By Holly Belmont and Nolan Duncan
For The Parthenon
Old Sport, New Group
Marshall Hockey has officially made its debut as a campus organization, and interested students have already made their way onto the ice for practices at the South Charleston Ice Arena.
The sport isn’t new to the university, but the team has remained inactive for several years. TJ Miller, the team captain and founder, said he noticed an interest in hockey after he transferred from Ohio State University.
Huntington and Miller
Not only has Marshall experienced hockey in the past, but so has the city of Huntington. The Huntington Blizzard made its debut in 1993 as a minor professional team. Miller said he’s heard repeatedly those years were a special time for hockey in Huntington.
“So many people I text are just like, ‘Man, if the Blizzard were still around – I loved it back then. It was just a great time,’” Miller said. “Hockey is just that type of sport that brings people together like no other sport, in my opinion.”
Miller has been involved with hockey since he was a kid. Raised in Oklahoma City, he grew up watching the Oklahoma City Barons before they were shut down in 2015.
When out on the ice during club meetings, Miller wears a green-and-white Marshall Hockey jersey he received from his friend Kevin. He said even though the club does not have official gear yet, it’s important to represent the university when he can.
Miller said he has no connection to the previous team.
“I want to build the name,” Miller said.”If I can wear the logo anywhere, I’m going to wear it.”
A Kelly Green Legacy
While Miller does not have a history with his jersey, one club member does. Team goalie Gavin Sparks wears his father’s jersey during practices. His father played for Marshall Hockey in the ‘90s, and Sparks said he’s ready to carry that tradition forward.
“He actually played goalie for Marshall from 1997 to 2000,” Sparks said. “He’s been playing goalie for years, and he’s taught me a lot of what I know.”
Putting Oneself Out There
While some club members have a history with hockey, others have no prior knowledge. Sparks was loaning a set of skates to his friend and fellow club member Landon Trent who said he met Sparks through the Marching Thunder and has watched various highlight videos and caught up on the basics of hockey.
“I like trying new things and getting into things that are outside of my comfort zone,” Trent said. “I’ve skated maybe twice in my life, and I’d love to learn how to play hockey and get better at skating.”
Read more from The Parthenon, here.
