During winter at Creighton, most of the sports buzz is typically limited to basketball. Needless to say, many students are surprised when they learn that Creighton, in fact, does have a hockey program.

Now in its sixth season, the club hockey team has switched leagues. Since joining the North Central Collegiate Hockey Association, the Jays have had a more convenient schedule. The NCCHA, in existence since 2008, is made up of 10 teams. The Jays are just 3-7 on the season, but still hope to reach their goal of making the league playoffs.

“It was really just a reorganization of the team. It made the travel schedule easier for all of us,” said senior goalie Colin Gordon. “To do that, we’ll need to play well down the stretch of the regular season.”

Arts & Sciences freshman Matt Baer added that they “need to finish at the top of the league for this to happen. We’ll have to work hard in practice and focus on the little things.”

While the team is focused on winning their games, club hockey is mainly about having fun both on and off of the ice. They’ve built a team camaraderie that pays off in games.

“We’re a close group of guys, and that makes it a fun atmosphere,” Gordon said. “Playing hockey here is something we do for fun, and that translates to the ice.”

Baer, one of six freshmen on the team, has enjoyed being around more senior teammates.

“It’s been a lot of fun. The older guys really help out the freshmen,” Baer said.

The Jays hope to close out the season strong and to attract fans to their final two home games against the University of South Dakota on Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 7 at 5:45 p.m. They play their home games at Motto-McLean Ice Arena.