With only four games under the belt of the official 2011-2012 Ragin Cajun Ice hockey season a lot has transpired. Since tryouts the team has come together both on and off the ice. Although the outcomes of the games have not been ideal, there is great promise for the remainder of the season.

Our first games against North Texas were a whirlwind of fast paced hockey against a strong North Texas squad with a Ragin Cajun team fresh out of tryouts trying to find its legs. Although the scoreboard showed losses of 8-1 and 11-4 there were some major positives for the fledgling season. Firstly, the play of Casey Boudreaux and Taylor Steilow. Thrown into the starting job for the first game Boudreaux stood on his head and made save after save as the North Texas team applied a lot of pressure. In the second game, Steilow equaled the performance of Boudreaux with a gritty effort. A goal by Miro Vukojevic was the first of ULL’s season followed by goals by 4 different players in the second game. Despite the losses the weekend was highlighted by strong physical play from Brett Shexnayder, Conrad Saxby and Kyle Stachowiak, which North Texas will surely keep in mind come our road trip to Dallas in November.

Next on the slate for UL-Lafayette was the in-state rivals Tulane Green Wave. With a much improved Tulane squad last season, ULL knew not too take this team lightly. The history of the two schools was fully evident as it was a hard fought series with lots of ‘after the whistle’ tussles. Tulane took the first game 5-3 and the second game went to nail biting overtime where ULL lost 4-3. Bright spots for the Cajuns came on offense from Brett Schexnayder’s beautiful ‘one-timer’ goal where the Tulane goalie never stood a chance, a quick unassisted goal off the center ice face off after a Tulane score by Rob Quinn and strong play and production from rookie Adam Raberge. Defensively, the Ragin Cajuns were led by Eugene Murphy and Dan Proud, who’s hit on a Tulane forward shook the whole Planet Ice rink, and speedy offensive defenseman Trevor Lowe.

Since the first four games the Ragin Cajuns have been practicing hard at Planet Ice rink led by new head coach Troy Bennett, general manager Bentley Turner and equipment manager Heath Finfrock. The team is also grateful for the help of our chiropractic physicians, Dr. Michael Johnsey and Dr. Shane Chaisson, from Acadiana Doctors of Chiropractic.

Thanks to the fans for support early this season and hope to see you all November 12th-13th against University of Texas San Antonio.

Please note that our schedule is being slightly revised. Check the schedule for the latest updates. It is likely that two or four home games will be added to the schedule. We are working hard to keep everyone up to date! So please keep checking back.

Also, please note that the practice schedule has changed. Practices will be held on the following days:

Mondays at 8:30 PM at Planet Ice
Tuesdays at 8:00 PM at Bourgeois practice fields (dryland training)
Wednesdays at 9:15 PM at Planet Ice

The Ragin' Cajuns Ice Hockey Club will be at Sam's Club this Sunday from 11am until 7pm serving burgers, chips and drinks for just $5! This will be a major fundraiser for the team and all proceeds will go to the Ragin' Cajuns Ice Hockey Club! We hope to see you out there!

The Ragin' Cajuns Ice Hockey Team is preparing for an exciting 2011-2012 hockey season! Tryouts for this season will consist of two 2-hour sessions of on-ice drills to be held at Planet Ice Rink. Both sessions are required. Full equipment is required. The tryouts are open to any students of the University of Louisiana (please bring your student ID).

Tryouts will be held at Planet Ice on:

Saturday August 27 at 4:30-6:30 PM
Sunday August 28 at 6:30-8:30 PM

Practice times for the season will be:

Mondays at 6:15-7:45 AM
Wednesdays at 9:00-10:30 PM

Practices will begin on Wednesday August 31.

After a tumultuous 2010-2011 season, which saw a lot of roster changes and some tough late season losses, there is a sea change with this year’s Ragin Cajuns. An overhaul of the whole program is in progress with eyes for a successful campaign this year and for many years ahead. With great support from the owners of our new home rink ‘Planet Ice’ and the University of Louisiana, there is great promise ahead for Ragin’ Cajuns Ice Hockey!

It begins with the Ragin’ Cajuns new coach Ryan Fultz. Coach Fultz, from Rochester, Michigan, played Division I NCAA hockey at Bowling Green State University and followed that with a successful pro career mostly in the ECHL, including a recent stint with the Louisiana Ice Gators. From the outset Coach Fultz has shown commitment and desire to build a successful team with his extensive experience and great knowledge of the game.

The roster is looking a lot different as well, we have many new young players from instate and out-of-state already showing great potential. Led by many returning veterans, and with the aid of several new recruits, the 2011-2012 Ragin Cajuns should be a force to be reckoned with. The season begins with our home opener on the weekend of September 23rd and will consist of 10 home games and 12 away. Get excited! In fact, get very excited! The 2011-2012 Ragin Cajuns season is going to be a fun ride.

If you are enrolled or to be enrolled at UL-Lafayette and are interested in playing for our team, tryouts will be held in late August, anyone is welcome. Please contact one of the officers of the club if you have any questions.