With fans flocking to DCU Center for Railers and NCAA Tournament games, Worcester shaping up to be a hockey hotbed once again
WORCESTER — It’s an important week for hockey in Worcester.
It began Saturday night when the Railers hosted a timely Military Appreciation Night, and it will continue when the DCU Center hosts the NCAA Division I men’s hockey regional tournament Friday and Sunday.
As the ice gets a new paint job Monday to reflect the upcoming college tourney, it’s another example of the deep hockey roots in Central Mass. There’s no doubt Worcester is an excellent site for hockey and the Railers success showcases that fact, and they’re willing to share it with the college game.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to telegram.com today for only $1 for 6 months
“It’s a hockey town, no question,” said Railers owner Cliff Rucker. “I’m a firm believer that a rising tide lifts all boats, so the more exposure people have to quality hockey is great. It’s a great hockey venue and I hope we come out and support it.”
Worcester supported AHL teams in the past with the IceCats and Sharks, and after a brief dormant period, the Railers have been leading the charge since 2016 in this traditional hockey market. ECHL commissioner Ryan Crelin attended the Railers game Saturday, and he’s thrilled with the team’s success here, both on and off the ice, along with the community hosting a regional tournament.
“The (Railers) had to rebuild it with a new brand, and when you come out on a night like tonight, this is what it’s all about,” Crelin said. “The Northeast is traditional, but to be able to bring those types events (NCAA) to this city, with so much competition in the Northeast, it says a lot. You’re going to see some really good hockey between (NCAA) and the ECHL.”
Railers’ David Cunniff, who also coached his 100th game for Worcester Saturday night, attempted to motivate his players with a pregame speech about Military Appreciation Night. It worked. The Railers erased a two-goal deficit and finished with an entertaining 4-3 victory to extend the team’s winning streak to five games.
It also showed the team’s character in front of 8,774 fans.
“For us putting out an effort in a hockey game is nothing compared to what they do for us on a daily basis,” said Railers captain Jordan Lavallee-Smotherman said. “So, to go out and play a game like that and support them like the way they always support us is huge.”
Lavallee-Smotherman scored three goals for his second hat trick of the season, while Mitchell Balmas, who turned 24 on Saturday, recorded a goal, an assist and a fight for the Gordie Howe hat trick.
It was a special moment when the Railers recognized all the veterans in attendance during a stoppage in play late in the second period. Players on both teams, and the fans gave the vets a standing ovation.
“Everything we do we try to do for the community,” Rucker said. “This is such a wonderful community event. It’s great to see people come out and support the military and show our appreciation. With what’s going on in Ukraine it really brings it home how lucky we are to enjoy the freedoms that we do, and sometimes it’s easy to take that for granted. We’ve been playing this for a long time, but the timing of it allowed it to be a wonderful community event. That’s what it’s really about for us.”
The United State Coast Guard held a swearing-in ceremony during the second intermission of Saturday’s game at center ice. In fact, several of the Railers players stood in the tunnel and watched the ceremony.
“It was a really cool thing to be a part of,” Smotherman said.
The Railers are battling for a playoff berth and the team is in the midst of playing nine games in 12 days. The players have found a way to grind through a difficult season and it has found its identity at the right time.
“It’s definitely a lot more fun when you’re winning,” Rucker said.
The Railers goal is to build the game of hockey in Central Mass. In October, Holy Cross hosted Quinnipiac, Boston College and Northeastern in the Ice Breaker Tournament at DCU Center. Legendary BC coach Jerry York identified Worcester as a hockey hotbed. It will be on display again next weekend when puck drops for the regional tournament, along with the Railers quest for a playoff berth.
“It’s always a good atmosphere,” Lavallee-Smotherman said. “They love and support their teams here and I’m just happy that we’re finally on the right road to giving them the show they deserve every night.”
Contact Joe McDonald at JMcDonald2@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeyMacHockey.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: With fans flocking to DCU Center for Railers and NCAA Tournament games, Worcester shaping up to be a hockey hotbed once again
