Ice Hockey in Aggieland

On Friday, September 14th, the Texas A&M ice hockey team kicked off their season with a 5-0 win over the Texas State Bobcats. Yes, you read that correctly: Texas A&M has an ice hockey team.

Most people are surprised when they first learn that Texas A&M has an ice hockey team. In a state that is obsessed with football and rarely sees snow, hockey is not exactly the most popular sport. And yet, since the arrival of the Dallas Stars in 1993, hockey has blossomed throughout the Lone Star state. Part of the success of hockey in Texas is strong youth programs that spawned in Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. These programs have given access to a sport that most Texans would never have had otherwise. As a result, collegiate level hockey has also built itself up over the past two decades.

Ice hockey at A&M can trace itself back to the early 80s when students put together a team to play games for fun. It wasn’t until 2005, when the Arctic Wolf Ice Arena was built, however, that hockey at A&M began to gain momentum. No longer forced to travel to Houston or Austin for practices, the Aggies shifted to a more competitive style of play and found success. In both the 2009-2010 and the 2010-2011 seasons, A&M made the regional playoffs at the number 10 spot. After missing the playoffs last season, the Aggies are looking to come back strong this year.

You can learn more about the team, find schedules and purchase tickets on their website: http://www.tamuicehockey.com or follow the team on Twitter @tamuicehockey.

Never been to a game? Here are five great reasons you should come out and support ice hockey at Texas A&M:

1.) You can watch the Aggies BTHO of the University of Texas

At Texas A&M, ice hockey is a club sport and does not play in the SEC. That means that the Fightin’ Texas Aggie hockey team will still play traditional rivals such as the University of Texas. The two teams will square off a total of 8 times this season.

2.) Tickets are affordable

Tickets for games are only $5 for students and $7.50 for adults.

3.) Hockey is exciting

Hockey games are 60 minutes of fast-paced, aggressive play. You’ll be amazed by the athleticism that is displayed.

4.) It’s better live

A lot of people who have never been to a live hockey game don’t understand the sport, and that’s because hockey really is a sport that needs to be enjoyed in person. Not to mention, it’s a lot easier to follow the puck at a live game.

5.) You’ll be supporting players that are passionate about their sport

While the A&M hockey team is a diverse group of guys, one thing that is common is their love for the sport. However, playing hockey is not cheap. Between gear and paying for ice time, the cost can stack up. By attending games and cheering them on, you’ll be supporting athletes that are passionate about what they are doing.