Photo by Alex Kolstee The JCC men’s hockey team will play its first home game this Saturday at Northwest Arena in Jamestown.
Hockey returns to downtown Jamestown on Saturday night with the Jamestown Community College hockey team. The Jayhawks begin their first home schedule by hosting SUNY Niagara at Northwest Arena at 7 p.m.
“The team is very excited to be playing in front of our home crowd. Excitement is building that college hockey is coming to Jamestown, and we can’t wait to finally get the community involved.” Jayhawks head coach Tommy Gerace said.
Added Jamestown CC Athletic Director George Sisson: “I was shocked to see over 75 Jayhawk fans travel to Erie for their first ever game against Mercyhurst. Their fans are loud and proud and our Dirty Birds are proud of their I hosted the biggest game of my life.”
Sisson isn’t exaggerating in his comments about Jamestown’s first game. The Jayhawks scored the winning goal with 13 seconds left, defeating Mercyhurst University 3-2. The winning goal in the final minute was scored by Jamestown native Cooper Bergman. In net, another Jamestown native, Colin Norlander, stopped 38 of 40 shots, capping a dramatic memory for all involved.
The win was great, but bringing hockey back to Jamestown through Jamestown CC wasn’t as simple as simply lacing up your skates.
“Getting this program off the ground has been a full-time job. We first presented the idea to the school last September and George (Sisson) was incredibly receptive to the idea and worked collaboratively. He did.” Gereth said. “It took months of conversations, phone calls, planning, preparation, and research to get the green light. Then there was the hiring, scheduling, and logistics. It was a huge amount of work, but it was worth every minute.”
“Everyone involved has been extremely supportive, from the JCC community, faculty and staff to my amazing team in athletics.” Sisson said. “What people don’t know is that this year has been a year of preparation. A lot of work and dedication has gone into getting this team up and running. When I saw the excitement, I knew we had the ingredients for a successful Jayhawks hockey recipe.”
Although the team is only one game into its first year, both Sisson and Geras say one of their main priorities is to not only get off to a quick start, but also build long-lasting roots that will stand the test of time. I agree that it is a program that can endure. Not only is this a proud program within the JCC, but it is also one that we are happy to see flourish in Jamestown and the surrounding area.
“In short, I worked hard to submit this proposal to the JCC out of my genuine passion for the game of hockey and because I want to see it grow in our community.” Jealous said “It’s no secret that we’ve seen a lot of higher-level teams come and go, but they’ve all been supported. People love hockey in our area. The team aims to create a sustainable team that can grow together as a community, keep more kids local, and provide new avenues for student-athletes to pursue a college education. while playing the best games on.”
Echoing Gerase’s thoughts, Sisson said that’s not the case. “It’s just hockey.”
“These children are also receiving a first-class education at JCC.” he said. “They’re part of the community. Most hockey players played in this barn (Northwest Arena) their whole lives. Being part of JCC Athletic means being part of something bigger. You’re a Jayhawk. It means something to me and I hope it means something to the players, their families and the fans.”
That leaves one question. What can fans expect on the ice?
“Avid and hard-working hockey fans will be happy with our group.” Gereth said. “Our players have bought into the mentality of being a tough team to play against. Relentless forechecking, being physical, hanging on to the puck, making hits and making plays. It’s a combination of traditional hockey and new hockey. We have a lot to improve and learn, but I can promise our boys will work hard night in and night out.”
“I’m not a hockey expert.” Sisson mentioned. “You don’t have to be that kind of person to enjoy what I saw last Sunday. The team was fast, hard-hitting, and flying all over the ice. She looked beautiful in her jersey.”
The roster includes Coulson Barber, Spencer Bell, Bergman, Evan Bishop, Joshua Cooper, Connor Degnan, Raymond Embler, Jacob Guimond, Jed Herriman, Stefano Isabella, Caden Johnson, Mason Robb, They include Tristan Myers, Colin Norlander, Tyson Cea, and Nathan Selk. Brandon Smith, Nate Stevens, Christian Wilshere. Bell is the only sophomore.
As for admission to the game, tickets are $5 for adults, free for JCC students and faculty with ID, youth under 18 are free, and kids in youth hockey jerseys get a free chuck-a-way. You will also be given a pack.
“Throughout the season, fans can expect the best of local teams from the past.” Gereth said. “Affordable tickets, promo nights (Teddy Toss is back!), intermission games, giveaways, post-game skates, player meet-and-greets, and more. We’ll give away a magnet schedule for the home opener. Build locally. With a competitive roster, ticket prices, and the novelty of being the first collegiate team in JCC history, I think the community will show up and energize us on our home ice this weekend and throughout the season.”
The team will return to the ice at Northwest Arena on Friday, Oct. 4, against Allegheny College at 7 p.m.
SILVER CREEK — Anderson Felipe scored twice as Dunkirk defeated Silver Creek/Forestville 5-0.
FALCONER — Kylie Kress and Julianna Ross had hat tricks as Falconer/Cassadaga Valley/Maple Grove rolled…
RANDOLPH — Gowanda never trailed in the match, but needed five sets to defeat Randolph, 25-20, 16-25, 25-19.
