Contact: Kenneth Billings
STARKVILLE, Miss.--The Mississippi State University hockey team begins its home season Friday [Nov. 20] in the first of two games with the University of Mississippi at Tupelo's BancorpSouth Arena.
The Ice Dogs' four-game home stand gets under way at 7 p.m. and at the same time Monday [the 23rd]. Currently with a 1-4 record five games into the 2009 season, the team closes its home series Jan. 8 and 9 with Tupelo games against the University of Arkansas.
Team members are looking to build on the fan support developed during last year's inaugural season.
"Our fan support last year was probably the best in the Southeastern Conference that any first-year team enjoyed," said senior Patrick Swartz, the team's team organizer and a member.
"We had more than 1,200 fans come to both our home games and we hope to see even more than that this year," the Columbus history major said. "The 'Bulldog nation' has been very supportive and we want them to pack the arena as we take on our school rival."
Tickets for all home games are $5, with the exception of the Monday match against Ole Miss. Admission then will be $7--or $5 with the donation of a non-perishable food item for a local charity.
The Ice Dogs season closes with six road games leading to the SEC tournament in February.
For a complete schedule and more information about the Ice Dogs, visit www.dawgicehockey.org or contact Swartz at 662-435-1549. Faculty adviser David Thompson, an associate professor of aerospace engineering, may be reached at 325-2068.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.