The Slippery Rock Inline Roller Hockey team, which started in 2004, is starting to make some noise on the national level.
The team has 60 members that are split into 5 separate teams, making it the biggest club team on campus.
Two of the teams are competing at a national level in the Eastern Collegiate Roller Hockey association, which is one of seven conferences in the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association.
The two teams competing at the national level have been very successful this season, as both of them have been invited to the National tournament next weekend.
The B travel team finished with a season record of 13-2-1.
SUNY Cortland served as the B travel team’s biggest rival this year, as the pair of teams split four games this year taking two games apiece.
The Division 2 team had a very similar year, finishing with a record of 15-3, finishing the season ranked fourth in the conference and seventh in the country.
Both teams competed in the regional playoffs that were held this year in Feasterville, Pa.
The Division 2 team finished 1-2-1 in the playoffs, while the B travel team went 4-2 , losing to their biggest rival West Chester in the Regional Championship.
The two teams have been carried through their seasons by individuals that have made a name for themselves in the NCRHA.
Chris Beltz, a freshman from McKees Rocks, Pa. was awarded B-Division Rookie of the Year, after racking up 40 points on the season, scoring 16 goals and dishing out 24 assists in 18 games.
Another standout this year was Christian Ricketts, a senior from Moon, Pa. Ricketts was awarded Division 2 Goalie of the Year after tying for first in wins and posting a record of 13 wins, three losses, and two shutouts, along with a .863 save percentage and a 2.88 goals against average.
Along with Ricketts and Beltz, freshman Christian Scott was tied for fourth in points with 48 scoring, 22 goals, and handing out 26 assists, along with winning a Player of the Week award.
Chris Allison was another contributor to the Rock Prides great success, putting together 39 points, scoring 13 goals, and spreading out 26 assists between his teammates.
The next move for the Slippery Rock Inline Hockey team is a trip to the national tournament. The team leaves for Ft. Meyers, Fla. on Tuesday for a chance to win the National Championship and a week of fun in the sun.
“I think we had our best year in club history,” Ricketts said. “Both teams surpassed expectations and are legitimate contenders to win national championships.”
