While winning games is always a great accomplishment for the University of Alabama men’s hockey club, helping others and the community is what drives them to play their best. Playing ice hockey in the South is already a disadvantage, but that does not stop the players from spreading the word about the sport. This team has learned to skate through whatever obstacles it may face.
“We have a really good team this year and a tough schedule to go along with it,” junior Mark Wysock said. “We want to make it to regionals and then make it to nationals from there.”
This is Mike Quenneville’s first year as head coach. He was an assistant coach for the past two years.
“The tradition of the school and the education that’s available for student athletes is very big,” head coach Mike Quenneville said. “A lot of people go to the University of Alabama because of sports traditions and a lot of athletes go to Alabama because we win national championships here. I love it, absolutely love it here. It’s great to be part of a strong tradition.”
The team has learned to play together and heal together. The team lost a teammate, Stevie Fillo, to a car accident at the beginning of the season last year. The team will never be able to forget a great athlete but also a great friend.
“It’s tough to lose a friend and a teammate,” Quenneville said. “Last year was a tough year. We honored him every game by hanging up his jersey in the back of our bench. It’s something that we haven’t forgotten. When we do our huddles before games and after practices, we say his number, which was 83. We chant out: ‘83 Roll Tide’. He’s still part of our program, even though he’s not with us today. The returning players haven’t forgotten him.
“We’re having a Fillo Faceoff weekend, which is Jan. 21st. We have some sororities and fraternities trying to raise some money for the local hockey organization, Pelham Youth Hockey Association.”
The team also participates in Youth Night, Play for a Cure, Fan Appreciation, Alumni Night and Military Appreciation Night.
“It’s very important to support the community, especially with Play for a Cure and Fillo Faceoff,” said Barletta. “We try and have good crowds to help out. It’s important during youth nights to spread hockey, especially in the South where it’s not easy to pick up.”
The Fillo Faceoff will be January 21 in the Pelham Civic Complex against Florida. For other charity events the team sponsors or for a full schedule, go to www.bamahockey.net.
