On August 7, 2011, the University of Alabama’s club hockey team traveled to New Jersey. This trip was not for a game, but for the funeral of a beloved teammate, David Mosier.
The team set a goal during that trip to return to New Jersey in March for the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s Division III National Championships.
On Feb. 18, the Frozen Tide made their goal come to life when they defeated the University of Richmond in the ACHA Regional Tournament to earn a spot in the national championships on March 14-17.
“David had a special place in all of our hearts the whole year,” head coach Mike Quenneville said. “It’s almost like he made this happen. It means a lot to all of us.”
The Frozen Tide will participate in the national championship for the first time since the program began six years ago.
“I think it’s huge, not just for this team, but for anyone who’s ever been a part of Alabama hockey,” club president Ryan Barletta said. “It’s been a goal for a number of years now, and to finally see it come through, especially in my senior year, has been a big deal.”
The Frozen Tide will face California University of Pennsylvania, Hope College and California State University- Northridge in Pool B, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals. Alabama played two of the schools already this season, losing to Hope College 7-1 on Oct. 13 and defeating California State-Northridge 5-4 on Nov. 12.
“I think it’s a pretty big deal that we’ve faced two of the three teams before,” Barletta said. “Familiarity with your opponent always helps. You know what you can do and what you shouldn’t be doing.”
The team qualified for the ACHA Division III Regional Tournament for the fourth time in program history and defeated Christopher Newport University 7-1 and the University of Richmond 5-3 to advance to the national championships on Feb. 17-18.
“The players had the biggest smiles on their faces when we won,” Quenneville said. “We sing Rammer Jammer after we win, and after we beat Richmond, it could have knocked down walls, it was so loud. These guys are really happy to go to nationals.”
Quenneville said the team has come together throughout the season through the ups and downs the team has faced.
“There’s a good mix of veteran leadership and young guys who light the fire under us,” team captain Christian Edge said. “There’s a good mix of personalities and a lot of special things about this team.”
Quenneville said the team is going to keep playing the same way that got them to nationals.
“We need to stay out of the penalty box and eliminate the little mistakes that we make,” Quenneville said. “As long as we control the puck, I think we will do well, though.”
The Frozen Tide will compete in the ACHA National Championships on March 14-17 in Vineland, N.J. The games will be broadcasted online for free at fasthockey.com.
“We’re going to nationals for a reason, and any team can beat anyone there,” Edge said. “I think we’re confident that we can do very well. It’s all about how far we want to take it.”
