2008-09 SCHEDULE RELEASED

The schedule for the 2008-09 season has been released, and it will be strikingly similar to the team's schedule of last season. "We don't have the teams in the west that they do in the east, so we will essentially be playing the same teams each year," said head coach Dan Stauber.  "This isn't necessarily a bad thing.  Obviously, it would be nice to see a new team each season, but with the budget constraints that we have that isn't always the case.  But with playing the same teams each season, the opportunity exists for us to really develop and build on the rivalries that we have." The 'Jackets will play a pair of games, one home and one on the road, against the other seven teams in the NCHA.  They will also play games against seven teams from the MIAC (all teams in the league with the exception of St. John's and Concordia) and four against teams from the MCHA, including a home-and-home matchup with Finlandia, just like last season. "There are other teams that are closer to us than Finlandia that would have made for an easier trip, but we both needed the game and the two-game agreement worked well last year so we're doing it this season as well," Stauber said. The schedule calls for 25 games and does not include an exhibition game against Team USA, like the 'Jackets had in 2005-06 and 2007-08.  "They only come out this way every two years, so they won't be out this season.  But each time we get the chance to play them, we are absolutely going to do that.  It is a great time for us to play against some of the best up-and-coming players in the country." Twin Ports rival St. Scholastica will make their only appearance at Wessman Arena on February 13, which will close out the regular season.  Longtime rival St. Norbert will visit the 'Jackets on November 22.  This season will also mark the last time the 'Jackets will play two games against Lake Forest that count in the NCHA standings.  Beginning in 2009-10, the Foresters will jump from the NCHA to the MCHA. "You hate to lose a team that has been a member of the league for as long as they have, but it is a move that is in their best interests," Stauber said.  "They are moving to a league that has opponents closer to them allowing them to save some money on travel, and they feel that they will also be going to a league that will allow them to be more competitive so all around it's a good thing for them." The 'Jackets will open the season at home against Northland College on Thursday, October 23.  Home games can once again be seen on the Internet via the Ifan.tv network and all games will be broadcast live on KUWS 91.3 FM and on the Internet at www.kuws.fm. "It's still summer, but the start to the season is just around the corner.  The players will be returning to town in less than a month and before you know it, the season will be here," Stauber said.  "After the way last season ended, we are really looking forward to getting going on what we think is going to be a great season of hockey for our team and our fans."

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