Complete Game Notes Elmira, NY -- The Elmira College men's ice hockey team will begin their ECAC West Conference title defense this Friday, November 7th when the Soaring Eagles travel to take on conference foe Neumann University at 7:00 p.m. Elmira will then hit the road to take on another ECAC West opponent in Manhattanville College the next night at 7:00 p.m.
Season OpenerElmira opens the 2014-15 season tonight against Neumann University. The Soaring Eagles are 22-17-1 in season opening games dating back to the 1973-74 club season. Elmira has opened the season against Neumann one time in EC's 41 year history. That meeting occurred last season when Neumann was ranked 14th in the nation and Elmira defeated the Knights, 4-2.
Defending ChampsThe Soaring Eagles are coming off winning their 10th ECAC West Tournament title in program history. Elmira is the only ECAC West institution, past or present, with 10 conference tournament championships.
Looking to RepeatElmira will be looking to repeat as ECAC West Champions this year. Only four teams have been able to win back-to-back ECAC West Tournament titles since its inception in 1978. Manhattanville won back-to-back titles in 2007 and 2008. RIT won the tournament title four consecutive years from 1999 to 2002. Elmira won consecutive titles in 1990 and 1991, while former ECAC West member Plattsburgh State won back-to-back championships in 1981 and 1982.
Avoiding a Slow StartElmira was able to overcome a slow start to the season last year to win the conference tournament. The Soaring Eagles went 5-5 in their first 10 games and in 2011-12 went 4-6 in their first 10 games. In fact, over the last four seasons, Elmira has gone 20-18-2 through their first 10 games, just a shade over .500.
Early TestThe Soaring Eagles will play seven of their first eight games away from the comforts of their home ice at the Murray Athletic Center. Elmira's seven road games through their first eight games are the most the Soaring Eagles have had in over 15 years.
