Oct 19, 2013 | CHadad | 1365 views
NCAA Experience
The Cambridge Hawks Minor Midgets AAA team embarked on a 3 day NCAA journey from Oct.11-13. that took them to Notredme and Western Michigan.
On our arrival on Friday, the team was invited to a presentation by Paul Pooley, Associate Head Coach of the Notredame University Hockey Team. He spoke to the players about recruitment, academics and the level of dedication and coomitment that is required to be a complete elite student athlete. Following the presentation, the team had an opportunity to practice on centre ice, where an hour and a half later, the Fighting Irish Notredame Hockey Team would take on Western Michigan in their home-opener. Prior to the game, the team had the opportunity to eat at the South Dining Hall with other students. The Hall looked like it belonged right out of a scene from Harry Potter. The game was a high tempo display of skill and talent from the players, and well-choreographed chants and cheers from the students that helped Notredame to outscore Western Michigan.
On Saturday, the team enjoyed a tour of Notredame's Hockey Facility led by Michael McNeil, Programming and Instruction Manager, that included the dressing room, weight/cardio room and lounge area that was absolutely incredible. Following a walk through the beautiful Notredame campus, the team headed to Western Michigan to play their first exhibition game against the Michigan Hounds Minor Midget AAA. Hawks would emerge victorious with a score of 8-1. Later that evening, the team would attend the home-opener for Western Michigan Broncos against Notredame. The arena was so electric with the cheers and energy from the students and supporters, but again Notredame would prevail and take this game as well.
On Sunday, after an early team breakfast, the Hawks played their second exhibition game against the Hounds and was again on the winning side with a final score of 8-2. After lunch, it was back on the bus and home to Cambridge. It was an amazing 3 day experience, for the players and the family members that joined along, one they will all surely remember for a very long time.