Club team fills void in Cincy

Just as hockey enthusiasts in Cincinnati began to accept that the sport would be on ice in the city until the Cincinnati RailRaiders begin play in 2006, a new team is emerging as face of Cincinnati hockey: The University of Cincinnati club hockey team.

Their hope is to fill the void that previous teams such as the Cyclones and recently departed Mighty Ducks left behind.

The team is seven games into their new season in Division III American Collegiate Hockey Association play. They have skated off to an early record of three wins and four losses in its third year of existence.

Former captain-turned-assistant coach Geoff Bullock re-established the team in 2002 after a short hiatus.

What once was a contingent of only eight players has grown into a full-fledged team of 22, complete with coaching, media and medical staffs, as well as equipment managers. And they are looking to grow even bigger.

"We want to build a reputation like EKU," second-year forward Forrest Parsons said, in reference to Eastern Kentucky University's already flourishing program. "They have 400 plus fans at their games."

But the team's connection with EKU does not stop there. The two teams also share a rivalry that has been around since the 2003-04 season.

The rivalry, called the "golden water bottle game," stems from former Bearcat Paul Oyen.

According to team manager/goalie Alan Grove, Oyen skated down to EKU's goal after a 4-1 Bearcats victory and took a drink from their goalie's water bottle.

Late in the next game, a fight occured between two teams after one of EKU's players hit Oyen in retaliation.

EKU made a trophy to coincide with the newfound rivalry game, and the rest is history.

Still, this year could be even more successful in terms beyond wins or losses. The absence in Cincinnati of two semi-professional teams could help build a fan base for those people searching for local hockey games.

"We could always count on fans from Ducks games sticking around," Grove said. "But now we have a set game time."

And with the addition of tri-state schools Xavier and Northern Kentucky University on the team's schedule, the city could see new rivalries extending from the football field or basketball court.

"We are hoping to get people in the stands just because it's a game against Xavier," Grove said.

In addition to the team's on-ice agenda, they said they understand that the team is a part of the local community, and should be active in area charities.

Oct. 29 the Bearcats will donate any non-perishable item that fans bring to their game at the Cincinnati Gardens to St. Monica-St. George Church on W. McMillan.

Also, on Dec. 3, the team will give fans a chance to "Build-A-Bear," then during the second intermission fans can throw their bears onto the ice, with all donations going to the local Toys For Tots.

"We tell everyone that they represent the team, UC and Cincinnati," Grove said.

All of the team's home games are played at the Cincinnati Gardens. Admission is free.