JMU Ice Hockey Interview

I recently sat down with JMU Ice Hockey goalie Douglas Fordham for an interview (as far as I know the first ever interview about JMU Ice Hockey...go figure). I think it's about time they get some recognition. After all, they are THE ice hockey team...as varsity as it gets at JMU...

1) When did the Ice Hockey team begin at JMU?

The Ice Hockey team began in March of 2008. The team manager Meg Emery organized mostly everything, got all the necessary paper work done, and was the driving force behind getting this team off the ground. Since then the ice hockey team has been doing very well as an organization at JMU.

2) How is the team selected? Are there tryouts? How many players are on the team?

This past year it was based on if you could play, you could play for us. We’ve had an incredible number of people asking about the team this year, and we’re expecting around forty or fifty players to come out, so this year we are introducing a tryout system. And we are coed, so everyone is welcome. We will take twenty players (18 players, two goalies) and also three reserves in case of injuries or players not being able to play.
Funny...I figured they just pulled names out of a hat...

3) Who is the coach?

Coach Frank Ashby is a William and Mary graduate from Richmond, VA. He has been tremendous for our team; I can honestly say without him there was no way we would be as good as we were last season, nor as good as we’re expected to be this upcoming season.

4) How many games do you play each year? When does your season take place?

Last season we played seven games, this year we are looking to get in around fifteen games. Twenty would be amazing, but fifteen is ideal. The schedule is still not complete, and won’t be until July (so soon), but we have some key games already. The biggest of those is a weekend “home-and-home” series against the University of Virginia on September 25th and 26th. Everyone on the team has those games circled, as we lost pretty bad to them last year (11-3).
It also helps for the team to play away, because it cuts down on costs....similar to away Football playoff games

5) What schools do you play?

Last year we played Liberty University three times (D2 once, D3 twice), Northern Virginia Community College, Roanoke College, UVA, and also Sperry Adult Hockey based out of Charlottesville. This year we joined the Blue Ridge Hockey Association in the Atlantic Division, so we will be facing new opponents such as Catholic University (formerly in the Mason-Dixon conference), William and Mary, George Mason, VMI, Radford, and VCU.

6) Where is your home rink?

Our home rink is the Charlottesville Ice Park, located in scenic downtown Charlottesville. The website is http://www.icepark.com

7) What was your record last year?

Our record was 4-3, which for an inaugural season is amazing. Our first ever win in school history came against Roanoke College (5-4). We were down a goal going into the third, but managed to put two in the net and take it home.

8) Do you have any traditions or rituals?

Haha, well I’m sure a lot of people have heard of some crazy rituals like not washing/changing socks or other articles of clothing. Personally, I make sure I take care of myself the night before so that the next day I feel good. Before the game I like to go for a light run, do some sprints, and stretch a lot. I usually say a prayer too. The one thing we do as a team is the before-game speech. It’s usually given by a captain or team leader, and sometimes by Coach Ashby.
All I heard was...blah blah blah sacrifice to the hockey gods blah...

9) Does the Ice Hockey team have any merchandise?

As of now, we do not have any official merchandise for sale. Any merchandise we choose to sell must be approved by UREC (University RECreation, they run sports clubs at James Madison) but we are hoping for shirts of some kind, and quite possibly jerseys. I know a lot of people would love to get their hands on a JMU Ice Hockey jersey. I want another one!!

10) Is there anything else you would like the readers to know about the JMU Ice Hockey team?

Come out to a game and see us play. Admission is free, and after the game there is plenty to do downtown in Charlottesville. We’re expecting the team to be pretty good this year, and with Coach Ashby at the helm I know we’re going to make a run for nationals. We also have a website if you want to get some up-to-date info, and see our schedule. http://www.brhockey.com/jamesmadison
They're looking to make a name for themselves...so other schools...consider yourselves warned!