Welcome to the 2022-23 Season

Welcome to another exciting season of UK Hockey! Last year, we had the goal of reaching Regionals and then Nationals. We achieved the first half of our goals. This year, it’s Nationals or bust!

The 2021-22 season got off to a fast start, winning six of our first seven games. The Cats headed to Louisville for a Showcase event, winning both games and finishing with the highest point total of the teams competing that weekend. After two spirited contests against a talented North Carolina St team, the Cats took on Alabama’s D1 team. The first matchup was a nail biter, going down to the wire. Unfortunately, the Cats were on the short side of a 2-1 game. The second night, the Cats came to play, putting up seven goals and winning 7-4.

Next, we moved into league play, which is the Tri-State Collegiate Hockey League (TSCHL). There are no easy games in the league, especially on the road. We were able to finish the fall semester with seven wins against three losses. The spring semester was even more challenging, but we did sweep Michigan to finish out the regular season.

We finished ranked 8th in the Southeast regional, which qualified us for Regionals. A heartbreaking loss to UPenn ended our stay at Regionals several days too early. For the five graduating players, they were a big part of the development of the program, from where it was five years ago to reaching regionals. We appreciate their dedication and commitment to hard work.

In addition to the team success, several of our players were recognized for their performances. Gabe D’Amico was named freshman of the year in the TSCHL. Gabe was also named to the second team All Conference, along with Brett Quinn and Tim Burke. Senior Captain Gary Eastlack was named to the first team All Conference team. Gary finished thirteenth in the country in points, totaling 55 on 28 goals and 27 assists. Quite a balanced season!

Off the ice, our student athletes excelled in the classroom. We finished the year with a 3.22 GPA. We also had 16 young men make the Dean’s List over the course of the year, with eight earning perfect 4.0s. We take academics seriously and are proud of our boys for their dedication to their studies.

As we look forward to the season ahead, the competition does not get any easier. The Cats will host UNC for two games, NC State for one, plus a match up with UMass-Lowell. Then there’s the league play which will be a battle every game. The Cats have another tremendous freshman class to sup-port returners Gabe D’Amico, Brett Quinn and Tim Burke. Additionally, Gary Eastlack is returning for graduate school to have one more shot at winning a title.

The excitement is building. Can you feel it? We appreciate all our fans and look forward to having you back out for some Midnight Mayhem! Get ready for another exciting season of UK Hockey!