WORCESTER—Holy Cross Athletics and the ASM Global-managed DCU Center are teaming up to once again bring college sports to the “big venue in town.”
DCU representatives just announced a highly anticipated college ice hockey matchup this fall when on Nov. 2, at 7 p.m., the Holy Cross Crusaders host the Quinnipiac Bobcats, who won the 2023 national championship, in a non-conference showdown at the DCU Center.
Holy Cross has played five hockey games at the DCU Center over the course of the facility’s history, with the most recent in October of 2021.
“From a scheduling standpoint, the Railers are on the road the day before and day after,” John LaHair, director of marketing at the DCU Center. “This allows for both Holy Cross and Quinnipiac to practice if need be, the day before, and also on the day of the game.”
“This game presents an incredible opportunity for the Greater Worcester community to witness top-tier collegiate ice hockey,” said Kit Hughes, Holy Cross vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics, in a statement. “We aim to fill the DCU Center and create an exhilarating atmosphere for our fans both locally and beyond. This event not only showcases our student-athletes but also strengthens our bond with the city we call home.”
The DCU Center has also played host to Crusaders basketball over the years and calls the school a “vital partner in bringing Division 1 basketball and hockey to the venue.”
“A record 22 times—not as many games as the Harlem Globetrotters, but just as exciting!” LaHair said.
Sandy Dunn, general manager of the DCU Center, added, “As the host school for the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship in March 2025, Holy Cross continues to elevate our community’s profile. This game will undoubtedly be a highlight for players, coaches, fans, and the Worcester community.”
Quinnipiac ended the 2023-24 season ranked sixth nationally with a 27-10-2 record, advancing to the NCAA East Regional Championship. Holy Cross finished with a 21-14-4 record, securing home ice for the first two rounds of the Atlantic Hockey tournament and achieving their first 20-win season since 2012-13.
“We are excited to build our relationship with the DCU Center and compete against a top-tier program like Quinnipiac,” said Holy Cross men’s ice hockey coach Bill Riga in the announcement. “We aim to bring our brand of hockey into the community and truly become Worcester’s college hockey team.”
LaHair told the Guardian that the DCU has been partnering with Holy Cross athletics for more than 20 years, and are the “bid partner for any NCAA sanctioned event.”
“Our collective goal is to continue to grow collegiate hockey in Worcester,” he said, “and the DCU Center is the just the place to do it with the team at the College of the Holy Cross looking to further expand the hockey community. This is the first game of this season and we hope to host additional events not just this season, but for many more to come. We liken the DCU Center as the College of the Holy Cross’s home away from home.”
Holy Cross has a 3-3 all-time record in men’s ice hockey games at the DCU Center, with their last game there on October 9, 2021, against Boston College.
Presale for Holy Cross and DCU Center insiders begins Thursday, Aug. 8, at 11 a.m., with general public sales starting Thursday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. Tickets, priced at $35 (limited VIP), $29, and $24, will be available at the DCU Center Box Office and online at ticketmaster.com, with discounts for children, Veterans, and groups of 15 or more.
Season tickets for the 2024-25 Holy Cross men’s ice hockey season, including a ticket to the DCU Center game, go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 6. For more information, fans can email tickets@holycross.edu or call the Ticket Office at 844-GOCROSS.
Send your news, events and anything you’d like to share with Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
