DAN Broadcast |
2010-11 Roster |
2010-11 Schedule
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The D-3 hockey team begins its third year as a program tonight as they welcome in Adrian College for a non-conference matchup. The game, being played at Patterson Ice Center, will be broadcast on the DAN beginning with the pre-game show at 6:45 PM.
The Panthers open their third season against Adrian Saturday night after making their first appearance at nationals last year. The Panthers finished third in the Michigan Collegiate Hockey Conference (MCHC) in only their first year as a member and ninth in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) in only their second year.
Head Coach Chris Green has 17 returning players and picked up 11 new players during the off season and plan on playing to a higher level since they have last year's national champions (Saginaw Valley) and runners- up (Hope) in their conference.
The Panthers will continue their annual Tennessee trip again this season however this time they will add playing University of Arkansas and Loyola University (Ma.) which will increase the variety of teams played compared to the previous two seasons. The Panthers will continue their cross town rivalry with Grand Valley as they play them in December in a home and home series – both games will be live on the DAN.
They have strengthened the schedule in 10-11 adding multiple three game weekends, more travel , and playing tougher opponents to gear up against teams they could face when they get another chance at nationals, which will be played in their backyard as Hope is hosting this year's tournament.
The reigning back to back champs, Saginaw Valley, have been added to the schedule four times this season as they play them at home next month, have a home and home series in November, and travel to Saginaw in January. In the past two years, SVSU and DU have always spilt the weekend series but with the added games the Panthers are looking forward to taking an edge in the series matchup. This will add the strength they need to prepare themselves against their toughest opponents.
The Panthers have trimmed the fat and added some muscle to this year's team as they have been thinking about the start of this year's season since they left nationals in Fort Meyers last March. The Panthers look forward to their strongest year so far as they have established themselves in the ACHA over the past two seasons and are looking to carry on the Davenport Hockey tradition – bringing home the Championship!
