Ice pavilion stays open for students

By BRETT CIONE
Collegian Sports Writer

For most students, late nights are times to finish up any last minute work, grab a snack, and talk with friends. But for others, they are a time to put on the pads, strap on the helmet and play some hockey.

Late nights at the ice pavilion set the scene for the intramural hockey league, and the term "late night" is not an exaggeration. IM hockey teams play Monday through Thursday with games beginning at 10:15 p.m. and concluding at 1 a.m.

Since its establishment in the 1970s, IM hockey has grown on Penn State's University Park campus. This year, there are 10 teams in the league, each playing one or two games a week.

The teams consist of both graduate and undergraduate students of varying skill and experience. Brian Batz, IM league president and player, said the program has no problem attracting players from all levels.

"Most players enjoy playing because competition and experience ranges from first year of organized hockey to 15 years coming in," he said.

The awkward ice times are directly correlated to the many activities that go on in the ice pavilion.

"This is the only time we can get in with Icers, figure skating and public skate," Batz said. "Most players will do anything to play, so time isn't a factor."

But the less-than-favorable ice times can put a strain on the players. Studies must be rearranged, and players must budget their time in order to balance both playing and studying.

"I plan my studies around this, and it's something to keep me in shape," said player Eric Lewbart (senior-accounting). "It's not hard to find two hours to play hockey."

Steve Carrel (junior-finance), another league member, concurred with Lewbart.

"As long as you don't watch TV and get work done, time isn't a factor," he said. "But I admit it's tough when you have an 8 a.m. the next day."

Since the season started last September, there are only three weeks of games left in the season, and the playoffs are not far ahead. All 10 teams will make the playoffs, and are given numbered seeds according to their regular-season records.

The first and second rounds, along with the semifinals, are each two-game series'. The team with the most cumulative goals advances to the next round. The finals are a best two-out-of-three series. The regular season ends March 15, and a champion should be crowned the first week of April.

The league also sponsors a traveling team, which consists of the best IM players.

The team is undefeated and will be the No. 1 seed at the championships at Indiana University of Pennsylvania on Feb. 24-26.