PITTSBURGH, Pa. - January 11, 2022 - Chatham University's Women's and Men's Hockey teams will make history this month as they take the ice at the Hunt Armory, becoming the first NCAA teams to play at the historic location.

The Armory became the first public ice rink within the city limits of Pittsburgh in 25 years upon its construction in November 2021. Funded by the Pittsburgh Penguins, the facility serves as their diversity and community programming location.

With the new opportunity to serve in the community, the Cougars wasted no time getting involved with the Penguins' Inclusion Creates Equality - or Pittsburgh ICE - programs.

"It's amazing to see the excitement and number of kids coming out to the programs," said Head Women's Hockey Coach Michael O'Grady. "We have really enjoyed doing our part in growing the game in our city."

"The Armory, the Penguins, and the City of Pittsburgh have done a great job in growing the game in the area since opening the facility in November," added Men's Hockey Head Coach Michael Gershon.

Located on Emerson Street in Shadyside, the Hunt Armory Rink has provided new opportunities for all members of the community, who previously did not have access to rinks due to their distance.

Chatham Hockey is taking advantage of this perk, as well. With the new rink right in the University's backyard, each team will play two games on the new ice sheet:
 

Men's Hockey, Friday, January 14th at 7 PM against King's

Women's Hockey, Friday, January 21st at 7 PM against Lebanon Valley

Women's Hockey, Friday, February 4th at 7 PM against Stevenson

Men's Hockey, Friday, February 11th at 7 PM against Arcadia
 

"As a program, we are extremely excited to be playing at the Hunt Armory and we are grateful for the opportunity to bring our games closer to campus," said O'Grady.

"We are very excited to be playing at the Armory, as it gives our student-athletes and staff alike a memorable experience by playing so close to campus in a place with such history," explained Gershon.

Before and after their respective games, both programs plan to continue volunteering their time and bringing hockey to the Shadyside neighborhood.

"It has been an enriching experience for us all," said Gershon.