Author: Vanderbilt Hockey

Zanies Comedy Club To Host Fundraiser For Family Of Jr. Pred Mitchell Mielnik

As many of you know, a member of the Nashville hockey community, Jr. Predator Mitchell Mielnik, tragically passed away this summer shortly after being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. A 16-year-old who was universally loved by his teammates, coaches, and classmates, Mitchell’s passing was a tremendous shock to many in the greater Nashville area.

To support the family in their efforts to address the healthcare costs incurred during Mitchell’s battle, Zanies Comedy Club and members of the Nashville hockey community will be hosting two comedy shows on Wednesday and Thursday this week where 100% of the proceeds will go to the family. (Click for more information about the event.)

Our Vanderbilt hockey family understands the special bonds forged through our sport, and while we never had the privilege of meeting Mitchell personally, we remain heartbroken for Mitchell’s family due to their loss. As a small token of our sympathy, our club will be making a donation to support the family, and we’d like to encourage all of our fans to do the same. You can go to Zanie’s website to purchase tickets for the shows, or simply make a donation.

We send our very best wishes to the Mielnik family as they continue to adjust to their new reality, and we share our sympathies to everyone touched by the sadness of Mitchell’s passing. Thanks to everyone in advance for supporting the Mielniks in their time of need.

Sincerely,
The Vanderbilt Ice Hockey Club

Video: The Top 10 Goals from 2014/15 (So Far)

With the season’s calendar winding down and excitement ramping up, it’s a great time to revisit the top 10 goals from 2014/15.

Do you agree with the ranking? Enjoy the highlights and share your thoughts in the comments section below or tweet at the club @VandyIceHockey. We hope to see you at Ford Ice this weekend as the team takes on in-state rival Tennessee at 7:45pm Friday and 3:45pm Saturday. Go ‘Dores and ANCHOR DOWN!

What Every Vanderbilt Hockey Fan Wants For The Holidays … Awesome Gear!

Dear Vanderbilt Hockey Faithful,

‘Tis the season to be jolly, especially as the team is off to a solid 11-4 start to the 2014-15 season! Ranked 6th in the South Region, the ‘Dores are headed into break with tons of momentum and few regrets.

Heading into the new year, be sure to cheer on the squad in your very own official Vanderbilt Hockey apparel. The boys will be looking for you and your new gear in the stands starting with the club’s first home game of the spring semester versus Life University on January 10, 2014 at the Ford Ice Center.

Now, you may be asking, “How can I pick up some sweet new VU Hockey threads?” The answer, thankfully, is simple. Complete a request via this order form link and make a small donation to the team.

Hurry, though, because this opportunity won’t last long. Our request form will only be available through Wednesday December 5. If you want to don the freshest of Vanderbilt threads this winter season, make sure you submit yours today!

Anchor Down,
Andrew Dellapina, VU Hockey Fundraising Chair ’17

MAPCO Scholar Shootout Update: Day 1 in the Books, Trophy Announced

Day 1 of the MAPCO College Hockey Scholar Shootout wrapped up with plenty of fireworks and intrigue. Hosted by the Vanderbilt ice hockey club, the tournament features programs hailing from Universities that rank in the top-50 academically according to the 2014 U.S. News. & World Report.

Here’s your day 1 wrap-up:

  • Vanderbilt 13, Georgia Tech 2 (7:00pm CT)
  • Northwestern 9, Wake Forest 4 (9:15pm CT)
  • Florida 4, North Carolina 3 (9:30pm CT)

The Host Rolls

Powered once again by the team’s top line and power play units, Vanderbilt rolled over its long time out-of-conference rival Georgia Tech in the tournament’s opener. Sophomore Ryan Doppelheuer and junior Jack Gibbons both netted hat tricks while sophomore John Longman notched two and senior Anthony Bilotta scored one. All totaled, seven different players registered for Vanderbilt.

In his first start in net, Commodores freshman Jake Rubinstein stood tall making 25 saves on 27 shots for the win.

Jack Kisor and Joey Schutz accounted for the Georgia Tech goals.

Wildcats Pounce Early, Stave Off Late Demon Deacon Surge

In a penalty-filled game that saw both teams collectively net 18 penalties and Wake Forest receive two game misconducts, Northwestern jumped to a 6-1 second period lead and held on for the 9-4 win. Details to follow with this one. Unfortunately, the statistician’s scoresheet was too blurry to read.

Gators Come From Behind To Win Thriller

After falling behind 3-1 early in the second period, the Florida Gators stormed back with two second period goals of its own plus the game winning score midway through the third period to nip the North Carolina Tarheels 4-3. Ryan Geffin netted both the tying and go-ahead goals for Florida.

Alternate captain Matt Gellatly, AJ Hamel, and Akul Gupta scored for North Carolina in a close game that ended with a furious 6-on-4 blitz by the Tar Heels. They will have a quick turnaround as they take on the hosting Vanderbilt club today (Saturday, 10/4) at 1pm.

Introducing The College Hockey Scholar Shootout Trophy: “The Davey”

With the tournament’s focus on student-athletes excelling both on the ice and in the classroom, Vanderbilt’s tournament committee set about to commission a trophy worthy of the commitment of its participating programs. After much deliberation, the committee conceived and built what it believes is an artifact worthy of the event.

Today at the tournament, Vanderbilt will unveil the Keith Davis Scholar Shootout Memorial Trophy – otherwise known as “The Davey” - in honor of the Vanderbilt ice hockey club’s founder Keith Davis (Vanderbilt ’79) who passed away in 2011. A successful doctor and businessman following his graduation from Vanderbilt, Keith embodied the student-athlete ideal throughout his life and so it seemed only fitting to memorialize his contributions to the Vanderbilt and Nashville hockey communities with this trophy.

In terms of the trophy’s construction, the team wanted to make sure the artifact had the proper amount of staying power and gravitas so it looked north for inspiration … and materials.

Forged from a palette of birch wood left over from the original Northland hockey stick factory in Hastings, Minnesota, engineers from a lumber mill in Dickson, Tennessee, fashioned an unformed chunk of wood into a 5-foot, 30-pound, giant pencil. A not-so-subtle reference to the studious qualities of the tournament’s participants, the Davey should look great in on-ice celebration photos for years to come.

Saturday’s Schedule

Be sure to drop by the Ford Ice Center today for another slate of exciting college hockey action. Here is the schedule:

  • 1:00pm -VANDERBILT (Home) vs. NORTH CAROLINA (Away) – North Rink
  • 3:30pm – FLORIDA (Home) vs. WAKE FOREST (Away) – North Rink
  • 6:00pm – GEORGIA TECH (Home) vs. NORTHWESTERN (Away) – South Rink

Thanks so much for your support of this tournament and looking forward to seeing everyone back at the Ford Ice Center for a full slate of hockey action!