MORRISVILLE, N.Y. – The SUNY Morrisville men's hockey team will be lacing up their skates Friday night as they play host to SUNY Canton at the Morrisville IcePlex, but for the team, it's more than just a game, it's the opportunity to share something they love with the young eyes that one day hope for the same opportunity.
 
SUNY Morrisville will be taking the ice in a benefit game for the Center State Youth Hockey Association, an organization that operates and plays out of the Morrisville IcePlex.
 
Offering youth hockey programs for all levels of play, from boys and girls as young as four years old in the learn to skate programs to as old as 16 at the midget level, the organization has seen a decline in its total membership over the past two years. During the 2022-23 season, the Mustangs have taken the initiative to work with the association on and off the ice, to not only teach the fundamentals of hockey, but important life skills that go along with being a part of a team and greater community.
 
The involvement the Mustangs have had to date on the year with the Association has seen the Learn to Play and Mites programs grow to more than double since their initial influence. Youth of all levels anxiously lineup to get those "high-fives" as the Mustangs take the ice for the opening face-off. Enthusiasm within the Squirt and Peewee teams is evidenced by the cheers that come from the stands on Mustang game days from the youth players and families as they proudly sport their green Center State apparel.
 
Enthusiasm for the environment of the college game itself, of course, but the opportunity to see in action those that have been teaching you skills, tips and tricks to the sport of hockey – it takes on a new meaning. Role models, excitement, and quite simply - the love of the game.
 
"Working with the kids at Center State is so enjoyable," Mustang sophomore defenseman Robert Haak (Spencerport, N.Y.) said.
 
"It puts a smile on my face when I get to see how much fun the kids are having when we come out to help them. From the learn to plays all the way up to the Peewees, all the kids want to learn. Every time I am there the kids always come up to me with a smile and say thank you."
 
"Having the opportunity to be a part of the Center State hockey community has been an incredible experience and I look forward to getting to work with the players and coaches all week," sophomore goaltender Ryan Creenan (Colonia, N.J.) said.
 
"Being able to support and help coach the young hockey players helps not only grow the players attending practices but also helps me piece together parts of my game."
 
Haak and Creenan are just two of many from the Mustangs squad to step on the ice weekly with the local youth.
 
Friday's game will bring all efforts full circle for both the Morrisville hockey program and the youth association, when the Mustangs donate back proceeds from their charity game and auction for game day jerseys bearing the Center State logo worn for further enhancement of the organization's programs and opportunities for the youth hockey community.
 
"It's not just fun for the kids but I have a great time out there with them," Haak said, "they are always telling jokes and playing keep away when we first get on the ice.
 
"To me it means a lot because it is helping to grow the game of hockey in a small town as well as helping to keep kids interested and in love with the game, we all love."
 
"I cannot thank Center State Hockey organization enough for allowing us to be a part of their community as well as their continued support SUNY Morrisville Hockey," Creenan said.

The Mustangs are inviting all members of the SUNY Morrisville campus and surrounding community, along with members of the Center State Youth Hockey Association to their Friday night benefit game. Morrisville will be wearing promotional game day jerseys that will be made available in an online/in-person auction for purchase. All proceeds will be donated to the Center State Youth Hockey Association for an even better experience.
 
"We're looking forward to a great event Friday night in support of the Center State Youth hockey program," head coach Kevin Krogol said. "We've been able to strengthen our relationship with the Center State program over the course of the season, with our heavy involvement and we are looking forward to another opportunity to support and grow this tremendous program and continue to give more kids in the local area, an opportunity to be involved in the game of hockey.
 
"In all we're looking forward to outstanding events and a great opportunity to show not only our athletic department, but our institutional support for the Center State program here on campus."
 
Bidding is currently open online with the online auction ending Thursday, February 2 at 5 p.m. Online bids through the Mustangs social media platforms can be placed by contacting Mustang Assistant Coach Andrew Veglucci at vegluca@morrisville.edu. Available jersey's may also receive in-person bids on Friday, beginning at 5 p.m., at the IcePlex and will close at the conclusion of the second period.
 
For more information, contact the men's hockey office at 315-684-6488.
 
SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.
 
The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2022 issue and was among the top 10 performers for social mobility, and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2022 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit www.morrisville.edu.