The Rocket

Issue date: 1/25/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Amy Kelly Rock Pride captain Tim Snyder brings the puck up the ice during a recent game at Bladerunners Ice Complex. Snyder and his teammates are currently ranked 20th in the nation with a 15-10-1 record. [Click to enlarge]

One of the better sports teams currently dawning the green & white is one that not many people have heard of.

Oh and by the way, this team is ranked 20th in the nation.

The team is the Rock Pride, also known as SRU men's ice hockey club and they currently sit at 15-10-1 on the season.

Head Coach Bill Snyder has seen his squad gel in each game has progressed this season, becoming one of the nations best.

"We are doing very well," Snyder said. "We are also improving on team play," Snyder said. "It's not just five people on the ice, it's a team."

Snyder has played hockey most of his life and was a part of the 1975-76 North Allegheny High School varsity team that won the Pittsburgh Championship and the state runner-up.

Bob Brill, a 22-year-old defenseman, said he thinks the team has an overall better attitude this year compared to previous seasons.

"We have improved our team chemistry," Brill said.

Kris Wisniewski, a 23-year-old goalie, said the team's commitment has improved.

"Our work ethic is a lot better," he said. "We have high hopes for the rest of the season."

Currently the assistant coaches are Dave Rusbarsky, Phil Snyder and recent SRU graduate Steve Meyers.

Unknown to most students, the ice hockey team's home ice is at the Bladerunners Ice Complex in Warrendale, Pa.

"We only practice on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11 p.m. after the high school teams are done with the ice," Snyder said. "I worry about these boys driving back to SRU, especially when the roads get bad."

Wisniewski said that most of the men car pool to practice and games to help minimize the amount of gas used.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools