The annual tournament this year features the University of North Carolina, University of Richmond, UNC Charlotte, Appalachian State, and the Under 18 Junior Hurricanes.  The Inter-league competition between the ACCHL and the BRHC elite D3 teams reflects the improving competitiveness of Carolina and Colonial BRHC division teams. Some may be ready to move up to D2 status soon.
Friday Jan. 13

7:45 NC State v. UNC Chapel Hill @ Garner
10:15 Richmond v. UNC CHarlotte @ Cary
10:30 App State v. U18 Jr Hurricanes @ Garner

Saturday Jan. 14

7:45 NC State v App State @ Cary
9:15 Jr Hurricanes v. UNC Charlotte @ Garner
10:30 UNC Chapel Hill v. Richmond @Cary

Sunday Jan. 15

All games at RBC, 8, 11, 2 Teams TBD

Virginia Tech – Regular Season Champions
Mike Spradlin, Virginia Tech Head Coach – Coach of the Year
Dan Masiulis, NC State – Offensive MVP
Charlie Walsh, Georgetown - Defensive MVP
Andy Kleist, Duke – Goaltender MVP
Dave Kurtz – Lifetime Achievement In Hockey Award

Virginia Tech accepts the award for Regular Season Champions from Don Martin, ACCHL Commissioner

Mike Spradlin accepts the Coach of the Year Award from ACCHL Commission Don Martin

Dan Masiulis, NC State, accepts the ACCHL Offensive MVP from Don Martin, ACCHL Commissioner

Charlie Walsh, Georgetown, accepts the ACCHL Defensive MVP from Don Martin, ACCHL Commissioner.

Andy Kleist, Duke, accepts the ACCHL Goaltender MVP Award from Don Martin, ACCHL Commissioner.

Dave Kurtz received the Lifetime Achievement in Hockey Award from Don Martin, ACCHL Commissioner

• Offense: Dan Masiulis (N C State)
  
• Defense: Charlie Walsh (Georgetown)
  
• Goalie:  Andy Kleist (Duke)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!

The Stephen Russell Memorial was created in July 2009 to honor the passing of North Carolina State University student-athlete Stephen Russell, a goaltender on the NCSU Men’s Ice Hockey Team. The Memorial aims to carry forward his “positive approach to life and hockey” during the annual Canes Cup, recently renamed the Stephen Russell Memorial Tournament.

“Our players were really the impetus behind making this contribution to Stephen’s Memorial. It shows how close the collegiate hockey community is and how much these players care about one another,” said Virginia head coach Tony Fischer. “Our hearts are with the entire NCSU Men’s Ice Hockey Team during what must be a very difficult season.”

The Wolfpack lost one of their own over the summer, when Russell, a rising senior at NC State University, died on July 4, 2009 at Jordan Lake, NC. “There is a piece of the team that’s missing. Stephen was a special person with a passion for life on and off the ice. In retiring his jersey, we hope to carry his legacy and positive outlook on life forward so he can continue to influence us as a team and as members of the Wolfpack.” said GM/Associate Head Coach David Kurtz when speaking of the planned event.

Stephen’s mother, Kelly Buckley said she is “honored and humbled with how the team has honored the memory of her son. It speaks volumes about the character of the players and coaches, but also makes a strong statement about the caliber of students NC State University produces. The school and the team gave Stephen so much joy. That was the very reason we requested donations be made to the team in his memory.”

Club Hockey at NC State does receive some financial support from the university, but the majority of the operating budget comes from dues, ticket sales, sponsors and donations.

“NC State Hockey is a wonderful representative for the university in terms of its display of integrity and excellence,” said Buckley. “It is my hope that donations in his memory or for the team will continue, supporting the success of a program that played a huge part in my son’s life.”

The #20 jersey will be retired at the Home Opener game against UNC, on November 6, 2009 at the Rec Zone in Raleigh, North Carolina. The ceremony will begin at 9:15 p.m., and the game starts at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5.00 at the door for adults, $3.00 for children and students.

NC State Club Hockey has been active since 1978 and has a growing fan base within the university community and triad area. The program offers students an opportunity to play competitive hockey while pursuing studies at a nationally acclaimed university. For more information about the retirement ceremony, please contact GM/Associate Head Coach David Kurtz at 252-314-9657 or ncsucoach@gmail.com. For more information about the NC State Club Hockey Team or to make a donation, please visit www.ncsuhockey.org

The Russell family offered that, “The NC State Hockey team was his true passion,” and has requested that, in lieu of flowers donations be made to NC State Hockey.”