Hockey team opens season on road

The hockey team kicks off its season this weekend with a three-game road trip. The Hoosiers face Eastern Michigan University tonight, then travel to the University of Toledo for a two-night series against the Rockets Friday and Saturday.\n"We're going up there to play three games, and the goal would be to win all three games," said junior forward and alternate captain Bryan Grant. "We're looking forward to getting the season underway."\nThe Eastern Michigan Eagles are in first place in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League. The team boasts a 4-0 conference record with 16 points, 8 points ahead of the equal-standing Ohio University Bobcats. The Eagles are a Division I hockey team, one of three Division I teams the Hoosiers must battle this year.\n"They're one of the best club teams in the country," coach Rich Holdeman said. "As we approach this game, I'm thinking it's not the best situation (to be) playing the first game of the season on the road. But I'm confident our team can play with those guys. It's a challenge I look forward to."\nBeyond being the Hoosiers' first game of the season, Holdeman has chosen to start goalie sophomore Charlie Pulley, who transferred from EMU earlier this year.\n"I think (Eastern Michigan will) definitely be pumped up to try to take it to him," said Grant. "We'll probably have to look out and protect him a little. I think we'll be excited to play."\nIts home games against the Hoosiers Friday and Saturday will be the University of Toledo's first two Midwest Collegiate Hockey League games of the 2000-2001 season. The team is 0-2 in overall play this year after losing to John Carroll University 7-3 Friday and 9-2 Saturday.\n"In the past, we've done pretty well against Toldeo," said Holdeman. "I hope that would continue."\nOverall, Holdeman said he has high expectations for the weekend.\n"I'd love to take away (from this weekend) three victories, for starters," said Holdeman. "After that, (I hope) we develop confidence with each other and that we knit the team together. We have a lot of work to do, to get everyone integrated and playing our system. This is where it's got to happen. I'd like to see the team come together here"