ACC Hockey League

The North Carolina State University Club Hockey Team will be retiring the jersey of Stephen Russell at their home game against UNC on November 6, 2009.

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