Owls honor their beloved Announcer and “6th Man”, Andrew “The Voice” Imber
Before a home game againt the FGCU Eagles last week, the Owls honored their play-by-play announcer and “6th-Man” Andrew Imber.
Better known as “The Voice”, Andrew has devoted countless hours of his time to help promote the team both at the rink and in the community. Not only has he become a staple at FAU home games, but he has also established a “cult” following of fans who are impressed by his ability to broadcast a hockey game (or any other sporting event for that matter) as if he has been behind the mic for 30 years.
Owls Goaltending Coach Erik Bentley made a short pre-game announcement in front of a large crowd describing his relationship with Andrew and what he really means to the team.
The Owls also presented him with an official home game jersey bearing a nameplate that reads none other than “The Voice”.
The Owls would also like to recognize Andrew’s girlfriend Elizabeth Frank who also has devoted countless hours assisting Andrew with game night production. The two of them together do a phenominal job and the Owls feel extremely blessed to have them on their side! You can hear Andrew in person at all home games, or online over our gamenight broadcasts on this site.
Below are photos of Elizabeth and Andrew, as well as the ceremonial jersey presented to Andrew.
Owls Drown Florida Gators in a 60 minute thriller!
The Owls hosted the University of Florida Gators Friday night in what was the first of a 2 game home series for the team. The crowd, which was heavily comprised of UF fans was the largest the Owls had hosted this season.
The Owls started the game a bit flat-footed allowing the Gators to score first with a quick shot that snuck by Owls goaltender Bobby Ramos.
It was at that point that the Owls gained momentum, scoring the next two goals resulting in a 2-1 score at the end of the first.
From that point on, it was an end to end battle that tested both team’s goaltenders. Owls netminder Bobby Ramos put on what some would call a “clinic” stopping over 30+ shots from the Gators.
Thanks to a stellar performance by their goaltender, the Owls were able to oust the Gators with a solid 6-2 win.
The Owls face-off against the Gators again Saturday night at the Saveology IcePlex at 8:00 pm.
Big night for Owls turns bitter sweet
January 28, 2011 was certainly another night to remember as your FAU Owls overcame yet another challenge by knocking off the #2 ranked FGCU Eagles at home in front of a great crowd. This was the second time in 4 years that the Owls were able to defeat the Ft. Myers club.
Unfortunately it was also a night that delivered a tough blow to the Owls roster. Late in the 3rd period, Owls captain Nick Pacquee attemped to keep the puck in the Eagles zone when he made contact with an aggressive Eagles backchecker. In the process, Nick broke his left wrist and immediately left the ice in obvious and immediate discomfort. Soon after the game ended, Pacquee was transported to the Coral Springs Medical Center where his wrist was x-rayed and splinted. On Wednesday of this week, Pacquee was admitted for surgery on the injured wrist. According to Pacquee, the Doctor implanted 2 screws and a pin that will remain in the defenseman’s wrist for the rest of his life.
The injury spelled an early “retirement” from this season for Pacquee, something he surely regrets. Pacquee continues to support his team from the bench and looks forward to a successful post season for his team.
If you’re wondering what the injury looked like, just take a look at the photo above! Ouch.
Former Owl Netminder makes Pro Debut
Erik Bentley, former goaltender with Florida Atlantic University’s hockey team received possibly the most important phone call of his life on New Year’s Day.
Bentley was contacted by the Head Coach of the Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) affiliate to the Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators National Hockey League (NHL) clubs. The Cyclones top netminder was called-up to the AHL Milwaukee Admirals, just one stop from the NHL.
This week finds Bentley traveling to join his new pro squad. They will practice Tuesday and play three games Wednesday through Saturday vs. The Florida Everblades just across the state at Germain Arena in Estero, Florida.
It seems that in order to best fill the roster spot the Cyclones contacted The Florida Panthers’ Goaltending Coach Rob Tallas. Tallas recommended they acquire Bentley. Bentley had practiced on many occasions over the past two years with the NHL Panthers. Tallas undoubtedly felt good about such an endorsement.
Bentley graduated last year from Florida Atlantic University where he played his collegiate hockey. A South Florida native, Erik is a professional goalie coach working at the Saveology Iceplex in Coral Springs, Florida, home training facility to the Florida Panthers. His students ranging from under age 10 to adult benefit greatly from Erik’s private lessons and have long been his most enthusiastic fans.
In addition to private lessons, Bentley is a volunteer coach with Florida Atlantic’s hockey team and owns two local businesses.
Florida Atlantic University (based in Boca Raton, Florida) competes in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Men’s Division 3 – South region.
For additional information contact Assistant Coach Scott Grosky at Scott@FAUHockey.com or 954-275-3275.
A Night To Remeber: Owls Oust Eagles in OT thriller!
By: Andrew Imber
Coral Springs, FL – Every team has a defining point during the season. Some wilt away under the pressure, while others combat it head on and turn things around.
Down 4-0 in the first period against one of the strongest teams out there, Florida Atlantic put the nation on warning with a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory on home ice, Friday night. After Florida Gulf Coast scored the game’s first four goals, including three before the game was five and a half minutes old, the Owls started the charge back with a Nick Isoldi power play goal. After goals by Ricky Baldasti and Bobby San, Baldasti tied things up with a short handed marker, his second of the game.
Bobby San scored his second goal of the game to give FAU its first lead at 5-4. However, a late Steven O’Neill tally tied the game and forced overtime. The team’s traded chances in the extra session before Bobby San completed the hat trick with the overtime winner.
The two teams play again, Saturday night, at Florida Gulf Coast.
OWL-STREAM! Listen to every OWL home game on the web, LIVE!
Can’t make the game? No problem. Thanks to announcer extraordinaire and tech guru (and the official VOICE of your FAU Owls) Andrew Imber, the FAU Owls now offer live play-by-play game broadcasts on the web via USTREAM. Just click on the “LIVE BROADCAST” link above on any home game night and hear Andrew do this thing- you’ll be glad you did!
This is something that not many teams have the chance to do. Just another step in the right direction for the all new FAU hockey team!
Owls take down the Vols in a Saturday night thriller!
By Andrew “The Voice” Imber- FAU play-by-play Announcer
Coral Springs, FL – Florida Atlantic survived an early power play goal, before scoring five unanswered goals en route to a 7-4 win Saturday night over the Tennessee Volunteers. Nick Isoldi had two goals, one shorthanded, and the Owls improved to 3-0 on the season.
Florida Atlantic also got goals from Michael Cupolo, Bobby San, Ricky Baldasti, Shawn Sullivan, and Anthony Marini. Robert Banks scored twice for Tennessee, which dropped its third game in as many nights. Kevin Jones and Dylan Stokes also scored for the Volunteers.
FAU puts its spotless record on the line in a home and home series against Florida Gulf Coast on October 22nd and October 23rd. Florida Gulf Coast finished in the top four at least year’s D-III ACHA National Championships.
NEWS: Owls release their 2010-2011 Sponsorhip Package
FYI: It costs the team over $75,000 a season just to play their regularly scheduled games. This does not include regionals or nationals! Without the financial support of the fans and our community our season would not be possible! If your wondering how you can help you can contact Erik@FauHockey.com! Remember, a little can go a long way!
If you would like a copy of the packet, let us know!
Owls add University of Tennessee to their 2010-2011 Schedule!
The Owls are excited to announce the addition of University of Tennessee Volunteers to their busy 2010-2011 season. Earlier this month, FIT announced that they were not going to compete within the ACHA. This left a vacancy in the Owls schedule in early October. Luckily, Assistant Coach Scott Grosky was able to secure a single home game with the Vols to fill that slot.
The game is scheduled for Saturday October 9, 2010 at 7:45pm at the Saveology.com IcePlex.
Tickets are $5 at the door, free for current FAU students who show valid ID.
Owls take on the Palm Beach Hawks in pre-season thriller
The Owls took part in a pre-season scrimmage against the Palm Beach Hawks, a Junior B team that hosted the event at their home rink, the Palm Beach Ice Zone.
The game consisted of three 20 minute periods, the same as what the Owls will play during the regular season. The Hawks, which already have more than 15 games under their belts looked very strong and were full of talented players from all over the world.
FAU came out strong, scoring the first goal on a redirection from returning forward Robert San. After that, the two teams battled it out scoring a combined 16 more goals.
FAU freshman goaltender Robert Ramos played well and stopped a variety of shots from many different angles. Returning netminder Jeremy Tomasso played the third period where he also faced an array of shots from Hawks’ forwards. Owl forwards and defenseman also shined as the scoring intensified as the game progressed. The new recruits showed promise as well.
The scrimmage, which was arranged at the request of Head Coach Worrell, gave the Owls coaching staff an opportunity to see how the newly implemented systems would work in a game situation. The Owls have only had 4 practices since tryouts so understanding and knowing how and when to implement new plays and systems will be the coaching staff’s main priority leading up to their home opener vs. Embry Riddle on Friday, September 24th at 9 pm.