Bobcats Earn #3 Seed Heading Into Nationals
Jacksonville, FL ~ For the first time in school history, both the Paul Smith's College men's and women's hockey team have simultaneously qualified for the national tournament in their respective divisions.
"This season has been nothing short of incredible to watch, both teams have hit their stride and I couldn't be more proud of our student athletes and coaches. They've had an incredible rise to success in a short time and I'm excited to watch them continue to grow," said Paul Smith's College Athletic Director Zack Luzzi.
The men are back in Florida for the second time in two years, having qualified for their first-ever AAU College Hockey national tournament last year after building a competitive program from the bottom up. Their 19-8 record (most wins in program history) this season and 16-game winning streak from early October through late November has made this team one to watch as they take on the best teams in the country.
It wasn't always sunshine and raimbows, as the program developed from a true co-ed club team, winning on a fistful of games when the two current senior captains first joined.
"My freshman year we went 7-14 where going to nationals was not even considered or talked about," said team captain Colin Palmer. "Over the past three seasons, Casey has brought in great young talent to help our older guys thrive," he added.
Fellow senior and assistant captain Kyle Davis echoed Palmer's sentiments. "Ever since my freshman year, we've had a winning record each season while setting school records. Making it to nationals the past two years may have seemed impossible, but thanks to a great coaching staff and the culture of our team, we were able to accomplish the impossible," said Davis.
Head coach Casey Gerrish complimented his two senior captains while commenting on the growth and success. "Colin and Kyle, especially, have been instrumental in leading the team to a new era," said Gerrish. They're hard work and dedication can not be understated, and everyone else on the team has bought in to the process and proved to the hockey world that with a little heart, anything can happen."
In addition to the back-to-back appearance by the men, the women return to try and add another piece of hardware to the trophy case, having won the inaugural AAU College Hockey Women's National Championship two years ago in West Chester, PA.
That team returns some of the most influential and talented players to this year's national championship. Leah Coulombe, the 2024 AAU College Hockey Women's National Tournament MVP and Sam Barrett, this season's leading point scorer in the nation, also have All-American honors attached to their names. They'll look to play for their second national championship trophy in three years as the overall #3 seed in the tournament.
"We're all fired up to be back in the national tournament," said Coulombe. "We've shown crowds all season why we're on top, and this week we'll finish that statement when we come back to NY with more than a tan!" she exclaimed.
"I'm excited to be back and kick some ass!" said Barrett, ever to the point.
The women's team is keyed for a deep run, having lost one-goal games to last season's national champion Syracuse University, while outshooting the Orange in both losses. Their 15-5 record makes the one of the most experienced and tournament-ready teams going into competition.
The tournament kicks off Friday, March 6th with the men taking on Mass Maritime at 5pm at the Community First Igloo. On Saturday, March 7th, the women play High Point University at 7:30pm to open the women's tourney. All games will be streamed for free on AAU+.
You can follow the men's hockey team on Instagram at @pschockey and the women's team at @pscwhockey or follow the general athletics account at @smitty_nation for schedules, updates, photos, and much more!
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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.