2009-10 NEWS RELEASES

UOIT Ridgebacks Media Release
Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Ridgebacks ready for an ‘Ivy League Showdown’

OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT Ridgebacks men’s hockey team is preparing for the ‘2009 Ivy League Showdown’ as they take on the Yale University Bulldogs and the Brown University Bears in an exhibition series this weekend.

This year’s showcase series marks the Ridgebacks third year taking on Ivy League opponents, and UOIT head coach Marlin Muylaert knows that it will be a good challenge and experience for his team.

“We are looking for a strong team effort this weekend against some very tough opponents,” said Muylaert. “It will be a good experience for the guys to travel together and get the opportunity to play some new opponents. Everyone is looking forward to the weekend series.“

The showcase series will mark the beginning of the 2009-10 Ivy League hockey season as Princeton will take on Brown and Yale in regular season games, while UOIT will play the two teams in exhibition matches. Different from the past two years, UOIT will travel to the arena of their opponent, rather then the four games taking place at one central location.

Yale enters the season ranked seventh in the national collegiate hockey rankings, which includes a first place vote for being the top team in the country. The Bulldogs are coming off their greatest season in program history which featured a school-record 24 wins, three conference championships and a No. 5 national ranking. Yale, who won their second regular season ECAC Hockey title and the school's first-ever tournament championship, have the potential to reach similar heights this season in the newly renovated Ingalls arena.
 
Brown University is looking to win their sixth Ivy League title and qualify for their fifth NCAA Tournament appearance. Under the direction of first-year head coach Brendan Whittet, Brown is eager to begin the new season, as there is a renewed sense of energy and excitement about the team. Helping to lead Brown this year are senior tri-captains Jordan Pietrus, Devin Timberlake, and Aaron Volpatti, as the Bears look to improve upon last season's 12th place finish.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS

Conference Record: 2-5-0
Overall Record: 3-8-0

Next Action:
Friday, October  30
Brown @ Princeton (4 p.m.)
UOIT @ Yale (7 p.m.)

Saturday, October 31
UOIT @ Brown (7 p.m.)
Yale @ Princeton (7 p.m.)

Next Home Action:
Saturday, November 7 vs. Brock (7:30 p.m.) – Campus Ice Centre

ALL-TIME RESULTS: UOIT vs. IVY LEAGUE

2007-08
Brown defeated UOIT 2-0
Princeton defeated UOIT 5-0

2008-09
Yale defeated UOIT 3-1
Princeton defeated UOIT 9-2


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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)
scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca