Hockey Island

RMU Island Sports Center (84 Lumber Arena)
Location: Neville Island, Pennsylvania
Opened: 1998
Seating Capacity: 1200

The next arena I will be examining in my blog is the RMU Island Sports Center Ice Arena. My team played a game here last weekend, against our conference rivals, the Robert Morris University Colonials.

Island Sports Center is owned by Robert Morris University and serves as a public ice arena. After entering the lobby, there is a concession stand located on the left and a pro shop on the right. After walking past the front desk, which is ironically an island in the lobby, players enter the dressing room hallways. This week we had to walk past a circus of sorority girls who were selling baked goods for a fundraiser. The dressing rooms are very generic and are similar to those that can be found in any public ice arena.

Typically, at the end of each season college teams will host what is called "Senior Night", and recognize all of its graduating seniors. These games are usually scheduled on the last home, regular season game and make for an emotional night as the home team. Robert Morris happened to be hosting their senior night this past weekend. The 4 seniors from RMU lined up on the goal line as the remaining players were on their respective benches. Each senior was called one-by-one to take a picture with their family, and present a rose to his mother, while having his accolades announced to the arena's fans. It's a pretty neat celebration, and regardless of which team they represent, all the players pay their respect by tapping their sticks on the boards during the applause.

RMU Island Sports Center. Source: http://tinyurl.com/htf69ay

After the senior ceremony, a hockey game broke out in Neville Island. Robert Morris usually receives a large turnout from its fan base, and this weekend was no exception. The university sponsors a youth hockey program that influences young players to come watch their idols play hockey. The university's band was also in attendance. The band sits behind our goalie during the first and third periods and not only does it play music between whistles, but it also initiates many, sometimes ruthless, chants.

It was a tight game between the two teams and after being tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, required sudden death overtime. There was an exceedingly intense feeling in the air, as the Colonials wanted to be victorious on their senior night, and we were playing for two crucial points in the standings. Unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of the scoreboard at the end of the game. As if it was written in a script, one of their senior forwards had the game winning goal in O.T. to win the game. It must have been an extremely memorable moment in his hockey career.

The Island Sports Center resembles many of the rinks in Atlantic Hockey, including the Mercyhurst Ice Center, in that it is extremely ordinary and basic. There is not a lot that distinguishes itself from other public hockey arenas. However, being located on an island, in the middle of Pennsylvania, gives it a rather unique characteristic. Although, you won't be needing sunscreen in February on this island.

Thank you for your continued support of my blog. Please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Go Lakers!

- Joshua Lammon