UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 27, Page 1
April 11, 1996
Ice hockey consolidation to meet increased demand

     The University announced April 8 it will consolidate all ice
hockey activities at the campus ice arenas into one, coordinated
program, effective June 1.
     "This new, comprehensive hockey program will better serve all our
hockey patrons and will provide a high level of professional
leadership for all phases of the sport," according to John J. O'Neill,
director of recreation and intramurals.
     "The consolidation will make available the highest quality hockey
programs to the community at large and will meet the growing demands
of UD students for hockey," he said.
     Included in the consolidated offering will be a:
        * college team and expanded programs for UD students;
        * adult programs;
        * in-house and travel youth programs;
        * regional select teams;
        * instructional programs and clinics for all age and ability
          levels; and
        * off-ice training coordinated by the Ice Arena's strength
          conditioning coach.

     "The organization will mirror that of our highly successful Ice
Skating Science and Development Center," O'Neill said.
     A search is under way for a hockey coaching director to manage
the program's direction, develop new programs, hire and supervise
coaches and serve as coach for the UD college team. A hockey programs
coordinator also will be hired to handle scheduling and management.
     Assisting with the transition is an advisory board, composed of
individuals who have been involved with ice hockey at the UD,
including alumni and area residents.