Club hockey takes 2-2 record from tourney

The club hockey team recently traveled to Columbia, S.C., on Nov. 12 to 13 to participate in the Southeastern Collegiate Roller Hockey League tournament.

The Bobcats trekked 217 miles to face eight teams including Division I powerhouse Bethel University and Georgia College’s rival, the University of South Carolina.

Saturday was rough for Bobcats as they lost to highly ranked Virginia Tech. The Hokies scored three quick goals in the first period and then followed with another quick three in the second period. The Bobcats battled back to 6-2 before the third period, but Virginia Tech kept up the offensive and scored three more for a 9-3 win.

“The first day was tough and we knew we had to battle back if we were going to compete in the tournament,” senior education major and team President Matthew Holland said.

On Sunday morning, the team got the news that it would be playing Division I school Bethel University. This team quickly took control of the game and had a 12-1 lead over the Bobcats by the end of the second period. In the third period, the Bobcats went out with a bang, scoring two goals and only allowing the Royals one goal. Bethel University took the win with a final score of 13-3.

“Facing Bethel was tough, but we thought we played well because we scored just as many points as other Division I teams had on them,” Holland said.

Three hours later, the Bobcats faced the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

The Bobcats early 4-0 lead solidified the pace for the game. The Bobcats defeated the Volunteers 11-1 with three goals each from Max Graessle and Andrew Horvath.

GC faced its rival, USC, who they beat barely beat by one goal. In the first period, the Bobcats went down in the first minute when USC scored. Georgia College quickly responded with a goal by Patrick Moore in the second minute to tie the score 1-1. South Carolina battled back with a goal in the seventh minute, but GC responded again with a goal from graduate in exercise and sport science Andrew Horvath and another from undeclared freshman Patrick Moore. The second period began with GC quickly scoring, but South Carolina was not out yet when it responded with two quick goals to tie up the game going into the third period.

The Bobcats early goal in the third period put them up 5-4 and their defense held the Gamecocks to zero goals.

A final goal from freshman Taylor Hopkins earned the win for GC at 6-4.

“Saturday we started slow, but by Sunday we really felt great,” Holland said. “Although we lost to a Division I team we still felt that we played well against them and the victory over South Carolina was crucial as they are turning out to be one of our biggest rivals.”

The team ended the tournament with a 2-2 record which is their best performance yet in a SECRHL tournament. Although the season is over for Fall semester, the team returns in the Spring semester with a tournament in late January and early February.

“With some new members we added and the experience we took from this tournament I am very hopeful for next semester,” Holland said.

Posted by Trey Barnett on Nov 17 2011. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.