Franklin Pierce To Host “Pierce Pride” Event At Saturday’s Ice Hockey Game

Free thunder sticks for first 150 wearing Pierce Pride t-shirts

RINDGE, N.H. (January 21, 2009) – The Franklin Pierce University Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the campus’ Sports and Recreation Club, will host a “Pierce Pride” event during Saturday night’s ice hockey game at The Winchendon School Ice Arena. The Sports and Recreation Club has sponsored several promotions in connection with the contest, which is set for a 7:30 p.m. faceoff as the Ravens host Becker.

"Pierce Pride" is part of the NCAA Division II Game Environment Initiative, founded in part by Franklin Pierce University President Dr. George J. Hagerty during his tenure as Chair the Division II President's Council in 2004-2005. Game Environment is part of NCAA Division II's strategic positioning initiative, which also includes Community Engagement, to help create a positive family friendly venue for all spectators, student-athletes and officials.

More on the Division II Game Environment Initiative can be found at:
http://www.diicommunity.org/gameenvironment/index.aspx

Franklin Pierce was the first of 11 Northeast-10 Conference members to sign the "Division II Game Environment Pledge" affirming its participation in fostering a positive game environment at all home athletic events.

Saturday marks the second “Pierce Pride” event of the winter season, as well as the first held in concert with ice hockey. The campaign is designed not only to foster pride in and increase support of the athletics programs, but also to create a greater interest in all University co-curricular campus activities. The first “Pierce Pride” event of the year, held at the men’s and women’s basketball openers on Nov. 19, drew the biggest crowds of the season at the Fieldhouse as over 800 fans turned out to watch the Ravens take on Massachusetts Lowell.

Free thunder sticks will be given away at the door to the first 150 fans arriving at The Winchendon School Ice Arena wearing their white “Pierce Pride” t-shirts.

Admission to Franklin Pierce ice hockey games is always free of charge. Free transportation will be provided between campus and the arena for those students who do not wish to drive. Shuttle buses will depart from the Fieldhouse approximately every 20 minutes between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. prior to the game. Buses will begin leaving the arena at 9:30 p.m. for the return trip to campus and will continue as necessary until the arena is emptied. Bags and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on the shuttles.

For those driving to the rink on their own, directions can be found at: http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/sports/ih/misc/ihrinkdirections

The Franklin Pierce ice hockey team (4-8-2, 1-1-0 NE-10, 3-5-2 ECAC Northeast) posted the first shutout in program history last week when junior goaltender Jon Tuttle (Concord, N.H./Concord) made 30 saves in a 4-0 victory at Southern New Hampshire. Freshman forward Anthony Chighisola (Whitman, Mass./Archbishop Williams) tallied his first career hat trick in the game and finished the week with three goals and three assists for six points to earn Northeast-10 Conference Freshman of the Week honors.