Following a five-year hiatus, Slippery Rock University men’s hockey club has returned to the ice.
In January of 2021, the program was given a four-year suspension following a lengthy investigation regarding allegations of hazing. Though numerous efforts over the years, such as petitions, tried to get the suspension lifted early, the university stood firm on their stance.
Despite the shaky past, current club president Luke Elverson is looking to paint a new reputation of the program, one built on success both on and off the ice.
Additionally, university faculty have shared similar optimism for the new era of Rock hockey.
“I talked to a couple of different people, and they all seemed positive about it,” said Elverson. “They were like, ‘as long as you guys do the right stuff, we want to see you succeed.’”
However, there were still many obstacles to face long before lacing up the skates.
“The first step was getting recognized by the university. It’s pretty straightforward, just a lot of paperwork,” Elverson said.
Among these challenges was finding their identity of the program, one that came to Elverson in the middle of the night.
“I was lying in my bed at two in the morning, and I just couldn’t fall asleep,” he said. “I was like, ‘you know what a good acronym would be…our team is SRU: strength, resiliency and unity.”
Throughout the process, former SRU men’s ice hockey club president Luke Grossman has acted as a pillar of support for Elverson.
“A few days after our conversation, [Grossman] sent a very well-put message about how encouraging it was to see us coming back and moving forward after such a dark time in the program,” said Elverson.
Among all the issues, finances proved to be the biggest thorn in their side.
“Being a first year organization, you only get, I want to say it’s $500 for your budget. That’s a lot for some people, but for hockey, it’s a very expensive sport.”
After announcing their return in July, the team set up donation campaigns through GoFundMe and GiveCampus. Throughout the process, alumni have reached out offering support to Elverson.
At the helm of The Rock is a familiar face to the SRU hockey scene. Chris Bobuk, a 2024 graduate of SRU, earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management while playing for the school’s roller hockey team.
It was on the roller team that a handful of players first proposed the idea to Bobuk about coaching the ice hockey team. Among these players were Kyle Wildasin, Anthony Karner, Zach Mazzacone, Pietro Pucci and Austen Henne.
“They asked me at the conclusion of last nationals to take over the ice program in the first year. I’m still living around Pittsburgh for now, so I figured ‘why not,'” Bobuk said.
In a full-circle moment, all five players currently play for Bobuk on the ice hockey team.
“We’re obviously very fortunate to have him,” said Elverson. “I think being still somewhat fresh in the game himself, he still has a very competitive mindset.”
While Bobuk supports his family on the ice, he makes sure to always support his one off it as well.
“Under the suit, he has a jacket he wears for his brother who’s in the Navy,” said Elverson. “That support is something he’s always been very adamant about.”
“I usually wear a suit with my green tie for games now, but if it’s cold at practice this season, I wear his old Baldwin [High School] hockey jacket and keep a card in the left pocket of him as a kid,” said Bobuk.
Since returning to the ice two months ago, Slippery Rock men’s ice hockey has gone 7-0 in division play, outscoring their opponents 52-8.
The season started on Oct. 17 with a 3-0 victory over Penn State Altoona. Following this, Slippery Rock’s offense exploded, scoring 42 goals in their next four contests, while allowing just 8 in their own net.
SRU would continue their winning ways in their next two games, shutting out West Virginia University 2-0, and Robert Morris University 5-0 on the road.
Freshman Justin Hai and sophomores Joey Wach and Micah DeJulia lead the team with seven goals each.
Through the first seven games, goaltender Michael Kovacic has allowed just eight goals, for an impressive goals against average of just 1.14.
“I love Mikey,” said Elverson. “I don’t think there’s ever been a moment where we’ve had a doubt winning, partially because he’s back there. He’s just incredible.”
“He’s been lights out all season in the crease and is nothing short of an angel dressed in work clothes,” said Bobuk.
Despite the uncertainty heading into the season, it’s been worth all the blood, sweat and tears.
“We’re very thankful and fortunate to have the team that we have,” said Elverson. “There were a lot of unknowns going into the season, but the guys we have in that locker room are truly something special. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Regarding the future of the program, Elverson believes the possibilities are endless.
“Honestly speaking, I don’t see there being any limits,” he said.
More than anything, SRU men’s ice hockey wants the support of the community.
“Ultimately, we want to get that aspect of getting fans to games and have people coming out and supporting us,” said Elverson. “Not just because we’re a good team, but because we want to be a big part of the university.”
“I want our program to be talked about positively in the community,” said Bobuk. “This is a privilege to be a part of, and it’s our responsibility to be ambassadors as club student-athletes.”
Slippery Rock men’s ice hockey will look to maintain their undefeated record on Friday, Dec. 5 at the Frozen Pond Arena in Valencia, Pa. to take on Carnegie Mellon University.
