Kennesaw State’s roller hockey club made waves last season with a trip to nationals, but wants even more this time around.
The club finished the 2023-2024 regular season atop the Southeastern Collegiate Roller Hockey League Division-III standings. After finishing in the top seven at nationals, they strive to continue climbing.
“Our goal this season is to continue to be successful during the regular season, and keep that momentum going in the regional and national championships and playoffs,” club president Robby Wilcox said.
Wilcox who began playing the sport in high school, enters his third full season as the head of the club he took over as a freshman. He splits his time with both the roller hockey and ice hockey clubs and said his journey into roller was due in part its easier access in the Atlanta area.
“It was a lot easier to pick up (than ice hockey) and more available,” said Wilcox. “Then I came to (KSU) and I’ve played all four years.”
The club plays in Division-III of the Southeastern League of the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association alongside schools including: Florida, Chattanooga, Tampa, Virginia Tech, Florida State and Florida Gulf Coast.
The club recruits both on and off campus, but warns those who wish to join about the sports physicality.
“We never say no to anyone, but I don’t think people know that its pretty much the same as ice hockey, just with roller blades,” Wilcox said.
Club veteran and lifelong player Essix Moser wasn’t even aware of the club’s existence when he first enrolled at KSU, but said that his time with the team has been a wonderful experience.
“It’s meant a lot, the guys who I’ve met through this club have been awesome,” Moser said. “It’s been a wonderful experience just getting to know everyone and just seeing how we’ve come from a losing record to now competing for (national championships).”
Moser was not shy about the clubs lofty goals this year. He said they are seeking to bring a national championship home to Kennesaw.
“(Our goal is) to win Natty’s baby,” Moser said. “We have the potential, we have a lot of returners. I’d love to see everyone continue to develop as a team and buy into the culture we’ve built. I’d love to see it end up in a trophy you know? Bring it home to KSU, the motherland.”
The club begins its 2024-25 campaign on Oct. 12. with the SECRHL Season Opener event in Snellville, Georgia, at the SGAA Dual Deck Hockey Arena. All teams from the league are expected be present.
“The sport of roller hockey is very fast paced, lots of technical skill with very high scoring games,” Wilcox said. “So it’s very fun to watch. I suggest anyone comes out, whether you’re just an ice hockey fan, hockey fan in general or if you’ve never been to a game, you’ll enjoy.”
Admission to the event will be free to all in attendance.
