DANBURY, Conn. - Western Connecticut State University will play its first-ever varsity NCAA men's ice hockey game on Friday, October 31 at 4 p.m. against the Albertus Magnus College Falcons.  WestConn, coached by Doug Friedman, announced its intention to start varsity men's ice hockey in the spring of 2024 and the Wolves are excited to begin the season on Halloween afternoon at home in Danbury Ice Arena.  WestConn men's ice hockey will compete in the Little East Conference, the first year the league is sponsoring men's ice hockey as a varsity sport, and will play 18 conference games in addition to seven non-conference games this winter.  Admissions is free for WestConn students, faculty and staff with WestConn ID.  Tickets to each of the Wolves' 13 home games can be purchased in advance or at the door.  

"Friday afternoon will truly be a special moment in WestConn athletics' history, when we officially begin a new chapter that has been over 13 years in the making," said WestConn Director of Athletics Lori Mazza.  It has been built on hard work, dedication, and a shared passion for the game we love." 

The Wolves' 31-man roster features eight sophomores and 23 freshmen.  Sophomore transfers from Fredonia State, Jack Graham (Barnaby, British Columbia) and Luca Maiuri (Niagara on the Lake, Ontario) look to be key figures offensively.  Freshman Tony Morran (Boca Raton, Fla.) and sophomore Connor Loerzel (Gads Hill, Ontario), another transfer from Fredonia State, will anchor the defense.  Between the pipes, freshman Liam Lane (Castle Rock, Colo.) has been impressive in pre-season, along with fellow rookie Malle Hedlund (Skelleflea, Sweden).  

"We are eager to get out there and compete each and every game," said Friedman, formerly a member of the Boston University staff.  "We are looking to get better each day and see what we can do."