[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Chargers come up empty against Colonials
 |
|
| David Nimmo | |
 |
|
| Steve Canter |
Fresh off their upset last weekend of then second-ranked Notre Dame, the Colonials wasted little time showing they wanted to keep their momentum going as Tom Biondich scored for RMU with only 2:04 gone from the clock in the opening period. The Chargers evened up the score just past the midway point of the opening frame when senior center David Nimmo (St. Albert, Alberta) scored from fellow seniors Brett McConnachie (Ajax, Ontario) and Grant Selinger (Regina, Saskatchewan).
The game went into a lull after that with neither team able to capitalize on good scoring chances including a number of power plays as UAH's Marc Narduzzi (Vancouver, British Columbia) and RMU's Joe Tuset stood tall in net. It would be a defensive breakdown in the third that would open the scoring back up as Jason Towsley fed it from behind the net to a waiting Doug Conley for the go ahead goal at 7:31 of the frame. The Colonials would then stretch the lead to 3-1 just under three minutes later when Chris Kaufman scored on a rocket from just inside the blueline.
The Chargers refused to roll over however as senior Steve Canter (St. Louis) scored his night lamp lighter of the season at 11:56 from former Colonial Joe Federoff (Pittsburgh, Pa.), playing against his old club and Davide Nicoletti (Toronto, Ontario) but that is as close as UAH would get as Tuset slammed the door shut down the stretch.
With the loss, the Chargers fall to 6-14-1 overall and 3-8-0 in CHA play while Robert Morris improves to 8-10-1 overall and 5-4-0 in league action.
The two squads battle again on Saturday afternoon at 4:05 p.m. for the sixth time this season the most in school history that UAH has faced a team.
.
Ross to retire after 25 years behind Charger bench
 |
|
| Doug Ross |
"I have coached ice hockey for more than 30 years and I am very proud of my work here at UAH for the past 25 years," said Ross. "I'm proud of all of the accomplishments of the hockey team and will always remain supportive of the University mission and athletics department's goals. Many of our hockey graduates live in Huntsville and are very productive in the community. They have been great ambassadors for UAH and the state of Alabama throughout the years competing against the top NCAA teams in the nation and that is something I am extremely proud of."
"Coach Ross has served UAH extremely well, building a strong hockey program, bringing excellent student athletes to our university, and winning national championships along the way," said UAH President Dr. Frank A Franz. "We are deeply grateful to him for his distinguished service."
Chosen by the Alabama Sports Writers Association as the 1998 Sington Award recipient as collegiate Coach of the Year, Ross has been a driving force in the hockey community in Huntsville. The 1976 Olympian helped start the youth termite program in the "Rocket City" and has led numerous youth camps and clinics including those for the Huntsville Hockey Amateur Hockey Association (HAHA).
"I can't thank Doug enough for what he has done for the sport of hockey not only here at UAH but also in the community of Huntsville and the state of Alabama," noted Director of Athletics Jim Harris. "The foundation and tradition that he established here will certainly help us as we move forward in Division I ice hockey and finding a new head hockey coach."
The dean of coaches in College Hockey America, Ross' legacy began in 1982 taking over the reigns of the program from Joe Ritch. A top-tier club team, Ross kept the momentum going leading UAH to back-to-back club national championships in 1983 and 1984. Not soon after that, the UAH program was elevated to NCAA status and the success continued for the Chargers.
"As a personal friend for the past 25 years, I have admired his continuous efforts to elevate the UAH hockey from club to NCAA Division I status," remarked Ritch, now a member of the University of Alabama system Board of Trustees. "Doug brought UAH championships, unique notoriety, and national respect in the collegiate hockey world. We all owe Doug Ross a debt of gratitude for his commitment to UAH and hockey for this state. I look forward to the upcoming coaching search which will continue to ensure UAH hockey success."
UAH's success as the only NCAA hockey team south of the Mason-Dixon line continued under Ross' tutelage through the late 80's and early 90's as the Chargers spent time in both the Division I and Division II ranks of the NCAA. Ross' squads in the middle 90's ranked among the best in the nation as UAH won national titles in 96 and 98 and finished as runner up in 94 and 97. During that time, the Chargers were featured by Sports Illustrated, ESPN and the NBC Nightly News.
The 1998-99 season brought about a new era for the Charger program as UAH returned to the Division I ranks under Ross' leadership. During that time, the Chargers have continued their winning ways of members of the CHA winning a pair of league championships while competing against the best collegiate hockey teams in the nation.
"I thank the University for the opportunity to coach such fine outstanding young men as well as the UAH players, coaches and staff along with the Von Braun Center and local media for their support," said Ross. "To the fans and my many good friends in Huntsville, thank you for your friendship and continued support of me and the UAH program. I hope to remain living in Huntsville and possibly continuing on in a support role at UAH as well as working within the community."
In his 28th year of coaching, Ross has compiled a record of 503-297-43 (.622) after coaching one season at Ohio in 1976-77 and two seasons at Kent State from 1979-81. Ross' career mark in NCAA contests ranks him in the top-10 among active coaches in winning percentage and 19th all-time among NCAA coaches.
"During my career, I have placed an emphasis on loyalty, trust, team spirit and friendship and provided continuity," noted Ross. "I am 100% a UAH Charger and will continue to be a huge fan and supporter of the program."
A national search for the third coach in the history of the program is expected to begin right away by a search committee comprised of UAH staff, community members as well as members of the local hockey community. A press conference is slated for noon on Tuesday in the "Varsity Room" of Spragins Hall on the campus of UAH to discuss the direction of the Charger program.
Ross and the 2006-07 Charger squad are coming off a solid performance in the Dodge Holiday Classic last weekend. UAH fell 3-1 to top-ranked Minnesota on their home ice on Friday night before rebounding in the consolation game with a 5-2 win over Massachusetts. The Chargers return to action on Jan. 12-13 hosting CHA foe Robert Morris at the Von Braun Center.
