The Oswego State men's ice hockey team will host its regular-season opener against the Elmira College Soaring Eagles Saturday night at 7 p.m. in the Marano Campus Center Arena. In its exhibition last Saturday against the CCHL All-Graduate Team, the Lakers won 3-1, with goals from Mitch Emerson, Mike Gillespie and Chris MacMillan.
Oswego and Elmira have a long-storied series, as the Lakers narrowly own the head-to-head record by one victory (44-43-6). In recent history, however, Oswego has dominated the past 15 games against Elmira with a 12-2-1 record, outscoring the Soaring Eagles 75-27 in that span.
The Lakers and Soaring Eagles played twice last year in a home-and-home series, with Oswego taking both games, 7-1 and 6-3. Sophomore Aaron Huffnagle and senior David Ferreira scored in the first game, while sophomore Jody Sullivan scored in each of the two games.
Saturday will also be the annual Teal Game for the men's team, as they will be donning teal jerseys on the ice to raise awareness for the fight against ovarian cancer. This year's Teal Game will have special meaning as Mary Gosek – wife of head coach Ed Gosek – lost her battle with ovarian cancer in June. All fans in attendance will receive teal t-shirts at the door, and will be encouraged to pay tribute to Mary in a very special way, a noisy way, called "Mary's Minute." From puck drop to the 19-minute mark of each period, fans are asked to get on their feet, as Mary would, and make as much noise as possible.
There will be a Teal Gate prior to the game in the Food Activity Court of the Marano Campus Center from 5:30 to 6:30 with a live band. Merchandise from Hope for Heather, an ovarian cancer awareness group with a chapter based in Central New York, will be available for fans to purchase. Food from Palates will be available for purchase as well. Donations for Hope for Heather will be accepted at Teal Gate.
Single-game tickets are currently on sale all Laker regular-season home games. SUNY Oswego students can receive free tickets with a valid college ID. Tickets for the public can be purchased for $8. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the SUNY Oswego Box Offices, over the phone by calling 315-312-3073 and online at tickets.oswego.edu.
