Click on the picture for the entire photo album from last night.

From UAH vs Minnesota State October 13, 2012

Courtesy SlapShot Radio/DLM

What a night at the Von Braun Center last night as the UAH Chargers opened their 2012-13 season with a 4-1 loss to the Mavericks of Minnesota State. As many readers of this blog know, the Charger hockey program has been through a lot since the collapse of College Hockey America. Independent for the past few seasons, the program was almost eliminated early last season. Last night’s crowd of 5,106 confirmed the decision to keep the Men’s Hockey program going at UAH.

That wasn’t a misprint… 5,106 was the official attendance… in Huntsville, Alabama… that attendance number was higher than opening games at Providence College, Western Michigan, Miami, New Hampshire and many other schools. That number represented a new attendance record for Division I hockey at UAH. The VBC was packed to the rafters and noisy as hell. The visiting committee from the WCHA had to impressed. It is my hope that this committee wastes no time in admitting UAH for next season.

It’s a great start to the Charger hockey season, a season that almost didn’t happen. Some easily correctable issues emerged that cost UAH this game… mostly involving staying out of the penalty box. This team will be competitive this year. In talking to a few of the players last night, they are excited about the new direction this program is taking under new head coach Kurt Kleinendorst. The hockey being played last nightwas gritty, hard-hitting and simply a lot of fun… good players simply playing for love of the game.

I encourage everyone who is missing their hockey to get out and support your nearest college hockey team, be they club or Division I… you will not regret it! I would like to thank the entire staff at UAH for inviting me down to call the game… it was my honor to do it, and I would also like to thank every Smashvillian that made the drive down to see some hockey.

--------------------------------------

ROAD TRIP!!!! Update!

We are heading to the Lone Star State! SlapShot Radio will be road tripping to Dallas for the season finale on April 13th. We have made arrangements for tickets and are working on the other logistics, bus, hotel, etc... depending on the MLB Schedule, we may even try to catch a Rangers game!

Circle the date and join the SlapShot Radio crew for a road trip to Dallas... 4/13/13. More information to come!

We have our tickets… to order yours please contact Group Sales Manager, Stormye Stevens at (214) 387-5635, mention you're with the SlapShot Radio Road Trip and she'll get you set up.

--------------------------------------

You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!

Also... make sure to "like" SlapShot Radio on Facebook... here's the link.

-------------------------------------

On the next SlapShot Radio

Last week’s show is posted featuring University of Alabama in Huntsville’s new head hockey coach Kurt Klienendorst, NBCSports.com’s Joe Yerdon and Jeremy Roenick… join us on the SlapShot Radio Network at 7pm central on our flagship station 102.5 the Game in Nashville and Scottsboro’s Sports Leader 1050 WWIC.

-------------------------------------

KINDLE USERS: Please subscribe to Predators Buzz, a one-stop feed for all things Predators-related on HockeyBuzz. Your subscription includes a free 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month thereafter. For more information, click here.

Join the Discussion: » 8 Comments » Post New Comment

» The time has come

» Whining through Game 3

» Playoff Picks

» Waiting for he playoffs

» A special night in Smashville