The Jackets of 2015/16

The boys have all arrived and settled into their new places in Springfield.  Before the colder weather hit we were able to spend some time outside.  We participated in the annual Mt. Tom hike and also hosted some other team building events to allow the team to get to know each other.  

For those dedicated fans here is a video compilation from last year’s season.  It is fun to reflect on the good times had and the good times yet to come with the new players that have joined the squad this year AIC Hockey 2015 Video.

We kicked the season off with a handful of non-conference games at UNH, followed by Alaska and Penn State.  We didn’t get the results we had hoped for but we are working hard to prepare for our upcoming weekend home series against RIT. 

For more information on Atlantic Hockey or Division-1 standings, schedules, statistics and news visit Atlantic Hockey Online or USCHO.   

Getting the Season Started

My name is Chris Porter and I am the captain of the 2015/16 AIC Yellow Jackets hockey team.  I am from Stouffville, Ontario, Canada.  I come from small town and hockey has always been a huge part of my life.  It has really helped to shape the person I am today.  I am currently playing in my final season of Division 1 hockey and enrolled in my senior year at American International College.  I hope to continue to play once my career concludes at AIC.  I am writing this blog to help keep the community, friends, and fans informed about the 2015/16 AIC Men’s Hockey Team.   

This year, we have a very large freshman class.  A combination of size, skill, and talent with be especially helpful contributions to our squad.  There are 8 new freshman incoming from various junior teams in North America.  They include forwards Lucas Bombardier (Pittsford, Vt.), Trevor Cope (White Lake, Mich.), Travis Douglas (Osgoode, Ont.), Marc Dubeau (St. Lina, Alb.), Shawn McBride (Victoria, B.C.) and Luke Rodgers (Clarkston, Mich.) along with defensemen Johnny Mueller (St. Louis, Mo.) and Ryan Polin (Holt, Mich.).  We are excited to get the season started and see what these guys can do on the ice.  For more information on the class of 2019 visit this link Freshman Class. 

Earlier this summer the captain announcements were made.  I was named captain along with a junior, Dom Racobaldo.  David Gandara (senior) and Austin Orzsulak (junior) will be wearing the A’s.  The captains are selected by teammates each year and hopefully our leadership can prove to be successful.  It is not uncommon for teams to name 4 captains.  This was last done by the Yellow Jackets during their 2008/09 season.

The Jackets’ home opener will be played on Tuesday October 27^th at the Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield, MA against Sacred Heart.  The game will commence at 7:05pm.  Our team worked hard in the off-season to improve and we have been skating since our return to school in September.  For more information on the team, statistics, schedules, and much more information please visit the AIC Hockey site AIC Hockey.

Looking forward to a great season.  Hope to see you at the games!