Heenan the Hero

Magic was born on November 2, 2001 in the Mohawk Valley. The Utica College Men's ice hockey team was introduced before a few hundred fans, at best, while at the inaugural home game in the Utica Memorial Auditorium. Since that fall evening eight seasons ago, theprogram's leader has emerged as the face of organizated sport for thousands. Coach Gary Heenan' amazing accomplishment list continues to rapidly grow.

Although the ECAC West playoffs are in full gear, win, lose, or tie, Gary Heenan has done wonderful things for the Valley, beyond the ice.  With 18 home games in the books this season, more than 51,000 fans found comfort at UC hockey home games.  Utica's Pioneers, to few surprised, finshed as the number one attedance draw in Division III - in the United States.  To those in the know, there isn't must wonder as to who or what were responsible for the record breaking season.

Heenan is a phenominal promoter, short and sweet.  He does it all, with the except of driving the Zamboni between the periods.  Beyond becoming a regional econominical engine, understanding the importance and obligations beyond the ice, Heenan has his players reading to elementary students in area schools as well as serving up meals to the less advantage at the Utica Rescue Mission, among other less publicized appearances.

The coach has given residents, hockey fans and casual followers of the players numbers and stats, a place to go out for an evening of fun, at an affordable rate.  He gives residents reason  to talk at water coolers and at work breaks, who did what at the last game and why, is  just a sampling of UC hockey chatter. 

The hockey program has given stable identity to a region that has been ripped off by several pro hockey organizations, who had their own interests first, and the community's third or fourth down the line.  There has never been reason to believe there will be no UC men's hockey back the following season.  The quality of play certainly adds credibility to the eagerness of  the growing fan base , at the conclusion of the season.

Heenan's resume is one that clearly makes you think of the big picture.  How long will, or can he be expected to remian property of the Valley?  This past weekend with the Pioneers victory over Elmira ( ranked #5 in the Nation ), and finishing with an 11 - 11 - 3, along with scoring his 100 coaching victory this season, it's clear that the day will come, perhaps sooner than most want to admit, that a Division I school will be calling. 

Certainty.  This is a virtue lacking in so many ways, in all aspects of our region and every day life.  But, even more a few hours at a time as the weather goes from cool to cold, it can be counted on that escape is just a short distance away throughout the Valley - at the Aud, thanks to the program Coach Heenan has gifted to us.