Franklin Pierce University men's hockey stresses community engagement in move to Gardner

GARDNER ― Hailing from a school about 15 miles to the north, the Franklin Pierce University men’s hockey program now calls Gardner home. The team just recently moved into its new home rink, the Gardner Veterans Arena, and is coming into the Gardner community with open arms.

The team, while getting used to a new environment and traveling from campus to practice every day, has made it a goal to get involved in the Gardner community, hoping to gain traction and support.

Since their move, members of the Ravens have been volunteering with the Gardner youth team, the Sting, that plays out of Gardner Veterans Arena. Not only has Franklin Pierce hockey put themselves out there in order to acclimate to their new home, they have given the youth players a team to watch and look up to this season.

”It’s also nice for young hockey players to look up to and once we start getting out into the community more as the year goes on, I think Gardner will really take us in,” said Franklin Pierce senior captain Cody Rumsey at a recent practice.

The team had to make the move to Gardner Veterans Arena after formerly using The Winchendon School's rink. The Winchendon School had scheduling conflicts with its own teams schedules, leaving Franklin Pierce to find a new home rink for the season. With a lack of local rinks near the college, the team was brought to Gardner, about a 20 minute drive from campus.

Home away from home

One major factor in the team’s tight-knit relationship is that players are from all across the country. Unlike many small New England schools that have a population of students from the area, the Franklin Pierce hockey team only has a few athletes that are within a reasonable driving distance.

Being in a place that is not close to home has only made the team feel more like family for these athletes.

“It’s really unique, especially with hockey, we have kids from California, Minnesota, I am from Pennsylvania," said Rumsey. "It's unique because we all came to school for hockey and only a few kids are from New England.

“It’s really kind of brought us together because this is our home away from home. I’m nine hours away from home, kids are 16, 24 hours, so it’s nice to connect on that and build a family here.”

Under new leadership

The Ravens are thoroughly embracing a new culture, as not only have they relocated, but are also under new leadership this season. Head coach Joshua Fusco has taken over the program for his first stint in college hockey.

Fusco previously coached at the junior level in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), so he is familiar with the skill and talent of many of the athletes on his roster. He even had the opportunity to coach some of them on Team Maryland, and is familiar with other members of the team from his coaching experience in the EHL.

“Coaching this level of college hockey has always been a goal and a dream,” Fusco said. “Being at Franklin Pierce and taking over and being in a new building, it's kind of got that saying, ‘new barn, new coach, new birds,’ which is kind of what we are going with.”

Not only is Fusco going in with a strong team, but also with a personal connection to Franklin Pierce. Fusco’s father is an alumnus, having played multiple sports for the Ravens himself. His connection has given him more reason to be driven to take over this team and build upon the success they have seen in the past.

“In the summer when we were interviewing coaches we really felt a connection to Fusco, we think he’s a players’ coach,” Rumsey said.

“It’s definitely an adjustment, because with a new coach there’s new systems, new personnel, but I think as we start practicing and the season goes on that connection will be stronger. Everyone is excited for a new start.”

Fusco’s connection to the school coupled with the athlete’s passion to create a fresh new culture in Gardner is a combination that could give the team what it needs off the ice, which could help the in-rink outcome.

Looking to the future

Under previous coach Shaun Millerick, Franklin Pierce hockey finished 11-20-2 (7-11-2 in conference) last winter, falling short in the New England 10 Conference (NE-10) semifinal against eventual champion, St. Anselm. Millerick then took the head coaching job at Rivier University in Nashua.

With Fusco now behind the bench, the NE-10 slate doesn't get any easier, as the Division II conference features not only St. A's but other top programs like St. Michael's, Assumption, Southern New Hampshire and Post.

“It is absolutely our goal to win the NE-10,” Rumsey said. “We have the right roster, the right personnel… It's full steam ahead and our ultimate goal is a championship. Anything short of that would be a disappointment.”

As the season begins Saturday, October 21, with the season opener against Fitchburg State, Franklin Pierce hockey will work to make Gardner Veterans Arena their home. With the youth program and town rallying behind them, it is sure to be an easy task.

“I think that’s always important, community involvement, wherever you are,” Fusco said. “Franklin Pierce is a small community as itself and coming to a new location here in Gardner… it’s a no-brainer for us, it’s important to have that connection and be established here in a new area.”

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Gardner welcomes Franklin Pierce men's hockey to Veterans Arena