season game. Facing the Captains of Christopher Newport University, ECU took advantage of many CNU penalties in the second period. The Captains, not to be outdone, closed the score to a 5-5 tie in the third period. A late goal and finally an empty net goal secured the Pirates victory. ECU ends another winning season with an overall record of 17-5-1.  The win secures the Pirates as the number one team in the Blue Ridge Hockey Conference and fourth overall in the Southeast. Next up for the Pirates is the Southeast Regionals in Atlanta on February 13-14.

ECU Ice Hockey Notches 2 More Wins – Rises To 4th!

Greenville, NC – The East Carolina University Ice Hockey team returned to Greenville having completed another successful road trip. The Pirates notched two more wins and improved their record to 16-5-1. The Pirates faced conference foes Old Dominion in a thrilling game which was settled in overtime as team Captain Sean Burns provided the game winner to seal the 6-5 ECU win. Next up, in a low scoring grinding effort, ECU dispatched of rivals Virginia Tech 3-2, with Sam Duehring scoring the winning goal. These wins now place ECU #4 in the Southeast and will assure the Pirate Ice Hockey Club a playoff spot in the upcoming Blue Ridge Hockey Conference Tournament which will be held in Greenville!

ECU Ice Hockey Splits Weekend Games

Greenville, NC – The ECU Ice Hockey was in action this weekend, splitting a pair of games. Friday night, the Pirates faced the Greyhounds of Loyola. The Pirates were penalized throughout the first two periods of the game, with the score knotted up at 3 at the start of the third. The ECU offense came alive in the third period, notching 3 goals to secure a win. On Saturday afternoon, the Pirates took to the ice looking to avenge a loss earlier in the season to George Washington. Though the Pirate's played hard, they lost in a spirited effort by a score of 4-6.  The Pirates will return to home ice on Jan 30 with an Alumni Game, then the 31st against Christopher Newport.

ECU Pirate Ice Hockey Defeats UNCW Seahawks – Twice

Greenville, NC  - The ECU Ice Hockey team defeated the Seahawks of UNCW as part of a home and away series. Friday night saw the Pirates take a 6 goal advantage at Bladez on Ice in Greenville, only to face an onslaught by UNCW late in the game that jeopardized the Pirates 16 game home ice win streak. The Pirates defense held and ECU won 6-5, in spite of numerous penalties. Saturday night, the Pirates played in Wilmington where they closed out the series with a win 9-5. The Pirates next home game will be January 16th versus Loyola at 9:30pm.

ECU Pirate Hockey Plucks Salisbury Seagulls – Twice!

Receive Toy Donations For Local Underprivileged Children

Greenville, NC – The East Carolina Pirate Hockey Team was in action this past weekend playing in two games against the Seagulls of Salisbury University in Maryland.

Friday saw the Pirates offense explode, notching 11 goals and while only allowing 2. Saturday afternoon, the Seagulls looked for revenge, but the Pirates won yet again, this time 7-3. With these wins, The Pirates extend their home ice win streak to 16 games.

In between periods, fans were treated to Junior Pirate action and a fan favorite – “Risk Yer Booty”. Raffle tickets were sold to help both the Junior Pirates and ECU Pirates. One lucky fan at each game was allowed to shoot for prizes. Fans won at both games with one winning $75 in restaurant gift certificates. This event will return after the winter break.

As part of the Pirate Hockey Clubs commitment to community involvement, fans were asked to bring toys to be distributed to local underprivileged children. Thanks to fan and player support, the donation box was filled to beyond capacity.

The Pirates will return to home ice action January 9th 2009 at Bladez on Ice in Greenville. For more information skate over to ecuicehockey.com

ECU Ice Hockey Asks Fans To Bring New Unwrapped Toys To This Weekend’s 2 Home Game

Greenville, NC – The ECU Ice Hockey team will be in action this weekend with games Friday night and Saturday afternoon at Bladez On Ice. These will be the last 2 home games of before January. The Pirates will battle the Salisbury Gulls of Maryland. ECU’s record is 9-4-1 while Salisbury is 5-8

As part of the teams continued tradition of community involvement, fans are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy that will be distributed to underprivileged children in the area for the holidays.

Pirates Split Road Trip – Knock Off #3 Loyola!

Toy Drive Planned

Greenville, NC – The East Carolina Pirate Ice Hockey team returned from a two game road trip having split the games. Friday night saw the Pirates face George Washington University. The Pirates put up a great effort, forcing the game into overtime where they faced their first overtime loss of the season with a 2-3 effort. Determined to secure a win, the Pirates faced #3 ranked Loyola on Saturday evening. It was a gritty game and once again saw the Pirates fall behind and force the game into overtime. This time, the Pirates rallied and stunned the home crowd at Loyola by securing a 6-5 win against a top-rated team.   

The Pirates return to home Ice on Dec 5th and 6th where fans are encouraged to bring a brand new unwrapped toy to be donated to local underprivileged children. This 2 game effort is part of the teams continued community involvement.

ECU Scores Double Wins, Downs Virginia Tech 6-5 and University of Richmond 5-4

Begins Canned Food Drive

Greenville, NC – The East Carolina Ice Hockey Team took to the ice Friday night to face the Hokies of Virginia Tech. The spirited game saw the lead sea-saw back and forth. With just a minute left in the third period the Hokies pulled their goalie and despite having a faceoff in ECU's defensive zone after an icing call the Pirates were able to weather the storm and come away with an exciting 6-5 win.

Saturday saw the Pirates in action against a second Virginian team in as many days – this time, the Pirates faced the University of Richmond Spiders. Even though the Pirate’s played uncharacteristically undisciplined through two periods, they went into the third period, down by only one goal. Once again, the Pirates rallied in the third period to secure a victory. The final score of yet another exciting game was 5-4. With these two wins, the ECU Ice Hockey team now holds an impressive 14-0 home ice win streak.

As part of the Pirates adding extra-fun at home games both games saw between period activities including:

• The ECU  Figure Skating Club performed between the first and second period Friday night providing wonderful entertainment before a large crowd.

• As part of a continuing commitment to community involvement, the Pirate Ice Hockey Club began a month-long canned food drive. Canned food goods were collected during both games.  Fans are encouraged to bring canned food to all home games during the month of November. The cans will then be donated to area food banks.

• The Junior Pirates skated between periods during Saturday’s game showcasing young up-and-coming talent.• There was yet another installment of the “Risk Yer Booty” fan participation event. A lucky fan was selected from raffle ticket sales for the chance to go on the ice and shoot for valuable prizes. Raffle ticket sales benefit the ECU Ice Hockey and Jr. Pirate hockey programs. Watch for this fan favorite to return again at the next home game!

ECU Ice Hockey Takes on 2 Virginia Teams This Weekend –

Begins canned food drive!

Greenville, NC– The ECU Ice Hockey team, coming off a solid win against Duke, takes on  Virginia Tech and the University of Richmond in back-to-back action this weekend. The Pirates are undefeated against teams from Virginia this year and are currently enjoying a 12 game home-ice winning streak!

Friday night sees the Pirates face Virginia Tech at 9:30. ECU returns to the ice on Saturday at 3:30 to face the University of Richmond. Both games will be played at Bladez on Ice in Greenville.

Lots of additional excitement will take place as well. As part of the teams continuing tradition of community service, the team will be collecting canned foods to be donated to local food banks. Fans are encouraged to bring canned foods to both games. The ECU Figure Skating skating Club will be performing between periods during the Virginia Tech game. Newly designed Pirate apparel will be on sale through the booster club both Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

Pirate’s Rout Duke 5-1

Jr Pirates In Action and 1st Ever Risk Your Booty Fan Event

Nov 8, 2008

GREENVILLE, NC – If the line of fans waiting at the front door to Bladez on Ice was any indication of the level of excitement for Friday night’s game in which the Pirate Ice Hockey team took on the Duke Blue Devils, the final score was as well. The 5-1 victory for ECU keeps the Pirates undefeated against Duke this year and extends the home win streak to 12! The previous win was 4-2. With lots of homemade signs, chants of “Purple” and “Gold”, several “waves” and many newly purchased ECU hockey items being worn, Pirate fans were in full force. The game saw the largest home crowd this season.

The Pirates were somewhat undisciplined during the early part of the game playing a man down a fair amount of time. However, the Pirates starting goalie, Matt Dalgetty played sharp in net not giving Duke a chance to get into the game. Unable to stand up to the Pirates offense, the Blue Devils undisciplined play and 2 player ejections eventually proved too much for Duke.

If scoring and great goalie play were not enough for fans, the Junior Pirates played a short scrimmage between the first and second period. The fast skating and close calls kept fans attention. Between the second and third periods a fan that had purchased a raffle ticket earlier in the night was selected to come out and shoot for prizes in the first ever “Risk Your Booty” event. This event was deemed an instant success by the Pirates, Junior Pirate organization and fans alike. Watch for it again at a future home game.

Pirate Ice Hockey is home to take on Duke Friday Night: Lots of extra's planned!

11/04/08

GREENVILLE, NC - The ECU Ice Hockey team, anxious to get back on the ice, will be at home this Friday night at Bladez on Ice to face the Duke Blue Devils. The Pirates previously defeated Duke on their ice, 4-2. The game should be a great one as the Blue Devils will come wanting to repay the loss. Puck drops at 9:30pm.

As part of the Pirate's continued involvement in the community, watch for a Junior Pirate Scrimmage: This abbreviated 5 on 5 game in between the 1st and 2nd intermission will be officiated by a representative of the Jr. Pirates. This will give the public a chance to see Junior Hockey in action and hopefully will continue throughout the rest of the season.

Additionally, the Pirates announce, in conjunction with the Junior Pirates, the 'Risk Your Booty' Raffle. Purchase a raffle ticket for the opportunity to go on the ice between the 2nd and 3rd intermission to take a shot for a valuable prize. The raffle will allow a shot at the goal, make the shot, win a prize. The winner can then can turn the prize in, shoot from further back for a nicer prize. Be careful, a miss and the booty is lost!  

Prizes include:Free Bladez passes, a $250 recliner from Fabric & Sofas, a Carolina Hurricane Package that includes 4 center-ice lower level tickets with Premier Parking pass and more!

Proceeds will help both the Pirate Ice Hockey Team and the Junior Pirates with the expenses of both programs.

No Halloween Treat For Pirate Ice Hockey Team

11/2/08

GREENVILLE, NC - The Pirates traveled south to Atlanta to face Kennesaw State University this past Halloween weekend and put their five-game win streak on the line against the Owls.

Suffering a 5-1 loss Friday night, the Pirates looked to regroup for a second effort Saturday night. The Owl's scoring lines came together overwhelming the Pirates who suffered their first shutout of the season in a losing effort, 11-0.

Still, the Pirates are enjoying a winning season and have out-scored their opponents 49-39 to date. The team will regroup this week and will take on the Duke Blue Devils at Bladez on Ice November 7th at 9:30 pm.  

ECU Ice Hockey Hot Streak Extends To 5 Straight Wins - Beats Duke!

10/25/08

GREENVILLE, NC – The Pirates have come back from another outstanding road campaign. Friday night saw the Pirates once again travel to Virginia where the Pirates faced the Captains of Christopher Newport University. Continuing their perfect record against Virginia teams, the Pirates clinched a solid 8-4 win early Saturday morning. With barely time before the teams next undertaking, the Pirates traveled to Hillsborough to take on the Duke Blue Devils Saturday afternoon. If the team was tired because of the previous nights action – it didn’t show. The Pirate Club Hockey team notched yet another win knocking off Duke, 4-2. Both wins will secure a Pirates ranking in the polls.

The Pirates will travel again for action this weekend, but will host Duke in Greenville on November 7th at Bladez on Ice. That game will be the kickoff of a month long Canned Food Drive. Fans are encouraged to bring canned foods to be donated to local charities.

Pirate Hockey Continues Win Streak!

10/18/08

GREENVILLE, NC - The ECU Ice Hockey Club returned to Greenville with yet another win, having won three in a row. The Pirate's traveled to Richmond to take on the University of Richmond Spiders and defeated them soundly, 7-3. Having defeated two other Virginia teams last week on home ice, UVA and Old Dominion, the team continues it's dominance over teams from that state.

This coming week sees the Pirates again facing a Virginia team - Christopher Newport ( 10/23 ). The Pirate Hockey Club visits Duke for its first NC game ( 10/25 ). The Pirates have outscored their opponents 32-21 so far this season. 

ECU Wins Back to Back Wins  - Dominates 2 Virginia Teams

10/11/08

GREENVILLE, NC - Friday night as part of the “Think Pink” breast cancer awareness night, the ECU Ice Hockey Club defeated the University of Virginia Cavaliers, 9-1. The Pirate lines looked sharp with exceptional passing, puck control and were disciplined spending very little time in the penalty box.

The team in conjunction with Zeta Tau Alpha raised several hundred dollars for breast cancer research as a part of the teams continued commitment to community involvement.

Saturday afternoon, the Pirates played Old Dominion University. Still wearing pink ribbons as they will for the month of October, the Pirates started the first period slowly, spending an abnormal amount of time in the penalty box. The end of the first period had the Pirates down 1-2. However, during the second period, the Pirates minimized penalties, scored 6 unanswered goals and assumed the lead. ECU never looked back and controlled the game until the end with an 8-5 win.

ECU Fights Breast Cancer With “Think Pink” Night

Pirates to Auction Pink Sticks During UVA Game 

10/5/08 

GREENVILLE, NC – The ECU Ice Hockey Club is proud to announce the beginning of the team’s “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” Throughout the months of October and November the team will be wearing pink ribbons on their jerseys in support of breast cancer research. Also this Friday, October 10 the team will be working with the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority to host a Think Pink night and will be auctioning off three pink ice hockey sticks. The sticks will be used by the Pirates during the first shift of the game and one stick will be auctioned off at the end of each period along with gift certificates to local restaurants. All proceeds will then be donated to a breast cancer research charity to be determined. Show your support for not only ECU Ice Hockey but Breast Cancer Research as well by bringing yourself, friends and family to Bladez on Ice to watch the Pirates take on the University of Virginia Cavaliers and have the chance to help support a great cause!

ECU Invitational Jr. Showcase Canceled, Skate with the Pirates Added

Local Youth Players Invited to Skate in a Real ECU Practice! 

9/29/08 

GREENVILLE, NC – Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts and travel difficulties for the incoming teams this weekend’s ECU Invitational Jr. Showcase has been canceled. Instead team management has announced a “Skate with the Pirates” event and invites all local youth hockey players to lace up their skates alongside the Pirates during an official ECU team practice. Admission is free to all and will be held from 4:30pm-5:30pm.

Get a chance to skate with the team as they prepare for their home opener October 10 against the University of Virginia.

Purple Gold Skills Competition

9/20/08

Greenville, NC - The ECU Ice Hockey Club officially opened its 2008-2009 season with the Annual Purple and Gold Skills Competition this past Friday night and Bladez on Ice. With strong attendance by fans, this years roster played 2 periods of hockey showcasing the newest members, seasoned players and the coaching of new head coach Markham. Starting goalie Matt Dalgetty earned a shutout for the gold team.

Following the scrimmage, the players next took to showcasing skills including speed relays, shootouts and target shooting with junior Sam Duehring finishing first. Finally, players mingled with enthusiastic fans. Shirley Duehring, President of the booster club signed up new members to a growing fan base.

The Pirate Ice Hockey Clubs first home game is October 3rd at Bladez On Ice. The game starts at 9:30pm. The ECU Ice Hockey Club, founded four years ago, has experienced robust growth both with student and non-student fans. This years season features many exciting rivalries, fast paced action and a team committed to community involvement.

Media requests may contact John D. Powell at 252-916-8450 or john_powell@yahoo.com.

ECU Announces 2008-2009 Roster

12 New Players Join Completely Revamped Pirates

9/9/08

GREENVILLE, NC – After a busy summer that saw the arrival of new Head Coach Mike Markham and the release of what is sure to be one of the toughest schedules in the ACHA DIII South, the ECU Ice Hockey Club has released the official roster for the 2008-2009 season.

Faced with the challenge of replacing a total of 10 players including founding member and three year team Captain Corey Fleitz the ECU coaching staff did so, and then some. After a three day tryout that saw a record 44 players participate the result was a nearly brand new and completely redesigned team with a total of 12 new faces joining the Pirate lineup. With five equally talented lines and a stout eight man defensive corps the Pirates’ strength will certainly be depth. Get a sneak peek at the reloaded ECU Ice Hockey Club September 19 at 9:30pm at Bladez on Ice before the Pirates begin their quest for a national title when they travel to Fort Myers, Florida to take on Florida Gulf Coast University September 26-27.

ECU Names New Head Coach, Welcomes Back Former Assistant Coach

Mike Markham Named Head Coach While Todd Carter Returns to Head up Defense 

8/15/08 

GREENVILLE, NC – The ECU Ice Hockey Club is proud to announce the addition of Mike Markham and Todd Carter to the Pirate Hockey coaching staff after the departure of coaches Wayne Cox and Mike Ormsbee. Shortly after the conclusion of the 2007-08 season Cox informed team management that it would be his last. Coach Cox steps down in order to spend more time with his wife and two young children, though he will remain on as the Director of Hockey Operations. Also, after earning his PhD in bioenergetics from ECU, former player and Assistant Coach Mike Ormsbee will be moving to Saratoga Springs, NY to assume a position as a Professor at his alma mater Skidmore College.  

With the resignation of Coach Cox the team loses perhaps its most fervent supporter. He has done more for our players both on and off the ice than any of us could have asked for. He has always been there both as a coach as well as a friend and has lead this team through thick and thin. Coach Ormsbee has been one of the strongest leaders on the team both as a player and a coach and his energy and emotion will be missed.  

The newest member of the ECU coaching staff, Mike Markham, comes to ECU with over 40 years of coaching experience having been behind the bench at various levels since 1968. With a Level 4 USA Hockey certification as well as a Ontario Hockey Association National Coaches Certification, Mike has coached many different teams with the most recent being the Syracuse Jr. Crunch and Jr. Stars. Both competed at the Tier II Junior A level in the OPJHL (Ontario Provincial Jr Hockey League). During his tenure with the team he has coached several high profile players including Robbie Schremp (Edmonton Oilers), Dustin Brown (LA Kings), Brian Gionta (New Jersey Devils), and Colby Cohen (Colorado Avalanche) just to name a few. The team has also placed at least one player on the National Development Team each of the 8 years of its existence.  

Mike has also been involved in the NIHOA (National Ice Hockey Officials Association) for over 30 years and has served as the Chief Referee for the New York Central Area AHAUS (Amateur Hockey Association of United States). He has been both a linesman and a referee in the NAHL, ECHL, AHL, and the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference at all levels (DI, II, III). “ECU hockey is at a great place in time, with the continuation of the hard work and effort in place, growth and success are sure to follow. It will be challenging but also very entertaining,” said Coach Markham. 

Also returning to the team is former ECU Assistant Coach Todd Carter. Todd has vast experience both as a player and coach at the Junior A level having played for the Truro Junior Bearcats (Nova Scotia since the age of 15. After retiring from Juniors he went on to coach the Midget AAA Bearcats and later coached the Jr. A Bearcats for three seasons. The ECU defense will benefit greatly from Todd’s knowledge and experience as they will once again be called upon to anchor the team as it pursues its first ever ACHA DIII Nationals appearance.

With the addition of these two incredible coaches along with Assistant Coach Kelley Smith and by far the most talented recruiting class ever to come to ECU, the Pirates will surely be one of the premier teams in not only the ACHA South but the nation as well. Come see the new look Pirates when they open their home schedule October 3rd against the Team Carolina Jr. B team.

Pirates Announce 2008 Tryout Schedule

Mandatory Pre-Tryout Meeting and Other Important Dates Also Announced

8/10/08 

GREENVILLE, NC – In preparation for its fourth full season the East Carolina University Ice Hockey Club has announced the dates for open tryouts for the 2008-2009 team as well as other important dates.

An informational meeting, which is mandatory for all who intend to tryout, will be held Monday, August 18 at 7:30pm in the Student Recreational Center classroom. All attending players must bring their completed tryout application and fee. If anyone is unable to attend please contact Zach Johnston prior to the meeting. Tryouts will be held August 22-24 and will consist of three, hour and a half ice sessions with cuts made at the conclusion of each session. All players are required to bring both a light and dark jersey. The selected team will then assemble for a meeting Monday, August 25 again to be held in the Student Recreational Center classroom. Practice will begin the following day, Tuesday, August 26 at 9pm. A full list of these dates is listed below:

August 18, 7:30pm: Mandatory informational meeting, Student Recreation Center Classroom (bring tryout application and fee, $50 for new players, $25 for returning players)

August 25, 7:30pm: Mandatory team meeting, Student Recreation Center Classroom, players must bring Student ID, insurance card, and class schedule

August 26, 9pm: First practice

September 18: First semester fees due ($500)

September 26: First game (at Florida Gulf Coast University)

Long Awaited 2008-09 Schedule Released

Home Schedule Features Duke, Virginia Tech, Among Others 

7/1/08 

GREENVILLE, NC – The ECU Ice Hockey Club has finalized its regular season schedule for 2008-09 which includes a club record 25 games including 13 at Bladez on Ice. With the largest and most talent-laden recruiting class ever to come to ECU, and the club’s recent acceptance into the newly formed Blue Ridge Hockey Conference Colonial Conference the Pirates will surely have one of the toughest schedules in the DIII South Region.  

The club will get started early as it continues the tradition of the annual Purple/Gold game which is scheduled for September 19. Admission is free and is a great way to get a sneak peek at this year’s team. This season’s Purple/Gold game will also see the addition of the first ever Skills Competition which will highlight individual skills of some of the best players in the ACHA.  

The Pirates will take on six DIII South Top-15 teams including five at home. Hockey fans can look forward to several marquee home match-ups as Duke, Virginia Tech, the University of Richmond, and the University of Virginia all visit Greenville in the first half of the season. Many firsts are in store for 2008-09 including the first annual ECU Invitational Jr. Showcase. The exhibition series will be a round-robin format and will feature two of the premier Jr. B teams in the nation in the East Coast Eagles and Team Carolina. The weekend will be a great recruiting tool as it will allow graduating junior players to tour the ECU campus and surrounding community while also giving the Pirate coaching staff an opportunity to scout potential incoming players. 

After the team recharges during Christmas Break, the second half of the season ramps up with a home and home series against UNCW as ECU hosts the Seahawks January 9 before traveling to Wilmington the following day to close out the weekend. The Pirates then host Loyola College (MD) and George Washington University before heading to Virginia for weekend games with Old Dominion and Virginia Tech. The regular season is closed out at home as the Pirates play host to the first annual ECU Ice Hockey Alumni Game. The event will be fun for all as fans will be able to watch former Pirates attempt to relive the glory days as they mix it up with the newest additions to the ECU roster.  

The coming season promises to be action packed as the Pirates’ talents are showcased 13 times at home, the most in the history of the club. With an incredible schedule and equally as impressive recruiting class this year will surely be the best yet. As always tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 for adults and $3 for students with valid ID. We hope that you are as excited as we are so get ready for another great season of Pirate hockey at Bladez on Ice!

 

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