From TigerNet
By Grayson Mann
Clemson’s Club Hockey program is ready to hit the ice after a brief hiatus.
On January 16, the Tigers (5-4) will travel for a two-game series against the Tennessee Volunteers, followed by a long-anticipated rematch with South Carolina in Greenville on January 24.
While the University doesn’t offer an NCAA-sanctioned hockey team, Clemson’s club team participates in Division III of the ACHA in the College Hockey South Conference. The program consistently matches up against Tennessee, South Carolina, USF, among other schools based in the Southeast.
The last time this squad played was on November 15, when it defeated FAU 8-5.
Certainly, it’s a group that’s eager to get back to the action.
TigerNet spoke with assistant captain Will Ralsten, who, more than anything, is ready for that home matchup against the Gamecocks, seeking redemption from a 7-0 loss on October 17.
“We’ve been looking forward to the Palmetto Cup all year,” Ralsten said. “It’s something that has been circled on our calendar since the summer. It’s always special to get to play at The Bon in Greenville against our biggest rival.”
Ralsten knows Clemson’s Club Hockey team flies under the radar on campus. The program is primarily funded through team dues and sponsorships, and it continues to grow thanks to the local support that has grown over time.
“It’s really unique and fulfilling to be part of Clemson Hockey,” Ralsten said. “Hockey is definitely not the first thing you think of when you hear Clemson; our team kind of flies under the radar. But in my three years at the school, we’ve gained traction amongst the student body and on social media. Hockey will only continue to grow in the South, and the trajectory of our program looks promising.”
Given the limited number of opportunities this program receives, there’s a strong appreciation for the moments when Ralsten’s squad gets to hit the ice.
Following the matchup with the Gamecocks, the Tigers have games scheduled against Vanderbilt, Alabama, and Georgia.
Regardless of the season’s outcome, Ralsten knows this group is consistently tight-knit, and the opportunity to play hockey at Clemson will be cherished forever.
“There’s nothing better than lacing up the skates with a great group of guys, and that’s exactly what we have here on our team,” Ralsten said. “Being able to do that while throwing on a Clemson jersey is something that I will cherish forever.”
(Originally published at https://www.tigernet.com/clemson-other/news/clemson-club-hockey-eager-to-take-the-ice-with-volunteers-gamecocks-ahead-47967)
