YSU to host CHA playoffs at Ice Zone

BOARDMAN -- The Youngstown State men's hockey team is the host team for the College Hockey Association playoffs this weekend at The Ice Zone.
The ACHA Division II conference is comprised of five teams -- Hilbert, California (Pa.), Indiana (Pa.), Frostburg State and the Penguins.
The Penguins are the tournament's top seed after finishing the regular season 8-0 in the conference.
"Going undefeated is an excellent feat for any team at any level, but if we don't carry that through the weekend then we will not have reached our goal," said YSU's first-year coach, Rocky Russo. "The team set a number of goals this season, but the main one is winning the CHA Tournament."
Overall, the Penguins are 11-8 with all of their losses coming to Div. I teams.
"We played all the CHE [College Hockey East] teams tight this year but just didn't have the numbers to squeak out the wins," said Russo.
Four Boardman players
The Penguins' roster includes four former Boardman High players.
"We have come a long way this year and the program is growing. Hopefully we can do our part to help develop hockey in the Valley," Russo said.
The YSU program has developed close ties with both the Mahoning Valley Phantoms and the Ice Zone.
"Mr. [Bruce] Zoldan and Coach [Bob] Mainhardt have both been extremely supportive throughout the entire season. The ability to produce a winning team has been very exciting, both for the school and the rink," said Russo.
The tournament begins Friday and concludes Sunday at noon with the championship game. Individual game tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for all students showing school ID, and children under 12 years of age will be admitted free.
Frostburg State will play California (Pa.) Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Hilbert plays IUPUI at 4:30 p.m. and YSU will play the winner of Friday's game at 7:30 p.m.
Both Saturday winners return Sunday for the title game.