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Evolution Of A Team Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, where football was the sport, hockey didn't figure in much for kids like Kingsley. But he did manage to get some ice time in, enough to spark a revival of that passion about a dozen years later at Berklee. It was over winter break in 2005 that the seeds for the Ice Cats were planted for Kingsley, a music education and performance major. "I was at home and thinking it would be fun to play men's league hockey." Back on campus after the break, Kingsley took action and hung up flyers inviting students to join a hockey league. By spring of 2006, a fledgling team had come together and began practicing on nearby outdoor tennis courts and on a hockey court in Boston's North End. The group also secured ice time through a former team member who worked at an ice rink west of Boston, and later through captain Jimmy Gately—then serving as the team's de facto coach—who got the Ice Cats a discount on ice time at a rink south of the city. The Ice Cat's season officially kicked off in September 2006 with their first game. The team was enrolled in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. As it is for all new teams, the Ice Cats had to go through a probationary period; next season, they were granted full status in the league and allowed to participate in championship tournaments. The team is now a part of the NECCHL. In 2007, retired Boston Bruins legend John "Pie" McKenzie took charge in coaching the Ice Cats. The team really started to develop learning from one of the best. "They're coming along. This was a great game," McKenzie said after the Ice Cats crushed the Brawlers, 11-2, in 2007. Indeed, it was the Globe article that caught the attention of "Pie" McKenzie, prompting him to volunteer to coach the team. "When I was growing up, I had to practice at 5:30 a.m.," said Emily Hochman, one of two women on the team in it's beginning years and a fourth-semester professional music major from Montclair, New Jersey, whose funky attire has earned her the distinction as the team's fashionista. "Now, it's at the opposite end. I'd much rather stay up late than get up early," added Hochman, who played defense for the Ice Cats. In it's beginning years, the team had an undefeated collegiate record—as well as impressive standings against men's league teams and a win against the musician-based Boston Rockers—the team continued to gain momentum and a solid reputation. Still, it is working to find the right balance at a school known more for guitar picks than hockey pucks. The students, parents, friends, and teachers all come out to support the team. Berklee Backing The fact that the team even exists in the capacity that it does is a credit to Berklee's support, according to Kingsley. "I honestly can't say enough for what the school has done," Kingsley said. "They've given us access to a lot of resources. All through the process, all they had to do was say no. They're letting us do this ourselves. They're letting us grow and develop as people, which is what college is all about." In particular, Emily Page, Berklee's Director of Student Activities, helped the Ice Cats take their game to the next level. "I think it's important for a well-rounded student to experience," said Page, who, as a former competitive skier, appreciates the value of sports. "They should have the opportunity to participate in sports." Page saw to it that the Ice Cats got some seed money, and credits the team, in part, for being a catalyst for the creation of a fundraising account within the student activities' budget. The team's own fundraising efforts, including ticket sales at intercollegiate games, have gone into that fund. In addition, while a specified percentage of the sales at the Berklee Bookstore traditionally go to a general fund at the school, Berklee has agreed to give the team that percentage when it comes to Ice Cats merchandise. Still, the team has to watch its wallet, and is currently looking for sponsors. Not wanting to squander limited money on transportation, team members are on their own when it comes to getting to practices and games, relying on carpooling, Zipcars, cabs, and public transportation. The team counts on family for medical assistance and stat tracking. Larry Bethune, VP of Student Affairs/Dean of Students, hopes that the college can step up its role in supporting the team. "I would feel better if the school could help them more," he said. "We're trying to explore ways we can help them more. The school has really been behind the team to this day. "The school's help notwithstanding, there's no getting around the role Kingsley played. John did a lot," Page said. "He beat down doors. His persistence paid off and he should really be commended for that. "In fact, Kingsley got a crash course in the business of sports while pursuing his dream. "I just went at it with the tenacity of a little kid," Kingsley said. Along with the school's blessing, students have rallied behind the Ice Cats. "It gives the student body something to get behind, support, and be proud of, not that they're not already proud of Berklee," Kingsley said. The Ice Cats Today The Ice Cats have come a long way since their establishment in 2006. The team currently has a roster of players that have backgrounds in playing at prestigious high schools, junior leagues, and Canada leagues. In 2008, Boston Bruins legend John McKenzie resigned as coach of the Ice Cats and moved to UMass Lowell as the liaison for hockey development. The Ice Cats are currently coached by current captain Jimmy Gately. In their last season, the cats made it to the Semi-Finals in the NECCHL. Check out the team's schedule on the site and come support the team!!! Contact the team's current captain, Jimmy Gately cell# 781-710-1310, or the publicity coordinator, Jeff Martineau cell# 401-744-0553, and/or icehockey@berklee.net for more information. Article Written By: Lesley Mahoney / Berklee.edu Correspondent / March 28, 2007 Article Edited By: Jeff Martineau / Berklee Ice Cats Publicity Coordinator 09-10 / 2009 |
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