Clarkson vs. SLU: twice fun, twice savings

POTSDAM — Area hockey fans get a bonus this season as the Clarkson and St. Lawrence hockey are facing each other in two nonconference games in addition to the two required ECAC Hockey contests.

The nonconference games take place this weekend, with Clarkson traveling to Appleton Arena for a 7 p.m. game Saturday and the Saints playing at Cheel Arena at 4 p.m. Sunday in a game that will be televised nationally by ESPNU. The two teams play their league games against each other on Feb. 6 and 7.

"The north country just loves to have these two teams compete, and it's a lot of fun that we can all use in the winter," said SLU athletic director Margie Strait. "It's a good idea we established together to create more fun, and it's guaranteed seats."

The extra games actually started last year, though Clarkson later switched its home date with SLU to squeeze in a game against former Golden Knight coach Jerry York's Boston College squad. It is a two-year trial and, at this moment, is not part of next year's schedule.

"The games will be tightly contested, we always play hard against each other," said Clarkson's associate head coach Greg Drechsel, who does the Golden Knights' scheduling. "It's important in our nonconference games to play quality opponents."

There are many benefits for the schools in playing each other, instead of each bringing in a lesser-known program for a pair of home nonconference games.

Each school should have a sellout for their games and money also will be saved by not sending their squad on a road trip, including the costs of a bus and hotel rooms.

Another factor is the difficulty each team has in finding enough nonconference opponents. Several conferences now play more than two games a year against league rivals, which hurts ECAC Hockey teams when they try to fill a midseason, nonconference weekend.

"It's more of a rivalry interest than a money-making thing," Clarkson athletic director Steve Yianoukos said of the weekend series. "With all the budgets and everybody watching the economy, institutions are very careful on how they spend their money. It's a lot easier going 10 miles than four hours somewhere."

Both teams have not played a home game for almost a month and starting off the new year playing their rival school seems ideal for Strait, even though SLU's students are on break and will not be at Saturday's game.

"I think it's a win-win for both the revenue side and spectator side of having that game," Strait said. "This generates interest and positive energy."

Last year's nonconference game at SLU was the season opener for each team and was also televised nationally by ESPNU. Sunday's game will mark the first time Clarkson has had Cheel Arena featured for a national television audience.

"It's good exposure for the program when you are on TV and it gives us a chance to show off the facility, which will be beneficial," Drechsel said.

While the games are not part of next year's schedule, it sounds like each school is interested in bringing them back.

"Under more challenging academic times it's a good way to look at being proactive and knowing you'll have a good revenue base, and it's always good for the community," Strait said.

Said Yianoukos, "You can make more money, spend less and create more interest, and to me that's not a bad thing."

TWO-WAY PLAYER

Freshman Louke Oakley, a native of Whitby, Ontario, has spent the past four games playing defense for the Golden Knights, even though he was brought in as a forward.

"He can skate and he makes all the little plays," said Clarkson assistant coach Jean-Francois Houle, who works with the defense in practices. "I think he wants to be a forward, but he's the type of kid who will do anything for the team to win."

Oakley had some experience playing defense in junior hockey and has picked up two goals and three assists through his first 17 games.

"It's definitely different at this level, just the speed," Oakley said. "I have just tried to keep things real simple and play mistake-free hockey."

FROM SPECTATOR TO PLAYER

Ogdensburg native Jake Morley, a freshman forward at Clarkson, said he attended several Clarkson/SLU games as a kid. But he will experience it from the ice for the first time Saturday night at Appleton Arena.

"I mostly remember the atmosphere, it was packed and loud," Morley said. "I always wanted to be a part of the game, but I never thought I would."

AROUND THE RINK

It's not as dramatic as when brothers John and Matt Poapst squared off against each other in a Clarkson/SLU game, but this weekend's games will divide one Canton family, cousinsJoeandRyan Spadaccini. Joe is a freshman goalie at SLU, but he has not seen any ice time this season. Ryan, a junior, is Clarkson's student equipment manager. They were teammates at Canton high school. ... Clarkson seniorDan Tuttlewill also get a chance for a family reunion this weekend as his younger brother,Casey, is a goalie for the Elmira Soaring Eagles, who face SUNY Potsdam Saturday in Maxcy Hall.

Sportswriter Cap Carey covers Clarkson hockey for the Times. You may reach him at ccarey@wdt.net