Embry-Riddle Hockey Team Caps Magical Season at Southern Regional Championship, Earning a National Tourney Bid

The Embry-Riddle Eagles Ice Hockey Team entered the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) South Region Tournament as the No. 5 seed. With victories over Georgia Institute of Technology and No. 4 seed Florida Gulf Coast University, the Eagles received an invitation to the 16-team national tournament for the first time in the team’s 21-year history. 

“This was the first time we qualified for regionals, let alone the national championship tournament,” said Andrew Caputo, a senior student-athlete and president of the team. “In my freshman year, the idea that we could contend for a national championship seemed like a dream. This team was one of the most important parts of my undergraduate experience.” 

“Our faculty, staff, fans, players, coaches, player families and fellow competitors in the Southern Collegiate Hockey Conference (SCHC) have all played a role in the success of our program, and I feel very privileged to be a part of such a great group of people,” said Head Coach Bob Joyce. 

Joyce, who was named SCHC Coach of the Year, gave credit for his honor to his team and staff, saying, “I look at an individual award in a team sport such as hockey as a reflection of the people I am surrounded by — and I am surrounded by the best.”  

With a record of 15-12-2 and competing in one of the toughest conferences in the nation, the team knew they had a chance of succeeding going into the tournament. 

“We were probably the least experienced team in our conference, but what we had was a desire to win each game. That and the hard work this team put in every week and the support of our fans are the reasons we accomplished what we did,” said forward and team captain Ryan Marks. 

Marks, along with freshman defenseman Jack Bokun, were named first team all-conference and all-south region players. Senior goalie Nicolas Prulhiere was awarded second team all-conference honors. 

The National Championship Tournament, that was to be played in Frisco, Texas, beginning on March 19, was cancelled due to public health concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

“I can’t say enough about the players, coaches, staff and parents on this team,” said faculty advisor Ken Byrnes. “While it was extremely disappointing that the national championship was canceled, the work ethic, commitment level and passion that this team exhibited this season was inspiring. I consider them all champions.” 

A club sport, the ERAU ice hockey team is primarily funded by its student players. Team members are responsible for raising a daunting $80,000 per season to cover their expenses, which includes ice time at the Daytona Ice Arena, team jerseys and travel to games. 

Head Coach Bob Joyce is the director of Aviation Safety in the Flight Department at the Daytona Beach Campus. He played professionally for the National Hockey League’s Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals. He is assisted by Bill Thompson (’87), executive director of alumni engagement, and Anthony Galante, an assistant professor of Aeronautical Science. Dr. Ken Byrnes, chair of the university’s Flight Department, is the faculty advisor to the team. 

To learn more about the Eagles Ice Hockey Team and to attend a game or see the schedule, visit their Facebook page.