Courtesy of Oswego Sports Information Department.
OSWEGO, N.Y. – The Oswego State men's ice hockey season begins this week with an exhibition game against the Carleton Place Canadians of the Central Canadian Hockey League (CCHL) on Saturday at the Marano Campus Center Arena. Oswego is hosting its annual Teal Gate to help raise awareness of ovarian cancer.
Oswego is comprised of 24 returners and two newcomers for the 2019-20 campaign. The Lakers and Carleton Place faced-off in an exhibition last season, with Oswego claiming a 5-3 victory. Trailing 2-0 late in the first, the Lakers' Travis Broughman – a former Carleton Place Canadian – cut the deficit in half and sparked a four-goal run for Oswego. Broughman added an assist later in the game while Anthony Passero dished three helpers. Other returning players that recorded points in the win were Tanner Spink (goal, assist), Joseph Molinaro (goal), Joey Scorpio (assist) and Mitch Emerson (goal).
Prior to Saturday's faceoff, the program will continue its series known as Hometown Heroes, which recognizes outstanding individuals who have served the Oswego campus or local communities. For Teal Gate, Oswego will recognize Dan and Cindy Mather. Dan and Cindy are the practice manager and accountant, respectively for Oswego Country OB-GYN, P.C. The practice has served Oswego County for more than 55 years and the duo has supported Teal Gate since its inception.
For Saturday's Teal Night, fans are encouraged to wear teal in an effort to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. If you are lacking teal in your wardrobe, 1,700 teal t-shirts will be handed out at the entrance to the arena on Saturday. Several community members, organizations and businesses donated to the cause in order to attain the t-shirts. Much like those in attendance, the men's ice hockey team will be wearing its teal jerseys as well. A game-worn teal jersey will be raffled off at the Teal Gate event that is taking place from 4-6:30 p.m. in the Hearth Lounge and Food Activity Court in the Marano Campus Center. Team captain Josh Zizek will present the raffle winner with the teal jersey following the conclusion of the game. The Teal Gate will also include games (i.e. Cornhole, Score-O), face painting, temporary tattoos and teal merchandise.
The cause is very close to the men's ice hockey program, as head coach Ed Gosek's wife Mary – an alumnae and 34-year employee at Oswego State – passed away from the disease in June of 2017. Mary dedicated her final years to combatting ovarian cancer in any way she could, including founding Peaceful Remedies and becoming president of the Oswego Chapter of Hope for Heather. In order to honor Mary's boisterous personality, the Lakers ask fans to partake in their twist on a moment of silence called "Mary's Minute." For the first minute of each period on Saturday, fans are asked to cheer loudly in honor of Mary.
Prior to the men's game, the women will commence their season with an exhibition against the London Jr. Devilettes at 3 p.m. The women will also be raising awareness by competing in their teal jerseys as well.
Make sure to come out and support both teams on Saturday while also raising awareness and helping to fight ovarian cancer. Tickets are currently available online at tickets.oswego.edu, by calling the box office at 315-312-3073 or by visiting the box office during its hours of operation. Students are encouraged to collect their free ticket for hockey games through the online portal for an easier and quicker process.
