by Ketan Dhawan
Daily Lobo
The Ice Wolves have had an interesting season, to say the least.
Following a streak of bad luck, poor funding and the lack of a decent venue, UNM's club hockey team is trying to get back on track, after a 2-10 start to the season.
In a typical season, the Ice Wolves play against teams including Northern Arizona, BYU and Arizona State. The season begins in early fall and lasts until mid-March.
The team is funded mainly by the Associated Students of UNM, and is in the process of trying to gain corporate sponsorship.
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"We had a recent meeting with the senior staff in which we talked about getting some corporate funds," said Ben Njus, veteran player and club president. "Our overall goals alongside ASUNM are to increase our funding, bring in better players and expand our entire program."
Njus is optimistic for the rest of the season, as well as seasons to come.
In fact, Njus sees only one weakness in the squad.
"There are some problems with discipline and commitment as a team," he said. "We have extremely talented players on an individual basis, but as a team, there are some problems. At the beginning of the year, we had about 40 people showing up, and time has weeded out a core 15 kids."
However, that core of the team, the heart of the wolf pack, is beating vigorously. Along with Njus, there is a great amount of talent out on the ice.
Zac Currie has had an impressive season at wing, alongside Tim Rode. Other standouts include Todd Wehner and Tony Lehtio. These players, plus a strong base of freshmen talent, push the team to its very best.
"We have a very dedicated team," he said. "It's like we're a family. It takes a great group of guys to show up consistently to practice at or after 11 at night."
Njus is referring to the fact that the Ice Wolves only get rink time twice a week at 11 p.m. at the Outpost Ice Arena, located in the heights.
Players drive to the rink late at night to practice and often do not get to bed until 2 a.m.
The group's dedication does not stop there, however. Since hockey is not an official UNM sport, there is no transportation to away games. Players drive themselves to cities such as Provo, Phoenix and Denver on weekends just to play.
As for the rest of the season, the Ice Wolves are starting to bite back. Coming off a two game winning streak, the newly energized team is headed to NAU to skate against the Lumberjacks.
After crushing Fort Lewis two weeks ago, the Ice Wolves are confident they will finish the year strong. The team has just one more home series in the regular season.
The games will be played at the Outpost Ice Arena at 9:15 p.m. on March 5 and 5 p.m. on March 6.
