If you’ve been counting down the days until Riddle hockey is upon us again, you’re going to have to wait a little longer. Hurricane Dorian has unfortunately resulted in the cancellation of the season opening road trip to Miami to face the Hurricanes. Irony aside, we are working with the Hurricanes leadership to reschedule this road trip; new dates will be announced shortly. The Eagles home opener against UCF now becomes their season opener, which will take place on September 13th at 6:30PM at Daytona Ice Arena.

Despite this setback, the Eagles are amped-up and ready to begin again. With September upon us, and the semester in swing, the Eagles took to the ice this past week to begin training camp. This year a record number of students’ tried out for the team and with camp now finished, and the roster finalized, all that is left to do is drop the puck.

With a new year comes changes to the leadership of the hockey club as well. While the Coaching Staff and Management remained intact, there is new blood in the captain and executive positions. This year’s on-ice leadership is fronted by Captain Ryan Marks, followed by Assistant Captains Jeremy Kerson, Alex Faller, and Brantley Miller. The team’s off-ice executives are led by President Andrew Caputo, Vice-President Ben Solomon, and Treasurer Kayla Taylor. Together the leadership core is excited to make this season the most successful in the team’s 21-year history.

The Eagles have a lot to prove in their sophomore season in the Southern Collegiate Hockey Conference. Their 6-16-1-2 record last year leaves a lot to be desired but in no way detracts from the morale of the team this year. Coach Joyce’s mantra of “waves on the beach” resonates throughout the locker room and on the ice. Despite what’s happened previously this team will keep coming with the intensity and the grit needed night in and night out to prevail. Come out and support your Eagles on September 13th! Let’s pack the barn Daytona!