Floor hockey club serves up hits

Since the mid-1970s Penn State students have had the opportunity to imitate the power and style of their NHL heroes, only without the ice, in the Penn State floor hockey club.

The league consists of 18 teams, three divisions, and lots of competitive and spirited play. And the finals were played last week.

"The league is very organized," said Mark Horgas, the adviser and treasurer of the league as well as a former coach and star of the Penn State Icers. "It's run just like the NHL, with full contact, refs and very exciting play."

Thursday night the Chiefs, led by Horgas and league president Chuck Michio, defeated the Gamecocks, 3-1, in Game 2 of the best of three championship series, thus winning their fourth consecutive league title. Michio scored two goals and assisted on another, while Horgas played solid defense as the Chiefs ended up on top once again.

After one 10-minute period marked by solid goaltending, the game was locked in a scoreless tie. But the Chiefs exploded for two goals in the second period, and although the Gamecocks finally got on the board in the third period, Michio added an insurance goal to put an end to any comeback hopes.

The game became very physical in the third period as frustration and intensity began to set in. The Chiefs, however, milked the clock in order to guard against the Gamecocks getting back into the game.

It was not to be, as the referee blew the whistle to end the game and the season.

Horgas, a 1983 University graduate and member of the Penn State Icers Hall of Fame, once coached current Icer coach Joe Battista.

"I love the sport, and it's a great way to stay in shape," said Horgas of the floor hockey league.

Each team plays an 18-game season, and games are held in the Intramural Building on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights.

"Helmets and eye protection are required," said Gary Cohen (junior-MSIS), a member of the Citizen Keenans, who finished the year at 4-13-1.

There is a $300 entry fee per team, and fighting is prohibited, although like any hockey competition, somebody always seems to drop the gloves.

"I've been to every game this season," said Carlos Alcantasa (senior-communications), part of the pro-Gamecock crowd Thursday night. "Some of the refs suck, and the lack of real hard checking takes away from the game, but I'm always excited, and it's really competitive. There are some excellent athletes, and who doesn't like seeing fights?"

Some of the players have played organized ice hockey, although most have only played floor hockey.

"Most of the city kids grew up playing floor hockey, and it's great exercise," said Michio.

Added Horgas: "Lots of NHL stars have floor experience. John LeClair of the Flyers and Dino Ciccarelli from Tampa Bay came up playing in these types of competitions, and look where they are today. It's a great way to hone your skills."

There are line changes, penalties and lots of icing calls, and the walls are definitely in play.

"Our team has the most fun out of anybody," said Jeff Keiser (junior-biology), also a member of the Citizen Keenans. "We get blown out, but the real reason we play is to have fun -- and to hit people."

Both Horgas and Michio would like to thank Vance McCullough, who runs the Penn State intramural hockey program and oversees the Penn State Icers.

"He deserves a lot of credit," said Horgas. "We wouldn't be playing tonight if it wasn't for him."