UW-SP hockey has attracted over 14,000 game attendees in the 2008-2009 season.
UW-SP men’s hockey team: Best sport
The Pointer
rnech142@uwsp.edu
Whether it is the fast-paced action of the game, hard hits or the thunderous rowdy crowd making noise on Friday and Saturday night home games, the Pointer hockey program definitely draws an impressive number of fans.
“I believe the atmosphere at the K.B Willet is unlike anywhere else in DIII hockey,” senior forward Russell Law said. “In my four years playing here, I have yet to play at a rink with fans more energetic than ours.”
In a time that could only be described as the “Era of Brotherhood” for the team, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point men’s hockey squad leads the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association in total fan attendance.
They have drawn over 14,000 fans to their 13 home games throughout the season, compared to a combined 2,797-attendance rate from their opponents. That means the Pointers draw in an average of 1,115 fans to the 1,800-person capacity home facility per competition.
It is no wonder the team also earned The Best of Point best sport category as well this year.
“Winning this award is a tremendous honor because our fans mean everything to us,” Nichol said. “This campus has so many incredible sports teams with winning traditions, so for the students to pick us is truly an honor.”
Head coach Wil Nichol has been adding to the excitement since he arrived to head the program. The Dawg Pound (the students section) numbers have been building, as has the enthusiasm for the program.
A Pointer himself at UW-SP from 1994 through 1998, Nichol wanted to realize the intimidation potential of the home crowd he had experienced during his time as a defenseman for the team. He considers UW-SP’s fans to be a part of the team, a presence to be respected.
“I think a lot of it has to do with the seating at the arena. The fans are right on top of the action; it is a low ceiling, the band and the rowdy crowd really create an incredible atmosphere,” Nichol said. “A big thank you to our fans; they truly are our seventh man and they have made the Willett an incredible place to play.”
Working together with the community, the team has forged a bond with its fans. It attracts students and common folk alike to the games at K.B. Willett Arena.
Law said the team is a well-bonded group that works hard and knows how to compete. He also said it meant a lot to be a part of a team that the UW-SP students named the “Best sport” for 2009.
“I think that it is a great honor to win this award,” senior Andrew Cankar said. “It shows how much support we have from our students.”
The Pointers are currently 13-5-2 overall and 4-4-1 in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association, in its last leg of the season. The Pointers have five more conference match- ups scheduled, including their final regular season showdown against UW-Eau Claire at home on Saturday, Feb. 14, in a Valentine’s Day finale.
“I just want to thank all the fans for supporting us and cheering so loud; we appreciate it so much,” senior Taylor Guay said. “The fans make Stevens Point the best place to play hockey.”
