Weekend Games Moved
 
A malfunction in the ice making and refrigeration system at Wessman Arena has forced the Yellowjackets to move their games this weekend to a new venue, namely the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, the former home of the University of Minnesota-Duluth.  The problem has forced the Yellowjacket men's and women's hockey teams, Superior High School and all other renters to seek alternative ice sources for at least the next week.

The Yellowjackets will play host to Hamline on Friday, January 7 at the standard 7:05 p.m. start time.  The next night, they will host Bethel University with the game getting underway at 6:05 p.m.  The earlier start time is necessary to accommodate the UMD Bulldogs game, which will begin at 7:07 p.m. next door in their new home, Amsoil Arena.  It's important to note that both Yellowjacket games will be played at the DECC, not Amsoil Arena.

"This is a terribly unfortunate situation and a big inconvenience to a lot of different people and groups that use our facility on a regular basis," said Steve Kirk, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation in charge of Wessman Arena.  "We are using all of our resources and working with our contractors to have the situation resolved as quickly as possible so that the disruption in our arena programming is minimal."

The Yellowjackets held their first team practice at the DECC on Wednesday, and will practice there again Thursday leading up to the weekend's games.

"It is an inconvenience, but it is only a distraction if we make it one, so we're taking it like it's just another game in just another building," Head Coach Dan Stauber said.  "It isn't like we haven't played in other buildings throughout the year, and this isn't the first time we've played in a building of this size.  This is nothing new.  At the end of the day, we just need to go out, do our work and let everything take care of itself.  Whatever building we do that in does not matter."

Parking for the games will be in the main ramp at the DECC, at a cost of $4 per-vehicle.  Spectators are to use the main DECC entrance, where they will be able to purchase their tickets upon entry.  Ticket prices will remain the same as they would if the game were played at Wessman Arena: Adults - $8, Senior citizens and non-UWS students - $5.  UWS students and children under the age of six are admitted free.

"Of course we would be happier playing the games at home, at Wessman, but that isn't possible.  It's out of our control so we'll play the hand we're dealt and go out looking to open the second half on a great note," Stauber said.  "We always tell our players to worry about the things they can control.  None of us have control over this situation so we're going to enjoy playing in a Division I facility with all of its amenities and make the best of the opportunity.  Any way you look at it, we're playing hockey and we're going to enjoy that no matter where we are."

At this time it is not clear if the web stream of the games will be available on AmericaOne due to equipment issues at the DECC.  The games, as usual, will be carried live on KUWS and the audio stream will be available on www.ifan.tv.  Stay tuned to www.jackethockey.com for more information on the web stream for this weekend's games.