Hockey team unknown despite success

Between the renowned basketball team and the football team’s popularity exists a virtually unknown club hockey team.

While most in the school and community might not be aware IU has a hockey team, the Hoosiers are Division II stars. Last year they fought their way to the national championship game, losing to Davenport University. Senior forward Dan Karlander won the Great Midwest Hockey League (GMHL) Player of the Year award.

Both Karlander and his father, head coach Al, are gone. But new coach Tom Orr is no stranger to the program, having served as assistant coach and a player for six years. An adjunct professor, he is working on a doctorate in leisure behavior.

While the trip to the title game was impressive, the level of work the team does to stay afloat is equally impressive. They need $100,000 a year to operate. The players raise $60,000, with each shelling out $2,000 a year to be on the team. Alumni donations, program sponsors and overall fundraising make up the rest.

While the fan base is relatively small, Orr said there isn’t a lack of loyalty.

“Our fans understand we are a good team,” he said. “They understand that hockey is in an interesting sport, where sometimes even people who go on to play pro hockey never even lettered in it in high school.”

Orr said the team’s crowds compare to some varsity teams. Still, the lack of recognition can be discouraging.

“We don’t have the facilities and budgets that other organizations have,” captain Adam Fishbein said, “but we are playing college hockey at Indiana University, which anyone on the team would say is pretty special.”

Junior Adam Logue said he feels frustrated.

“I feel that we are just as serious as any program,” Logue said. “We just do not have the funding to be noticed.”

Many of the players also run the team’s business side. Junior forward Matt Grainda is team president, and Fishbein is team secretary in addition to captain.

While those responsibilities normally go to those not on the team, everyone is expected to do more.

“The only thing I feel bad about is that the guys on the team don’t get scholarships, and they also have to help with the logistics of running the team,” Orr said. “It’s a harder experience, but I think it’s a good experience for them in a lot of ways.”

The team kicked off the season with last year’s momentum, winning its first six games. Since then, the Hoosiers (8-4-0, 0-4-0) have struggled, losing two games each to Davenport and Michigan. They beat Wright State twice last weekend.

Because last year’s team made it to the finals with a 4-6-4 conference record, Logue said the club has no reason to panic.

“I feel that even though we are 0-4 right now, we are going to catch fire here before Christmas,” Logue said. “The GMHL is the best league in the country, and the crowned national champion usually comes from this league.”

Fishbein said this year’s team is comparable to last season’s group.

“I feel we are just as talented, but we need to find that drive that last year’s team had in the national tournament,” he said. “We are probably the second-best team in the GMHL and are working hard to become the best.”

Citing their camaraderie and work ethic, Orr believes the success of last year has stuck with the Hoosiers.

“Nothing against last year’s team, because we had all the success, but there’s definitely nothing to be disappointed in with this year’s team,” he said. “I think they came in with a great attitude and have done a lot of work to make the team better.”