With a surge of new interest and steadfast leadership, The Citadel’s Hockey Club is poised for an exciting season. Backed by the guidance of seasoned coaches and an experienced team captain, the Hockey Club is pushing beyond the typical expectations of a club sport. Whether it’s the rigorous practices, intensive travel schedule or the electric atmosphere at the Carolina Ice Palace, The Citadel’s Hockey Club continues to capture attention and support, promising a season full of potential.

Cadet Kyle Bomenblit, a member of the Class of 2025, is the captain of the Hockey Club, a role he’s had since his junior year. Bomenblit has been playing hockey since he was seven years old and has been part of the Hockey Club since his first year at The Citadel. One difference he noted in this season compared to previous ones is the overall interest from newcomers.

“This is the first year we’ve had tryouts. I had to talk with Coach McKenzie and 1st Sgt. Jolly about how to handle who we were keeping, who we weren’t, who we were keeping on the practice squad, who’s going to travel, things like that. I’ve never had to do that or even have that talk, especially being at The Citadel. Because here, it’s a group of guys from different places who came to school for reasons other than playing ice hockey, but now there’s a lot of interest,” said Bomenblit.

While hockey at The Citadel is a club sport, they go above the normal duties of one. The Hockey Club travels like any other NCAA sport at The Citadel, with practices every week.

“I would say that traveling is the biggest aspect of what sets us apart. Our fans love coming to the games. It’s one of the sports that everyone seems to love going to,” said Bomenblit.

It likely doesn’t hurt that the Carolina Ice Palace, where the Hockey Club plays, is outside the ten mile radius — meaning cadets can wear civilian clothes while cheering on their classmates. Bomenblit said the team is grateful for the support, even on Friday and Saturday nights when their fellow classmates could be doing something else. Their presence and encouragement boost the team’s morale. His teammate, Cadet Kyler Kane, agrees — the crowd support is one of his favorite parts of being part of the team.

“Just being able to represent the school in something that the cadets really support is such a great feeling. This is true, genuine support. It’s always packed and loud. And, coming back on campus and getting recognized, like ‘Hey, you’re on the hockey team,’ is pretty cool, and I take a lot of pride in that,” said Kane.

The Hockey Club is led by Head Coach Joe McKenzie, and new to the team this year is Assistant Coach 1st Sgt. Garrett Jolly, USMC (Ret.).

Jolly, who also serves as a TAC Officer at The Citadel, had previously coached high school hockey, and it didn’t take long after he arrived on campus for players to ask if he was going to get involved.

“I just kind of dove into it. I got ahold of Coach Joe McKenzie, and I was able to meet up with him and just get everything started. I play multiple roles, I’m a team advisor and assistant coach. As team advisor, I’m helping with fundraising and finding different ways to produce funding and come up with the money needed for ice fees and travel. I want to help put The Citadel Hockey Club back on the map,” said Jolly. 

Aside from fundraising efforts, Jolly’s coaching philosophy centers on one word — accountability.

“It’s all about accountability. Everything is in the details, and you need to get that right. Accountability is the biggest piece, and really not just on player development, but on a professional level and helping the cadets and students,” said Jolly. “I’m all about leadership and getting them to the next level, whether it be hockey or business or their future job, it’s growing them as an individual. That’s what I love about The Citadel — the leadership and the principled leaders it produces.”

For Bomenblit, his strategy as team captain is to remain calm and maintain his patience. He’s confident that his team can go further this season than ever before.

“We’re all here trying to have fun. Knowing the backgrounds of the guys on the team helps, just so I know where they’re coming from and so I know the best ways to help them or interact with them,” said Bomenblit. “I have to remind them what our job is, especially this year because we have a good team, a lot of guys, and there’s a real chance for us to go far. During my sophomore year, we made it to the semifinals of the playoffs and lost in overtime. So, for all the sophomores and juniors, they know how far we can go, they can tell the freshmen there’s a possibility — we did it before, and we’re going to do it again.”

Despite their hard work, the Hockey Club always finds time for fun. It’s part of what makes them a family, both on and off the ice. 

“In all areas of life, there’s a place for humor. I learned that as a knob, and that’s continued to grow on the hockey team. There’s a time for business, but there’s also a time for fun, and I think we do a really good job of balancing that. We have a good time in the locker room, we have a good time after the game, but once we’re on the ice, it’s strictly business,” said Kane.

The Hockey Club will officially begin their season on Friday, Oct. 4. To see their full schedule, click here. For anyone interested in supporting The Citadel’s Hockey Club, visit this link.