Labor Day meant a day off for some, but not for the members of the 2011-12 Penn State Icers.
Returning players and new recruits went through three days of tryouts last week, then had to wait through the weekend to learn their fate at Monday morning's team meeting. Unfortunately, the numbers meant that someone was going to get bad news.
The coaches selected 15 recruits and 15 returning players for the 41st and final Icers roster (18 forwards, 9 defensemen, 3 goaltenders).
That left Dan Ivanir, Mike Broccolo, "Mac" Winchester, Joe Zitarelli and Andrew Duval as the odd men out. I'm sure it's little consolation to them, but I've been there and know how they feel right now.
I hope that all five men and their families know that they will always be part of the Icers family, and Barb and I wish them all the best.
Once the news was delivered, the coaches wasted no time - getting the squad on the ice and getting them skating...and skating...and skating.
Justin Kirchhevel was the last man standing at the end of the end-to-end drill. Come to think of it, standing might not be the best term for how Justin looked following his "winning" performance.
Conditioning has always been a hallmark of Icers teams. There is no doubt that Coach Guy is stressing conditioning right from Day One. With a little over a month to opening night, teaching systems can come later. For now, it's whipping the guys into game shape.
It was good to see Chris Cerutti testing his knee on the ice, but as the senior told me after practice he'll need time before he is ready for full participation.
I spoke with freshman Tommy Olczyk and senior Dan Petrick as well as Coach Guy about the first official practice and the season ahead.
Returning players and new recruits went through three days of tryouts last week, then had to wait through the weekend to learn their fate at Monday morning's team meeting. Unfortunately, the numbers meant that someone was going to get bad news.
The coaches selected 15 recruits and 15 returning players for the 41st and final Icers roster (18 forwards, 9 defensemen, 3 goaltenders).
That left Dan Ivanir, Mike Broccolo, "Mac" Winchester, Joe Zitarelli and Andrew Duval as the odd men out. I'm sure it's little consolation to them, but I've been there and know how they feel right now.
I hope that all five men and their families know that they will always be part of the Icers family, and Barb and I wish them all the best.
Once the news was delivered, the coaches wasted no time - getting the squad on the ice and getting them skating...and skating...and skating.
Justin Kirchhevel was the last man standing at the end of the end-to-end drill. Come to think of it, standing might not be the best term for how Justin looked following his "winning" performance.
Conditioning has always been a hallmark of Icers teams. There is no doubt that Coach Guy is stressing conditioning right from Day One. With a little over a month to opening night, teaching systems can come later. For now, it's whipping the guys into game shape.
It was good to see Chris Cerutti testing his knee on the ice, but as the senior told me after practice he'll need time before he is ready for full participation.
I spoke with freshman Tommy Olczyk and senior Dan Petrick as well as Coach Guy about the first official practice and the season ahead.
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