They re not here because they re going to the NHL or signing for millions of dollars, McCarthy says. Sammons doubles as the team s faculty adviser. During the first few weeks each quarter, for four nights a week, players are required to attend three-hour study sessions to ensure they don t fall behind in the classroom. During the season, the team practices from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The team is challenged each year to raise enough money to compete.
Hockey is an expensive sport.
The costs of gear including sticks, skates and pads and travel add up quickly, says Sammons. To balance its budget, the program relies heavily on its strong fan support. About 30 percent of the team s budget is covered by local business sponsorship, season ticket sales, and advertising sold for the game program and displayed at Bird Arena. Both business and individual season ticket holders are known as the Blueline Boosters. Fifth-year Coach Craig McCarthy heads up a volunteer bench staff.