NCAA hockey begins at Trine

Trine University launched its NCAA Division III men's hockey program Friday, Oct. 27, with a home game at Thunder Ice Arena against the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

A ceremonial puck drop by Chuck and Lisa Surack of Sweetwater preceded the game. The Suracks were recognized for Sweetwater's support of the Ice Arena, and the company's logo is displayed on center ice.

Keith Busse, chairman of the Board of Directors for Steel Dynamics, Inc., was recognized for the Steel Dynamics Foundation's $1.5 million gift toward the arena. The arena's ice surface is officially named the Thunder Steel Dynamics Ice Rink, with the company's logo also prominently displayed on center ice.

Drs. Ralph D. and Sheri G. Trine, the university's namesakes and members of the Board of Trustees, were recognized for gifting the land on which the ice arena is donated.

Freshman defenseman Josh Hinderliter from Wyandotte, Michigan, scored the Thunder's first NCAA goal as Trine took a lead in the second period, but UW-Stout rallied to win the game 2-1. Freshman forwards Carmine Taffo of Staten Island, New York, and Corey Robertson of South Lyon, Michigan, assisted on the score.

The women's NCAA Division III team will play its first home game beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3.

Photos: Top, from left, Storm; Keith Busse, chairman of the Board of Directors for Steel Dynamics, Inc., and member of the Trine University Board of Trustees; Dr. Rick L. James, chair of the Trine University Board of Trustees; Lisa Surack and Chuck Surack of Sweetwater; Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president; and Drs. Ralph D. and Sheri G. Trine. Bottom, team captains Jordan Stejskal from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and Lucas Bombardier from Trine prepare to take the ceremonial puck drop from Chuck and Lisa Surack.