Men's Hockey Program Skating in the Right Direction

The Franklin Pierce ice hockey program began only six seasons ago. Each year has been a losing season, and each year has been a struggle for the players.

The program has only reached 6 wins in 2006 and 2008; every other year they won no more than 5 games. But expectations have been set high for this year's team to have success in the post season.

Senior Captains Jeff Kasper, Kyle Kruse, Shane Murphy, Rob Perretta, and Coursen Schneider know the rebuilding stages of the Franklin Pierce University ice hockey program all too well. They were part of the first class in Franklin Pierce history to be recruited for the hockey team. They chose Franklin Pierce because of the playing time they would receive at the college level. In their four seasons at Franklin Pierce they have gone through three different head coaches, including current head coach Jaymie Harrington, but they believe that in their senior year they will break the program wins record.

"Even though we've been through different coaches, they each made a different impact on the program, and I think where we are now, it's the best it's been so far," said Perretta.

This year's squad currently has a 5-9-2 record with 8 games remaining in the season. Two more wins will give them the program record for most wins in a season, an accomplishment the team captains feel confident that they will reach this year.

"There's no reason why we shouldn't (reach the record)," said Kruse. "We're a hardworking team and we have a lot of talent."

The only thing that has been stopping the Ravens from winning has been their inconsistent play. "Our coach always says when we go into rinks we don't play other teams, we usually play ourselves," said Perretta. "It's either the good Franklin Pierce that shows up or the bad Franklin Pierce."

The bad Franklin Pierce spoiled Pierce Pride night on January 24 when the Ravens were blown out by Becker College by a score of 11-3, leaving their large home crowd disappointed, just three days after winning a home game against Framingham State.

"We win one game and we get it in our heads that we're unstoppable, and we get one step behind and get in trouble," said Schneider.

Staying consistent is just one struggle the senior class has dealt with at Franklin Pierce but the class of 09' has learned from their experiences at Franklin Pierce. They see their senior year as a time to lead by example and believe leadership is the most important aspect of this team's success.

"We've been trying to keep a good work ethic and a positive attitude so the underclassmen have someone to look up to," said Kruse.

Peretta said, "I see myself as more of a leader because of my work ethic. It inspires people on the ice."

Schneider believes that his consistent play each and every game goes along way. "We're not going to leave with a record that's undefeated so we're trying to make the mark for where this program needs to go," the six-foot-two forward said. "We want to set the mold for where these kids need to be mentally and physically so they can make us proud down the road."

Despite earning just five wins this season, there have been signs of progression on the ice. Freshman forward Anthony Chighisola has already scored 11 goals and tallied 7 assists in his first season at Franklin Pierce, and is on pace to break the single season scoring record.

"Our seniors have been awesome," said Chighisola. The Ravens leading scorer has been inspired by his captain's work ethic on the ice at their daily 6:00 am practices and in their games.

Another accomplishment came in a January 15th matchup against Northeast-10 Conference rival Southern New Hampshire University. Junior goalie Jon Tuttle recorded the first Ravens shutout in program history as the Ravens defeated the Penmen 4-0.

Despite the number of wins the Ravens tally in the regular season, they will clinch a spot in the NE-10 Tournament along with their five conference rivals. Just like in every post season, they have a chance to win their first ever conference title.

"Hopefully we could leave it all out and get a championship as seniors," said Perretta.

Schneider said, "It would be cool to skate off the ice with some hardware. Just because we're not the front runners to win it, doesn't mean there's no chance. That's why they play the games. Always look out at the horizon and try to achieve the ultimate goal, which is to win a championship."