ELMIRA, N.Y. – As the Elmira College Men's Ice Hockey program enters its 50th season, head coach Aaron Saul '98 has announced the 2022-23 schedule, a 25-game slate, which features 14 home games with two being played at First Arena on December 30 and 31 as part of the Hockey Helpers Shootout.
Last year, Saul's program wrapped up one of its best seasons in recent program history, which included Elmira's first trip to the NCAA Tournament since the 2011-12 season after finishing with an 18-7-2 record.
In addition to the 14-game home schedule, the Soaring Eagles will feature eight different promotional nights during the season, including the 50 Year Celebration and Athletics Alumni Weekend against Hobart on January 21.
The Purple & Gold begin the season with a rematch of last years' opener against former UCHC opponent Nazareth College (October 28) for First Responders Night. All active first responders will receive free admission to the home-opener. Last season, the Soaring Eagles opened the year at Nazareth, coming away with a 4-2 victory after scoring each of its goals via the powerplay.
From there, the Soaring Eagles hit the road for another non-conference matchup against SUNY Oswego (October 29). Last season, the Soaring Eagles hosted the Lakers on opening night, coming away with a 5-4 victory in which Nicholas Domitrovic '24 netted the game-winner with just three minutes remaining in regulation.
Elmira begins the month of November with a pair of home games, along with kicking off its New England Hockey Conference schedule. On November 4, the Soaring Eagles welcome in Southern Maine to the Murray Athletic Center before hosting Salute to Service Day on November 5 against Babson. Last season, the Soaring Eagles and Beavers split the regular-season series before Elmira fell in the NEHC Semifinals to the opposition. All active and retired military members receive free admission to the November 5 game against Babson.
After playing three of its first four games at home, Elmira hits the road for a three-game road trip which begins on November 12 at Lebanon Valley. Last season, the Soaring Eagles defeated the Dutchmen 10-0 on home ice as part of the annual Teddy Bear Toss game. The following weekend, Elmira hits the road for a pair of conference matchups against UMass Boston (Nov. 18), as well as a trip to Attleboro, Mass. on November 19 to square off against Johnson & Wales.
The Soaring Eagles kick off Thanksgiving week with another non-conference home game against SUNY Geneseo (Nov. 22) which serves as Youth Hockey Night. Last season, the Soaring Eagles picked up arguably their biggest victory of the season against the #1 nationally-ranked Knights with a 4-3 victory on the road. Following Thanksgiving, Elmira hosts SUNY Brockport (Nov. 26) as part of the Thanksgiving Food Drive. Those who bring and donate canned goods on the day of the game receive free admission for the evening. Last season, the Soaring Eagles got the best of the Golden Eagles with a 4-3 win on the road.
NEHC play continues for the Soaring Eagles on December 2 with a visit from the Thoroughbreds of Skidmore College. Last season, each team won on home ice in their two matchups, with Skidmore eventually making the finals of the NEHC Tournament. Elmira welcomes in Castleton on December 3 as part of Teddy Bear Toss Night. Those who bring a stuffed animal receive free admission to the game.
Following the holiday break, Elmira returns to First Arena for the second consecutive year with a pair of games against Colby (Dec. 30) and Salve Regina (Dec. 31). The contests will serve as part of the Hockey Helpers Shootout. The Soaring Eagles have played Colby just once in its history, picking up a 5-4 win over the opposition in 1996. In its matchup history against Salve Regina, Elmira holds a 2-1 all-time record which most recently included a 5-2 win at the MAC in which Eddie Nolan '17 netted the game-winner.
January marks Elmira's longest road trip of the season, with five games scheduled away from the Murray Athletic Center. On January 6, the Soaring Eagles travel to Norwich before taking on New England College the next day (Jan. 7). From there, Elmira heads back to the New England Region for a pair of games against Babson (Jan. 13) and Southern Maine (Jan. 14) the following weekend. Elmira wraps up its five-game trip with a road game at Hobart on January 20, a rematch of the NCAA Tournament First Round game from a season ago.
The following day (Jan. 21), the Soaring Eagles pay tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Men's Ice Hockey at Elmira as part of Athletics Alumni Weekend against Hobart. From there, EC takes on Johnson & Wales (Jan. 27) and UMass Boston (Jan.28) to conclude the opening month of 2023.
Elmira's last regular season road trip begins the first weekend of February with a trip to Rutland, Vermont against Castleton (Feb. 3). Following the game, EC makes the trip back into New York for a matchup with Skidmore (Feb. 4).
Saul's squad wraps up the 2022-23 regular season at home on the weekend of February 10-11 with games against New England College (Feb. 10) before taking on the Cadets from Norwich University (Feb. 11) as part of the Class of 2023 Recognition Day.
The New England Hockey Conference Tournament begins February 18 with the Semifinal Round, and concludes with the championship on March 4.
To see the full 2022-23 schedule along with promotional events, click here
