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Last Updated: Oct 16th, 2008 - 13:33:17 |
Late in the evening when most Metro students are just beginning their all-night cram sessions, 25 students arrive at the APEX Recreation Center to begin hockey practice.
Throughout the day there are hockey leagues that cover men and women, boys and girls from age 6 to adulthood. The challenge of having a 9 p.m. practice seems to be a benefit to head coach Curtis Duffus.
"The late practices help with students' schedules. Most students work, and with Metro being a commuter school, it is an advantage. Otherwise it would be hard to get everyone together," he said.
In addition to the late practices, these student athletes run into trouble paying their $1,500 fees.
"Hockey is an expensive sport," forward Troy Oakes said.
"We have to pay a lot in fees and supply our own equipment. We don't even get stick money. Almost every other league at least gives that."
Before and after practice, coach Duffus is talking to individual players about money and trying to come up with creative solutions, even though he admits that club hockey is very expensive.
The practices are two hours and divided into dry land -- such as warm ups and running -- and skating. The players were a bit sloppy when it came to dry land.
"We really aren't into dry land," Oakes said.
Even last year's leading scorer and team captain Turner Bahn said, "it's only our second week of practice, so we're working on the boring stuff."
However, once the team steps onto the ice, their mentality changes. The players work hard during practice by rushing to the boards, digging for pucks, followed by hard shots and lots of checking.
"I don't really see any pure goal scorers on the team," Duffus said.
Assistant coach and general manager Ryan Callahan agreed. "I really don't see too many high-scoring games this season. We're going to toughen them up and focus on defense," Callahan said.
When watching practice, one gritty player stands out: defenseman Erik Smiley. He is one of the biggest players on the team, and the team consensus is he plays with a mean streak.
"I try to line these guys up," Smiley said of the other players.
Even players on his own team are afraid of him.
"I do not want to get hit by that guy," said Oakes, who stayed away from contact because of a shoulder injury. "I have to get surgery after the end of the season, but I am going to play."
As for the season, coach Duffus seems optimistic, yet realistic, about the team's chances.
"Last year we were medium to not very good," he said.
"We have the most talented team I have seen. The problem is that the league as a whole gets more talented every year, so we are looking to improve faster than the rest of the league."
Metro club hockey will start the season against University of Colorado at Boulder club team -- one of the league's best -- on Sept. 27. The game starts at 9 p.m. at the Ice Ranch in Littleton.
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