WESTBOUND WARRIORS: RCU TAKES ON OREGON ACHA PROGRAM OUTDOORS

SALEM, Ore. - Following a long flight out west, the Warriors return to action on Jan. 10 and Jan. 11 to face the Oregon Ducks ACHA hockey program in two exciting matchups outdoors at The Pavilion, with puck drop occurring at 10 a.m. on both days. RCU comes back to play following their winter break period, last facing the Cleary Cougars on Dec. 7. Following the Ducks matchups, the Warriors will return for conference play.

WARRIORS ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS

For the first time in program history, the Warriors will play outdoors in both of these matchups, barring weather complications. Currently, temperatures in Oregon are settled around 48 degrees, with precipitation in the morning on both days. The rain could force the games to be moved inside, but the Warriors were able to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere during their practice and open skate, pictured below:

Heading into this game, the Warriors have scored 42 goals this season and passed out 25 assists. The two Oregon games will help the Warriors get back into their groove heading into the second half of the season. 

SPORTS INFORMATION SPOTLIGHT

Since 2020, this trip marks the longest distance by mileage from RCU's campus (2,441 miles) by any RCU team for a countable competition. Here is where that stacks up with other competitions by RCU teams in that timespan. 

2024-25 - ACHA Hockey at Oregon - 2,441 miles - Salem, Ore.

2022-23 - Women's Basketball at Carroll College (MT) - 1,743 miles - Helena, Mont. 

2022-23 - Men's Basketball at the Cruzin' Classic - 1,367 miles - Miami Gardens, Fla.

2023-24 - Baseball Spring Trip - 1,187 miles - Orlando, Fla. 

2021-22 - Men's Basketball vs. Concordia (NE) - 1,125 miles - Daytona Beach, Fla.

2023-24 - Men's Wrestling at NAIA National Championships - 988 miles - Park City, Kan. 

2022-24* - Indoor Track & Field at NAIA National Championships - 874 miles - Brookings, S.D.

2023-24 - Softball Spring Trip - 819 miles - Myrtle Beach, S.C. 

TALKING TO THE PLAYERS

During the trip, the players received some questions about the trip and the upcoming second half of the season. 

Q: What's got you most excited about being in Oregon? How was the flight experience, and what have you and the team been up to?

A: [We're excited about] being able to experience playing a college hockey game outdoors. The team really bonded on the flight from Detroit, and we've had our trainer Bob with us on the trip. 

Q: What excites you most about the season's second half? What are you guys looking to get out of these games and take with you into the rest of conference play?

A: [We're] continuing to learn from mistakes and are excited to get back to work after a long break. We're looking forward to team improvement and continuing to bond as a team, working with Coach Dritsas and Coach Carlier to improve our team

Q: Who snored the loudest on the plane?

A: Maxx Savel slept all flight, snoring nonstop. He was sleeping like a little baby

Q: So far, what's been your favorite part about being in Oregon?

A: Seeing the environment (mountains and rolling plains). Also, practicing at The Pavillion outdoors is a great experience

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Jaya Forti - Forti's Photos

Article Images Courtesy of RCU Hockey