And then there were 58 -- Iona folding too

[Bill Fenwick]

From USCHO and the official Iona web site:

http://www.iona.edu/advancement/press/2003/0203-032.htm

Unlike Fairfield, Iona has experienced some modest success, at least within the MAAC.  Methinks the loss of two teams does not bode well for that conference.

[ugarte]

Iona had a frosh starting in goal who will be looking for a place to play.   He had decent numbers.  Maybe he could be a backup to Marr and Chabot? (If Lenny stays, he wouldn't be necessary.)

Of course, he may not want to give up his scholarship.

[Al DeFlorio]

Having lived in Fairfield County, CT, for 20 years, I don't think there was ever any real market for college hockey there or in Westchester County.  It wouldn't surprise me to see Sacred Heart drop the sport, as well.  

Really, there was zero public awareness that anybody in the area was playing college hockey.  Nothing in the news--print or broadcast.  Simply no visibility at all.  All three schools played in off-campus rinks--in some cases off-off campus.  It always seemed to me like a forced-fit situation.

[CowbellGuy]

Well, having gone to Iona Grammar and Iona Prep, I probably paid more attention to Iona College hockey than the average bear. The New Roc City rink they play in is a pretty nice facility, with 2 bars overlooking the rink, though no one goes there for much of anything, especially hockey. But it is just down the street from the campus, and probably closer than any rink they could have built. Public awareness is another issue, though. Didn't seem like anyone was trying on that front.

[jeh25]

CowbellGuy wrote:

The New Roc City rink they play in is a pretty nice facility...

Just don't get hit with a tire iron in the parking lot. :-P

[cquinn]

The loss of Iona leaves the MAAC league with only nine members for the 2003-04 season, though commissioner Rich Ensor has, on many occasions, noted his desire to expand the league, with potential targets including Rhode Island, Robert Morris and Navy.

Robert Morris?  There's a hotbed of college hockey.  Where the hell is it?

Navy.  "Go start the sub!"    :-}

[ugarte]

Robert Morris is near Pittsburgh.  So I guess their hockey team can start out bankrupt and work from there.

[Greg Berge]

Your "Navy Hockey" joke here:

[ugarte]

Christine's joke was better.

[Beeeej]

"Twenty bucks, same as in town."

Beeeej

[Robb]

What's that line again?  Something about "sinking" and "battleships," I think.  Just can't remember....  :-D

[cquinn]

The "Ah-oooga, ah-oooga, dive, dive!" cheer would be that much more fun against Navy.

[jason]

Good thing the tourney expansion was pushed through last year...