Union hockey media day notebook

by Ryan Fay

The Dutchmen held their annual media day on Friday at Messa Rink. Here's a rundown of various news and notes.

 Union's Division I 25th anniversary
logo, unveiled Friday at media day.

Captains named
After a summer of speculation, we finally know who will captain the Dutchmen this season. And it's more than one person this year.

Junior forward Mike Vecchione and senior forward Matt Wilkins will serve as co-captains. It marks the first time the Dutchmen will have co-captains since 2008-09, when forward Matt Cook and defenseman Lane Caffaro each donned the "C." The last time a defenseman didn't wear the "C" was 2004-05, when Jordan Webb led Union.

Sophomore forward Ryan Scarfo and junior defenseman Jeff Taylor were named assistant captains.

AUDIO: Matt Wilkins || Mike Vecchione || Ryan Scarfo || Jeff Taylor

25th anniversary plans

This season marks the Dutchmen's 25th as a Division I hockey program, and there are plans to celebrate it.

The program unveiled a commemorative logo designed by Gemini Athletic Wear. In addition, the Dutchmen will wear a throwback third jersey similar to the ones worn in 1991-92, their first Division I campaign. The throwback jerseys will be used during the Oct. 9 season opener against Sacred Heart and later auctioned to fans.

Union made its Division I debut on Nov. 1, 1991, losing 9-6 to Merrimack.

New additions to the radio booth

Dan Fridgen and Andrew Santillo have joined Union's radio team on WPTR-1240 AM.

Fridgen will take over the color commentating duties from Brian Unger, who stepped down after 11 seasons behind the microphone. Santillo was added as the rinkside reporter.

Fridgen served as an assistant coach for Union from 1985-89, but is best known for his 12-year stint (1994-2006) as RPI's bench boss. He remains the Engineers' winningest coach with 211 career wins. In recent years, he has appeared as a color commentator on Time Warner Cable's college hockey broadcasts.

Santillo, a 2001 Niskayuna High School graduate, recently began his first season as the play-by-play voice of the Union football team. He previously served as a reporter with The Troy Record.

Matt DuBrey returns for his 14th season as the Dutchmen's play-by-play voice.

Coaches Corner Live returns

The Van Dyck Restaurant in Schenectady will once again serve as the home for Coaches Corner Live, which will make its sixth season debut on Oct. 21 from 6:00-6:30 p.m.

DuBrey returns as the host of show.

Subsequent shows are slated for Nov. 4 and 18, Dec. 2, Jan. 5 and 19, Feb. 2 and 16 and March 1 and 15. Fans in attendance at The Van Dyck will be eligible for free raffle drawings and other giveaways.

All the shows will be broadcast live on WPTR-1240 AM and online at teamline.cc (code 1160).

Live video stream improved

Union has made several improvements to its streaming video service. Upgrades include multiple cameras (three), replays, improved graphics and intermission features. The high definition streams remain $7.95 per game and $79.95 per season. They are available at unionathletics.tv.

Garnet-White scrimmage Saturday
The Dutchmen will hold an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Messa Rink. The event is free and open to the public.

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