The Texas A&M ice hockey team is looking to continue a four-game win streak when they face off against the University of Texas at home following a Sunday night 11-5 win against Texas State.
A&M will host Texas in the first rivalry ice hockey matchup of the season on Friday, Nov. 1, after a two-game series win against Texas State on Oct. 25 and Oct. 27. Last season, A&M and Texas split their games with A&M losing 3-4 in Austin, while winning 6-3 at home.
Texas A&M is currently 7-2-2 and Texas is 7-3-3 in regular season play. Puck drop at Spirit Ice Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Although this season is different from last year, the Aggies are familiar with some returning Longhorns and will focus on shutting down Texas’s top performers.
“They have a faster style and we have to make sure we are playing structurally sound,” coach Gary Russell said. “We have to make sure we learn from our mistakes.”
Russell described how the rivalry holds significance for both schools, which explains the anticipated large turnout of fans.
“With Texas coming back and joining the SEC, this game means a lot,” Russell said.
Games against in-state rivals require feeding off the energy on the rink. Without a strong fan presence it feels different, especially compared to playing at home.
“For many players, this will be the largest crowd for which they have ever played, so it’s important to remind them of the environment and help refocus the team,” kinesiology senior F Marshall Rushing said.
General studies freshman defenseman Grant Givens commented on the state of hockey in college, how it is a significant step up, with the speed and pace of the game increasing noticeably.
Despite being from out of state and unfamiliar with the rivalry, Givens said this game was still circled on the calendar because of its significance.
“I am happy to be a part of this; it is something truly special,” Givens said. “I have never been more excited for a game in my life.”
Texas coach Kyle Galloway described this game as one that both teams always look forward to as the fast and physical gameplay creates a playoff-like atmosphere.
“One thing that’s important for us is making sure we control our emotions and play within ourselves,” Galloway said. “There will be highs and lows during the game which are now amplified by the setting, so focusing on one shift at a time will give us the best chance to win.”
According to Galloway, Texas’ most significant improvement since last season is the depth of their lineup, which was a key focus for them during the summer as they prepared for the upcoming recruiting class.
“As a coach, you want to have as many options as possible within your roster, and the players we had come in this year have done a great job filling those gaps,” Galloway said.
Computer science senior F Ethan Chen described how A&M hockey brings similar excitement and energy as football
“You need to experience [the rink] at least once in your life,” Chen said. “There are always big hits, big plays, energy, hype — it is all represented here.”
The last time the Maroon and White hosted a match was against TCU on Oct. 18-19, when the Aggies finished with a 6-3 win in Game 1 and a 5-4 overtime win in Game 2.
Tickets can be purchased at Spirit Ice Arena at the walk-up window or over the phone and are $20 for students with a student ID, or $25 for general admission.
